Protege Projector retrofit thread
- Thread starter JDM_Pro5
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Got a bunch of leftover parts from my retro if anyone is interested: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...1-v5-sheilds-LED-Halos-P5-Headlight-graveyard
2003.5_MSP
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- 2003.5 MSP
hey guys quick question... what does a bad ballast sound like, i think i might have one... When I unplug from ballast while lights are still on i get a clicking sound, but when i did it to the one headlight still working it powered the hid with a hum... does the clicking sound indicate a bad ballast thanks
what kind of ballasts are you running? also....unplugging hid's while they are running can harm the ballast and the bulb, so be careful...
The hum is normal, depending on the volume. After everything warms up, it should fade out a little. But the clicking is not normal. It sounds like the igniter for the bulb possibly shorting out or something. I would recommend replacing the ballast before it damages the bulb.
I'm running 55W DDM slim ballasts with a harness. The bulbs don't last as long (one is starting to fade, purchasing new ones this week), but the quality is excellent and the ballasts fit nicely on the bottom side of the headlight housing.
2003.5_MSP
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- 2003.5 MSP
I'm running flea bay ballast, but if it'll hurt the bulb possibly should I unplug it until I get another ballast set?
are the bulbs inexpensive, or came with the ebay ballasts? I wouldnt worry about ruining them. I would look into ddm tuning for a cheap solution. Get new ballasts and new bulbs for like 35 bucks and swap em out when they arrive.
2003.5_MSP
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- 2003.5 MSP
Bulbs are fine... I would need to get this fixed ASAP as its my daily and can't go the 3 weeks you wait for the ddms
This is true, DDM does take forever. Especially if they don't have the parts in their U.S. "warehouse." My 55W kit shipped from China... I was pissed. However, bulbs are pretty cheap no matter where you get them. If you can, swap out for halogen bulbs until you get a new ballasts. I always keep a set in my glovebox just in case I lose a bulb or ballast.
Basically, order a new ballast (or just a new kit if the funds are available) and keep an eye on the problematic ballast.
^ exactly. I keep spare bulbs for headlights and tail lights with me. Halogen bulbs are an easy swap. I do keep an extra set of HID lights at the house though so I don't have to wait for an order to arrive. Stay one step ahead of the game. It's also good to keep taillight bulbs on you. No telling if you burn out a brake lights. Cops wont give you a ticket if you say you can fix it Now!
2003.5_MSP
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- 2003.5 MSP
Well this is weird... It's started working again, idk what I did but it works... Will be ordering extra ballasts though, and I do have spare d2s hid bulbs... Thanks for all your help
Looked at the exif data of the original file: EF35mm f/1.4L USM on a 5D mk2
I'm scared of the paint not matching and/or pulling paint if I pull the side moldings. If I ever get a respray, they will definitely be removed.
Thanks for the info and quick response. I understand your worries and woes of the side molding. I have that problem. My front end was repainted before and they sprayed right over the molding. When removed, it left an edge. However, it looks fine more than 5 feet away.
Little note, the people that painted my frint end (bumper/hood) mixed the paint wrong and it chipped bad, that's why it chipped around the side molding
http://i.minus.com/jbbjIc5UEgXD2y.JPG
Little note, the people that painted my frint end (bumper/hood) mixed the paint wrong and it chipped bad, that's why it chipped around the side molding
http://i.minus.com/jbbjIc5UEgXD2y.JPG
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