H.i.d. Are Very Dim

[HOTRODRICHLM]

HI
JUST GOT A 97 MARK VIII LSC FROM FL. AND THE HID'S COME ON BUT ARE VERY DIM THAN THE ONE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE GET EVEN DIMMER AND THAN IT GOES OUT MOST PEOPLE SAY IT THE BULBS? THANKS FOR ANY INFO.
RICH, HOTRODRICHLM@HOTMAIL.COM

 

[poniesviii]

Have you driven the car enough to see if your battery dies? Sounds like it might be an alternator problem.

 

[04SSHD]

sounds like the bulbs are on their way out.

 

[unity]

I think bulbs too. The ballasts compensate for low voltage and can operate the lights on as little as 8 volts. If the car was running lower than that there would be major issues across the board.

 

[poniesviii]

I think bulbs too. The ballasts compensate for low voltage and can operate the lights on as little as 8 volts. If the car was running lower than that there would be major issues across the board.

You guys would know better than I. I've never had one on it's way out, both at once = very bad luck.

 

[unity]

Ya both would be very bad luck - but that raises the question, could it be wiring or the dash switch?

Maybe try turning them on manually? In a Gen I the lights get about 15% brighter when manually turned on since it apparently by-passes the autolamp feature.

 

[poniesviii]

'Guy hasn't even logged in since he posted up his email address.

 

[Mike P]

one of mine is dim, would it be safe to say that its the bulb or the ballast and how could I be certain?

 

[unity]

The easiest way to be sure is to carefully swap them. But depending on the year, the lamps may be hard-wired in. Of course if you need a new one you would have to cut the wires anyway. If you do, make sure you solder the wires together, not just tap them up once you "permanently" mount them back.

 

[Mike P]

its a 97 LSC

 

[unity]

All you can do it look, it was a running change in 97.