normcloutier Posted September 19, 2015 Report Share Posted September 19, 2015 I have a 2.5 year old HID conversion kit in my Edge and I just lost a lamp tonight. Just curious as to what the expected lifespan of HID lamps would be. Do the lamps dim over time before dying out like incandescent lamps do or is it full power til death? Since one lamp is out, should I replace both at the same time? thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candurin Posted September 19, 2015 Report Share Posted September 19, 2015 (edited) Norm, Have you verified it is just the bulb? Which brand did you get? Typically, I have seen them just die (or occasionally flicker just prior). It's usually filament based bulbs (incandescent, "xenon", etc.) that dim and then die. You always want to replace in pairs to avoid a slight mismatch in color/temp from old > new bulb. You can always keep the old bulb as an emergency "spare". 2.5 years is not uncommon, especially for aftermarket. I've had some last 2 years. My wife's TRS bulbs (being powered by DDM ballasts) are still running strong at almost 5 years. Edited September 19, 2015 by candurin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
normcloutier Posted September 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2015 I have a kit from absolutehid.ca http://absolutehid.ca/ford-edge-hid-kit.html My ballasts are different than what's shown. Must be an old picture. Went out to the store last night and the lamp was back on. Do the ballasts get flaky or are they usually working or not? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candurin Posted September 19, 2015 Report Share Posted September 19, 2015 They can get flaky. Check all the wiring and make sure there are no issues. Make sure everything is tight (are you using a wire harness from the battery?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
normcloutier Posted September 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2015 I'll check connections. Maybe even redo the dielectric grease on them to make sure they are good. Luckily I have a complete spare kit including ballasts so I'm good either way. The ballasts fit so perfectly in the OEM locations I bought a spare set in case the model I had got discontinued. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishx65 Posted September 19, 2015 Report Share Posted September 19, 2015 I'll check connections. Maybe even redo the dielectric grease on them to make sure they are good. Luckily I have a complete spare kit including ballasts so I'm good either way. The ballasts fit so perfectly in the OEM locations I bought a spare set in case the model I had got discontinued. I'd just throw one of your new ballasts in there and see if that takes care of the problem first. Smart move buying two kits!!! Did you pay the extra $20.00 for their lifetime warranty??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrinzII Posted September 21, 2015 Report Share Posted September 21, 2015 When running aftermarket HID kits, one of the things that will go out is usually the ballast. Bulbs tend to have a visual warning (they look pinkish or reddish before blowing). Considering I am in an extreme environment (heat), I have had to replace ballasts at least 5-6 times on both Edges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
normcloutier Posted September 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2015 Igniter will fire as I can see the flash when starting the vehicle. Would that point to the bulb or might still be the ballast? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
normcloutier Posted September 29, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2015 Turns out its the ballast. Good thing I have spares Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.