How to Repair an HID Ballast
- Check Voltage and Amps. Check to make sure you have the proper voltage and amps for the HID ballast you are running. ...
- Check the Wiring. Check the wiring on the ballast as well. ...
- Change the Solenoids. Sometimes the solenoids are the problem. ...
- Solder the Connections. ...
- Purchase a New System. ...
Full Answer
How do I repair a HID ballast?
To test your HID ballast, you will need the following tools:
- Multimeter for measuring voltage
- Latex or rubber gloves to prevent skin oil from damaging the HID bulb
- Extra wires for replacing damaged wires
- Ballast repair kit
- Soldering iron and lead for fixing loose connections
How to fix a HID ballast?
Signs of a bad HID headlight bulb
- HID headlight bulb flickering is the EARLIEST sign of bulb failure.
- HID headlight bulb shuts off after being on for a while. ...
- HID headlight bulb gives off a dim pink glow Swap the problem bulb to the opposite side. ...
- 3x more light than halogen bulbs
- 2x more light spread on the road than halogen bulbs
- HID headlights use 2/3 less power than halogen bulbs
How to reset HID ballast?
To reset your HID ballast, you need the following tools:
- Your old ballast, removed from the system and ready for repair
- A Philips screw, to uncover the ballast
- An analog or digital multimeter, or a capacitor tester, for testing the capacitor
- Tweezers, for handling small part like a capacitor
- Soldering iron, lead wire, and soldering paste for installing the replacement capacitor
When to change your HID bulbs and ballasts?
Why are High Intensity Discharge headlights are better than halogen headlight bulbs
- 3x more light than halogen bulbs
- 2x more light spread on the road than halogen bulbs
- HID headlights use 2/3 less power than halogen bulbs
- HID bulbs last 3x longer than halogen bulbs
- HID bulbs produce visible and ultraviolet wavelengths so highway signs and other reflective surfaces glow. ...
Can a ballast be repaired?
Sometimes, the colour coding on the old ballast does not match the new ballast. We recommend that you always hire a qualified electrician to have a ballast repair or ballast replacement service done.
How do I reset my HID ballast?
Wait for the bulb to shut off and turn on the headlights. After turning off your headlight switch, turn it on again. The ballast was reset.
What causes a HID ballast to fail?
In most cases, ballast failure occurs as a result of the surrounding environment. Heat and moisture are great enemies to your HID ballast. When it is too cold or too hot, the ballast can burn out or fail to start headlights. A combination of heat and constant condensation can also cause severe corrosion over time.
How do I know if my HID ballast is working?
By connecting the multimeter to the ballast, you will see right away whether you have a working or a bad ballast. If the multimeter measures and detects current, voltage, etc. you will know that your ballast is perfectly fine.
How do you tell if it's the ballast or the bulb?
Take out your current bulbs and replace them with the new bulbs. If the bulbs fail to light up, then 9 out of 10 times the ballast is culprit. You could also try using a multimeter set to measure resistance.
How do I know if my ballast is bad?
If your fluorescent lighting is displaying any of the signs below, it could be a symptom of a bad ballast:Flickering. ... Buzzing. ... Delayed start. ... Low output. ... Inconsistent lighting levels. ... Switch to an electronic ballast, keep lamp. ... Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to a T8 fluorescent.More items...•
Can I use HID bulbs without ballast?
All HID bulbs require a ballast, which is sometimes integrated. No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast. You will find ballast-compatible or "plug-and-play" LEDs that are designed to replace linear fluorescents, compact fluorescents, or HIDs.
How long do HID ballasts last?
How long do HID ballasts last? Some survive for 3-5 years. If they're well-maintained, ballasts typically last for up to 20 years.
How do I test a ballast with a multimeter?
To measure it, set your digital multimeter to around a thousand ohms resistance setting. Connect the black leads to the white ground wire on your ballast. Afterward, test every other wire with the red lead. When you do this test, a good ballast will return an “open-loop” or max resistance.
How do you troubleshoot HID headlights?
0:404:15HID TROUBLESHOOTING: WHEN ONE OF YOUR HEADLIGHTS IS OUTYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo because that light bulb just flashes and turns on it really could be anything from the ballastMoreSo because that light bulb just flashes and turns on it really could be anything from the ballast computer the igniter to the light bulb and therefore.
How long does a HID ballast last?
Buying HID Ballasts: Make the Right Choice Choose quality over price because a premium ballast can last up to 3-5 years. If you are new to the world of HID automotive lighting, find a reliable seller who will offer high-quality products with warranty.
How do you fix a ballast?
2:077:23How to fix "ANY" fluorescent Light | Ballast Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe ballast is held in place by a screw. Usually once you've loosened this screw. We can cut anyMoreThe ballast is held in place by a screw. Usually once you've loosened this screw. We can cut any wires that are holding the ballast in place.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Before we start on a step-by-step guide on how to reset your HID ballast, you should test other parts of your HID system. Check the lamps and the solenoid if it is working properly, and make sure there are no loose connections.
Conclusion
You should know how to reset HID ballast if you want to save money from buying a new one. Especially now that we are in a pandemic and resources can be tight. I will also share the top-rate HID Ballasts and the reliable 1000 watt ballast I’ve tried and tested to help you find a good brand.
