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Do Gen2 ballasts fit Gen1 HID Lights?

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Posted by: Calabrio

I need to purchase a driver's side headlight ballast. Can I use the ballast from a '97 Mark VIII or do I need to find one only from a '96?

Posted by: evillally

The ballasts are the same; but you may have to swap wiring connectors. I think the 97=98 ones have rounded connectors as opposed to square connectors.

Posted by: Calabrio

I don't have a '96 ballast, just everything else from a '96.
So, it sounds like hardwiring it is the only option?

Posted by: Frat-man-du

Make a connector for both ends - dont hard wire.

Posted by: Calabrio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frat-man-du

Make a connector for both ends - dont hard wire.

And how do I obtain the ends? I don't have a broken '96 ballast.

Posted by: evillally

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calabrio

And how do I obtain the ends? I don't have a broken '96 ballast.

I'm sure someone around here does. Start a wanted thread for a broken Gen-I ballast...

Posted by: Calabrio

...too bad we can't edit old posts or thread titles...

WANTED: BROKEN '96 BALLASTS!!!!
PM ME.

Posted by: Calabrio

Upon inspection I've found that the prior owner cut the ballast wire. So, I have both sides of the plug, and a few inches of wire to work with.

Posted by: seanklsc

Hey man its OK to hard wire them if you're in a jam, don't go too crazy trying to find a spare plug. Just make sure you cut, splice, and solder/heatshrink them real good. I did it for both my HID bulbs.

Posted by: poniesviii

I'd hard wire them anyways. Better than mickeying a f'n connector together.

Besides, your sh!t's already hard wired from your factory low beam wires into your ballast. What's another one make of a difference eh.

p.s. .. when you hard wire make sure you have a quality solder and correct size shrinkwrap. These headlights are very fussy about a FULL connection and NO moisture in my experience.