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HID Relay?

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Old 11-28-2010, 11:43 AM
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Default HID Relay?

Hey Guys Hook'd up my HID kit this AM and when I purchased them I was told by the salesperson to get the Relay Kit. Has anyone else had to use the relay or is your HID kit plug and play? My HID kit works fine yet, I havent seen this Relay Kit used before...didnt get a whole lot of info out of it!


Thanks!
Old 11-28-2010, 09:33 PM
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You don't need the relay, its just recommended. Definitely would say get it if you're using 55W HIDs, if you're using 35W its your call. I don't trust factory wiring whatsoever so I always go for the relay harness.
Old 11-28-2010, 11:15 PM
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Yeah, the stock wiring is super chinsey wire, IIRC 16 or 18ga which is barely adaquate for stock bulbs IMHO.

I would definately upgrade to the relay harness. Cheap insurance as HIDs have been known to meltdown stock wiring
Old 11-29-2010, 01:14 PM
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I'm running 55w HID'* on stock wiring without issue.

From what I've been told newer GM headlight wiring is typically up to par for HID'*.
Old 11-29-2010, 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by white4d96
I'm running 55w HID'* on stock wiring without issue.

From what I've been told newer GM headlight wiring is typically up to par for HID'*.
For the most part that'* correct. The problem is not the continuous current you need to run HIDs, as a 35W HID will use less power than a 55W Halogen. The biggest problem is lighting them. You need a surge of electricity to light an HID bulb (done by the ballast), and that split second puts a heavy strain on your wiring. My Bonneville has this problem severely, to the point where I've fried one of my ballasts on the fog lights. There simply isn't enough current running through the wires to start those bulbs, and they'll flicker when turned on till they get enough power to stay on.

Could be that I just got a really cheap or crappy set, but that'* what my experience has been. I still have to upgrade the power wiring.
Old 11-29-2010, 02:52 PM
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I bought an ebay kit, then a DDM kit (the cheaper ones.) The eBay kit flickered ever so slightly (35w 8k) while the DDM (55w 10k) does not. I think part of it may be lower quality ballasts.

I do plan on running a relay kit for my fogs, although part of that is also that they get a lower voltage when they're off but the parking/headlights are on.
Old 11-29-2010, 02:56 PM
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Originally Posted by white4d96
I bought an ebay kit, then a DDM kit (the cheaper ones.) The eBay kit flickered ever so slightly (35w 8k) while the DDM (55w 10k) does not. I think part of it may be lower quality ballasts.

I do plan on running a relay kit for my fogs, although part of that is also that they get a lower voltage when they're off but the parking/headlights are on.
I think you're on to something. My DDM kit on my Regal never flickered, while the other two are both ebay kits. I might be ordering a pair of DDM kits soon.
Old 11-29-2010, 06:48 PM
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Im running the relay kit yet was just curious to why that I needed it over the stock wiring...thanks for the insight guys!
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