New HID kit

[ctrlraven]

Pretty much what ChiTown is correct. Some have just stuck the bulb in, sealed it up with rtv and called it a day. I want to make sure it's done clean and correct so I don't have to ever bother with it again.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Also, make sure you do seal it up good, because in my case I had condensation, and upon closer inspection, a good amount of water in one of the fog lamp casings after driving around in the rain. So I sealed the connector to the ring and taped off the rest to ensure nothing would get in..

That was also due to the driver's side of the car not having the stupid piece of plastic (wheel well) like the passenger side in front of the front tire..that would have helped to keep water from splashing all over up there. I still don't understand why it's naked in front up there on the driver's side.

[lifespeed]

How does the beam cutoff for highs and lows come out with this conversion? As you know, a major issue with many conversions is that the reflectors are designed for halogen bulbs, and the different location of the light source can cause light to spread all over the place.

Naturally, this is a case-by-case issue specific to reflectors and bulbs.

Any photos with headlights shining against a wall comparing halogen bulb beam patterns to HID bulbs? Where the light goes is pretty darn important. It isn't just about brightness . . .

[fastblackmerc]

How does the beam cutoff for highs and lows come out with this conversion? As you know, a major issue with many conversions is that the reflectors are designed for halogen bulbs, and the different location of the light source can cause light to spread all over the place.

Naturally, this is a case-by-case issue specific to reflectors and bulbs.

Any photos with headlights shining against a wall comparing halogen bulb beam patterns to HID bulbs? Where the light goes is pretty darn important. It isn't just about brightness . . .

This is my setup (Bo-Xeon bulbs), separate HID bulb for Hi & Lo beams.

Lo
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/HIDs/DSCN0275.jpg

Hi
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/HIDs/DSCN0276.jpg

Lo
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/HIDs/DSCN0278.jpg

Hi
http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/HIDs/DSCN0277-1.jpg

[russell072009]

I just ordered a set of DDM hi/low 9007 HID's. about an hour later i went to look at them again and apparently the product can not be found ........ uh oh. hope it's a site update and they're not going to burn me .....

[ctrlraven]

I've ordered 5 kits from them in the past two years and haven't had any problems with their service besides one time their invoice emailer was down and the guy called me to let me know and offered to fax it to me.

I know they have recently been moving products around on the site, removing some products and introducing new stuff.

[MOTOWN]

I just ordered a set of DDM hi/low 9007 HID's. about an hour later i went to look at them again and apparently the product can not be found ........ uh oh. hope it's a site update and they're not going to burn me .....

same thing happened to me when i ordered my fogs, you prolly got one of the last kits, and they will re post it when they get more in stock.

[JBeezy]

Sounds like he ordered his kit a day or so after I ordered mine. Hope to receive mine next week

[russell072009]

Got the backordered message this morning. They do not have an ETA on then they will be back in stock. Did anyone figure out if we can use the 55W kit without burning out our housings?

[ctrlraven]

You can use the 55w kit but it's overkill for the halogen headlamp and you'll have to adjust them even more down to avoid blinding people.

[JBeezy]

I just got the email as well. Dangit!!!!

[ctrlraven]

At least you guys got an email so you know what's going on. I got the Miata fog lights this past Friday, they are a lot better than the one Ford put into the MM from factory. I'll be trying to get to them sometime this week.

[fastblackmerc]

At least you guys got an email so you know what's going on. I got the Miata fog lights this past Friday, they are a lot better than the one Ford put into the MM from factory. I'll be trying to get to them sometime this week.

?

The Miata fog lights I got were exactly the same as the OEM ones in the Marauder

[russell072009]

stupid question but the little piece inside the headlight housing. the part that covers the end of the bulb. does that stay in? not sure how it works if the bulbs move and i don't want it to be in the way.

[ctrlraven]

?

The Miata fog lights I got were exactly the same as the OEM ones in the Marauder
The housing is the same but the back part has rubber grommet with a air vent tube and the bulb lock clip. I'll take pictures later on of it.

stupid question but the little piece inside the headlight housing. the part that covers the end of the bulb. does that stay in? not sure how it works if the bulbs move and i don't want it to be in the way.
Do not remove the light defuser inside the headlight housing it needs to be in there. With ddmtuning's hi/low kit the bulb has an actuator that slides the bulb ever so slightly back into the bulb base and it shifts the light beam inside the housing which creates the effect of the light beam shifting up (high beams). When placing the bulb in the headlight housing you want to make sure the metal actuator arm (thin white metal rod outside of the bulb) is at the bottom of the housing. That will ensure the light beam shifts correctly.

[snigalfriz]

I got 2 sets of the Raptor v2 kits for my headlights and fogs. I actually placed the ballast for my headlights behind the grill, on the slope of the headlight housing. They are working out great. They are easy to get too and I only have to move the cover under the hood to get to everything.

[JBeezy]

Any word on DDMTuning getting more kits in? I'm still waiting on mine.

[russell072009]

i am as well

[russell072009]

anybody manage to get in touch with them for and ETA on our kits?

[ctrlraven]

?

The Miata fog lights I got were exactly the same as the OEM ones in the Marauder
Marauder OEM on the left and Miata OEM on the right.
http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/4647/67225560.jpg

I'll be setting up my fog lamps today and then probably install them tomorrow or this weekend.

[JBeezy]

Just got a email about the HID kit from DDM tuning. They have no ETA on the kits but says they have the DDM slim kit avail for upgrade. What's that about?

[russell072009]

well thats nice of them. i'll be honest im not impressed with them so far.

[fastblackmerc]

well thats nice of them. i'll be honest im not impressed with them so far.

I sourced my kit on eBay. Bi-Xeon HIDs with four ballasts.

[russell072009]

I sourced my kit on eBay. Bi-Xeon HIDs with four ballasts.
cost? warranty?

[fastblackmerc]

cost? warranty?

It will cost more since your adding two more ballasts.

Warranty was for 2 years. Haven't had a problem for the 3 years they've been installed.

Hint: Only buy from a company that is in the U.S. Much easier to deal with in case of a problem.

[fastblackmerc]

The kit I bought has two bulbs per socket and four ballasts. The bulbs don't move up and down and I have true HID for Hi & Lo beams.

[ctrlraven]

well thats nice of them. i'll be honest im not impressed with them so far.
They get their supplies from Germany and have to come through customs, sometimes stuff gets held up. At least they emailed you.

It will cost more since your adding two more ballasts.

Warranty was for 2 years. Haven't had a problem for the 3 years they've been installed.

Hint: Only buy from a company that is in the U.S. Much easier to deal with in case of a problem.
DDMtuning is a company in the US, they are based out of California.

[russell072009]

At least they emailed you.

nope still havent heard a peep from them. i guess ill email them... again....

[JBeezy]

I'm wondering what's the upgrade as far as the "slim" kit?

[ctrlraven]

nope still havent heard a peep from them. i guess ill email them... again....
I was looking at another post from someone my bad.

[JBeezy]

I was looking at another post from someone my bad.

Do you have any idea of what the difference is from the normal 9007 kit opposed to the upgraded slim kit?

[ctrlraven]

Their Raptor kit was more of an in-house item and their slim ballast kit was the higher model they used to sell. I just looked on their page and I see they have the slim ballast kits for sale again. I believe the difference is their Raptor kit was only 35 watts and their slim ballast kit can handle both 35 and 55 watt and the ballast is slimmer. I've always bought their slim ballast kit because it came with the lifetime warranty where as the Raptor kit used to only come with a 1 year warranty.

I'll try to find some time this week to post a thread about the fog lights since I got them installed this past Friday.

[JBeezy]

I would love to see pics.

[2,4shofast]

I would love to see pics.

Pics of fog light HID's? Is that what your looking for?

[JBeezy]

Yes matching bulb colors.

I called and changed my order to the slim ballast kit for $6 more. Received an email that it's packed up and ready to ship

[2,4shofast]

Here is mine with 8K's Both are DDM kits.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/shofast/MM/29493384018_large.jpg

[JBeezy]

That's nice. I went with 5k

[ctrlraven]

I really like the 5000k better myself and I've normally had 6000k with previous kits in my MM and past cars.

[JBeezy]

Would be nice if everyone with different light colors could post good pics in order for everyone to choose from. The pics on the sites helps a lot too

[ctrlraven]

I'd go by the pics on the site cause different cameras can change the hue/tint slightly plus 35 watt vs 55 watt and the color wash. I still think 55 watt is overkill and will def blind oncoming traffic a lot more than 35 watts even with the 55 watt properly aimed.

[Paul]

I've been happy with DDM. I used their warranty a month or so ago - a ballast went out, they replaced it for free (but for the cost of my shipping the bad one back to them)

[JBeezy]

I've been happy with DDM. I used their warranty a month or so ago - a ballast went out, they replaced it for free (but for the cost of my shipping the bad one back to them)

Good to know. Even though the kits are so cheap to purchase. Mine shipped out today.

[ctrlraven]

If you have Facebook you can follow DDMtuning on there since the owner post a lot of updates and info about shipments and such.
http://www.facebook.com/DDMTuning

[russell072009]

well so far here is my experience with DDM. ordered the raptor kit on 2/18. received backorder notice on 2/20. account debited the price for the kit on 2/21. emailed customer service 2/28 and again on 3/4, never heard back from them. called them on 3/7 and upgraded my order to the slim kit that according to them they had in stock and would ship that day. account debited the extra money on 3/7. received backorder notice for the slim kit on 3/10. spent a total of 4 hours on hold waiting to see if it was a mistake and to probably cancel my order. 3/11 will call them again today and see if they will talk to me.
im sorry but i am not happy with them at all. tell me if i pay you more you can get another kit out same day, take the extra money, then backorder the set. when i call to talk to them all i get is "please hold" i'll sit there for 30 to 45 minutes at a time waiting then hang up and try later. just seems a bit wrong in my book. but wow they're quick to take your money......

[JBeezy]

I totally understand your frustration. I went thru similar problems getting in touch with them. I normally call around 11 A.M. CST. and get them when they turn off their answering services.

My tracking shows delivered. Which means I'll b attempting this install when I get home this evening. Hope all goes well as others have.

[JBeezy]

Opened up my kit and noticed the wiring isn't Red Black and White. It's White, Blue, and Brown. Not sure why, but maybe someone will chime in. In the mean time I'm looking on DDM Tuning site

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

^ What does it matter what color the wires are? It is a plug and play kit. Just plug the ballasts to the igniters and plug the bulbs into them, stick em in the housing and you're done.

Now for fogs...just splice into the power/ground..

For the record, myself and my friends included have ordered a total of about 10 kits, and never have had any issues with getting in contact, and that was only once that the thing was back ordered, out of that many kits bought.

[JBeezy]

Got it figured out via support on the forum. Lights work perfect and about to shower and go for a drive.

[ctrlraven]

^ What does it matter what color the wires are? It is a plug and play kit. Just plug the ballasts to the igniters and plug the bulbs into them, stick em in the housing and you're done.

Now for fogs...just splice into the power/ground..

For the record, myself and my friends included have ordered a total of about 10 kits, and never have had any issues with getting in contact, and that was only once that the thing was back ordered, out of that many kits bought.
Actually it matters a lot. The kit will work with the low and high beam wires reversed but the easy way to tell if you have them correct is to pull back on the high beam flasher, if the lights dont do anything then they are reversed (low/high beam wire pins on the ddm plug). If the lights flash (move up) then its correct.

As far as the fog lights positive to positive and negative to negative. Tan with a Red tracer is Positive and Black is Negative

Got it figured out via support on the forum. Lights work perfect and about to shower and go for a drive.
Glad you got it figured out. This is the first I have heard of them using that color scheme with their wires.

What is Ground, Low Beam and High Beam?

[JBeezy]

As I searched more it tells you. Can't remember which link I used on their support site. It may be that they use this color with the slim ballast kit. I can't confirm that

Oh yea, I did end up having to swap the wires

[ctrlraven]

Yeah the main thing is figuring out which colored wire is for ground and then the other two you can guess and swap if needed if the high beam switch pulled back does not flash the highbeams.

[JBeezy]

In this case the brown is the ground

[ctrlraven]

In this case the brown is the ground
If you get a chance take a picture of the wires going into the blue plug so others who install and have those wire colors can use it as a quick reference.

[JBeezy]

Sure thing I'll go do it now

[JBeezy]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b208/impalasscars/98415388.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b208/impalasscars/e5f01f40.jpg

Sorry about the zip tie. I guess whomever replaced the bulb in the past broke the clips on the factory plug.

[ctrlraven]

Thanks for posting the pics! I'm sure this will come in handy for other members in the future if needed.

[russell072009]

well so far here is my experience with DDM. ordered the raptor kit on 2/18. received backorder notice on 2/20. account debited the price for the kit on 2/21. emailed customer service 2/28 and again on 3/4, never heard back from them. called them on 3/7 and upgraded my order to the slim kit that according to them they had in stock and would ship that day. account debited the extra money on 3/7. received backorder notice for the slim kit on 3/10. spent a total of 4 hours on hold waiting to see if it was a mistake and to probably cancel my order. 3/11 will call them again today and see if they will talk to me.
im sorry but i am not happy with them at all. tell me if i pay you more you can get another kit out same day, take the extra money, then backorder the set. when i call to talk to them all i get is "please hold" i'll sit there for 30 to 45 minutes at a time waiting then hang up and try later. just seems a bit wrong in my book. but wow they're quick to take your money......

just to update. after finally getting a hold of them on the phone they couldn't explain why my kit has not shipped yet and told me once again it should ship today. are you :censor: kidding me? The only reason i'm dealing with this is because most of you praise them and their kits over and over. i'll give them one last shot and then i'm done. this is one of the most unprofessional companies i have ever dealt with. :shake:

[fastblackmerc]

just to update. after finally getting a hold of them on the phone they couldn't explain why my kit has not shipped yet and told me once again it should ship today. are you :censor: kidding me? The only reason i'm dealing with this is because most of you praise them and their kits over and over. i'll give them one last shot and then i'm done. this is one of the most unprofessional companies i have ever dealt with. :shake:

I had 0 problems with the kits I bought on eBay.

[JBeezy]

Not taking up for them at all, but my experience with them has been ok. Other than the first kit being on back order and having to wait a extra week or two, I'm satisfied.

On the same note, I can see how they can sale out of these kits pretty quick as cheap as they are. Until now, I never knew. Last I remember they were over $200 for HID's.

[russell072009]

i understand selling out, but telling me it will ship that day then a week later telling me they don't know why it didnt ship is very bad business. as of this moment i still have not received a shipping confirmation from them. ill call them again and if it still didnt ship they will be getting a very nice go ***** yourselves.

[JBeezy]

Understood. Just order a similar kit off eBay as I'll probably do for my wifes yukon

[russell072009]

called them today. they did not ship it yesterday either. my order has been canceled and i will never again deal with that company.

[freddiewh]

i order some and put them in they work fine thanks for that but i was having trouble with the foglights staying in i actually broke the bulb on one of them any body else have this problem or is it something special i have to do

[ctrlraven]

i order some and put them in they work fine thanks for that but i was having trouble with the foglights staying in i actually broke the bulb on one of them any body else have this problem or is it something special i have to do
You need to modify the H1 bulb holder and then attach the HID bulb to the bulb holder collar.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/2011-03-04_09-07-58_755.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/2011-03-04_09-08-23_390.jpg

Tape was only used to hold the two together while I applied the adhesive silicone.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/2011-03-04_09-08-55_444.jpg

[snigalfriz]

Ctrlraven,

Did you have to make any modification to the fog light housing? I have a DDM kit, and I cannot slide the bulb into the housing and turn it to lock the ring into the housing. When I attempt it it looks like the bulb is too wide to twist in the factory opening.

[ctrlraven]

ZERO mods to the housing, you have to join the ddm bulb to the H1 bulb holder collar. I used a drimel to remove the unwanted part and then trimmed the collar so the bulb sat in it correct and straight. I thought about using epoxy plastic welding kit but the silicone I used in the pictures above was stiff enough to allow me to put the bulb in and lock the ring into place without any problem. I allowed the rtv to set up for 24 hrs before touching it.

If I could get the H1 bulb holders alone I would just buy them in bulk and buy the ddm kit in bulk and sell them as a plug n play kit.

[snigalfriz]

Hmmm. I will have to revisit it. I am creating a cast of the ring with a couple mods to make it a cleaner fit.

[fastblackmerc]

With my foglights I'm going to insert the bulb in the housing, lock it in with the modified OEM socket, then silicone the bulb to the socket.

[snigalfriz]

I need to see why my bulb is "binding" when I try to lock it in.

[MOTOWN]

theres a flat spot on the h1 bulb that has to line up with the flat spot on the h1 bulb socket, make sure the two are parallel to each other

heres a pic of my install

http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/af324/sims36/hids001.jpg

[JBeezy]

If I could get the H1 bulb holders alone I would just buy them in bulk and buy the ddm kit in bulk and sell them as a plug n play kit.

I'd buy a setup

[ctrlraven]

With my foglights I'm going to insert the bulb in the housing, lock it in with the modified OEM socket, then silicone the bulb to the socket.
It's a lot easier to gut the H1 bulb holder, trim the collar so the bulb sits in the collar right, marry the collar to the bulb with either epoxy or adhesive sealant silicone then lock the collar/bulb into place just as it was a normal bulb.


I'd buy a setup
Yeah as long as a "vendor" here doesn't sell them and cause a big poop storm. lol

I'm going to look into it though.

Also 9006 bulb is the same as the H1 bulb socket so I've been trying to collect used and burnout ones where I can find them.

[snigalfriz]

Yeah. I thought is was lined up, but I will verify

[freddiewh]

what about the foglights hid any pics i having trouble keeping the hid bulb in

[freddiewh]

sorry for being so dumb

[snigalfriz]

It was lined up properly, but there isn't enough room to turn the bulb in the opening, even when I don't have it in the ring. I wonder if the bulb sent with my Raptor kit is different then what is sent with the slim kit.

When I attempted to turn it , the ceramic insulator on the outside cracked as it caught on the side.

[ctrlraven]

Can you post up some pics?

[fastblackmerc]

It was lined up properly, but there isn't enough room to turn the bulb in the opening, even when I don't have it in the ring. I wonder if the bulb sent with my Raptor kit is different then what is sent with the slim kit.

When I attempted to turn it , the ceramic insulator on the outside cracked as it caught on the side.

That's why I installed the bulb, then the lock ring (modified old socket) then used silicone to seal it.

[snigalfriz]

I will post pics tonight.

I wanted to be able to remove the bulb without dealing with having to "dig" out the silicone.

[ctrlraven]

That's why I installed the bulb, then the lock ring (modified old socket) then used silicone to seal it.
That's why I married the two pieces together before installing them. Went right in and came right back out.

[snigalfriz]

I had the two pieces together, but the bulb appears to to be too wide for the opening in the housing when it is turned to the side.

[ctrlraven]

The metal/ceramic rod that runs the length of the bulb should be at the 6 o'clock position in the housing.

There was a lip edge on the factory bulb holder, the HID bulb needs to line up with that. If it doesn't then that could cause an issue with mounting. I'll be able to understand more once I see pictures.

[JBeezy]

The metal/ceramic rod that runs the length of the bulb should be at the 12 o'clock position in the housing.

So ur telling me I need to turn mine 180*. I put my ceramic/metal rod to the bottom at the 6 o'clock position. Thought I read somewhere that it should be at 6? Then again u could be just referring to the fogs.

[ctrlraven]

So ur telling me I need to turn my 180*. I put my ceramic/metal rod to the bottom at the 6 o'clock position. Thought I read somewhere that it should be at 6? Then again u could be just referring to the fogs.
You're right, it's at the 6 position. I was having a brain fart earlier. lol

[BLACKMAGIC03]

sup guys im in the mist of installing mine everythings goin good just waiting on finishing my lamin x on them, but my question is when my light swithc is off, my lights will still turn on when its dark or somewhat dusk is the any way of disabling it i like turning on my own lights plus i dont want them comin on and off????

[BLACKMAGIC03]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v219/blackmagic00/merc/DSCF0975.jpg

ddm 5000k with tinted laminx

[ctrlraven]

Sounds like your light switch is set to AUTO which is the headlight switch turned all the way to the left. Make sure the light switch is straight up and down 12 to 6 o'clock position which is off.

[capt512]

blackmagic - would you say your picture accurately represents what you see in real life, color wise?

[ctrlraven]

blackmagic - would you say your picture accurately represents what you see in real life, color wise?
I have 5000K myself and that's pretty close to the color. It's almost true pure white.

[BLACKMAGIC03]

whiter in person only color ill ever get

[BLACKMAGIC03]

Sounds like your light switch is set to AUTO which is the headlight switch turned all the way to the left. Make sure the light switch is straight up and down 12 to 6 o'clock position which is off.
wel i thought so to but they turn on even in off position

[ctrlraven]

wel i thought so to but they turn on even in off position
You might want to double check all your connections. That would be the second thing I would recommend.

When they come on is it when you unlock or lock the vehicle? Does it do it when the vehicle is turned off, turned on (engine on or key in ON/RUN position) or both? My first guess would be probably where you have the power connected to or or the factory headlight plug which is used as a remote turn-on for the kit.

[capt512]

blk magic, could your headlight switch have been replaced? The reason I ask is (and take this for the penny its worth) I know when I rented a 07GMQ the headlights did the same, with the switch in the office position they still came on...but almost like a little bit dimmer level like 80%. But it was the same way... Don't know what controlled that, LCM, switch, or what but maybe that part was switched over?

[ctrlraven]

blk magic, could your headlight switch have been replaced? The reason I ask is (and take this for the penny its worth) I know when I rented a 07GMQ the headlights did the same, with the switch in the office position they still came on...but almost like a little bit dimmer level like 80%. But it was the same way... Don't know what controlled that, LCM, switch, or what but maybe that part was switched over?
You mean the vehicle may have a Daytime Running Light kit on it? Anything is possible. Most DRL kits are set to turn on when the parking brake has been disengage after the vehicle has been turned on.

[capt512]

the one I rented wasn't even DRLs, the lights only did the 80% thing at night, but it wasn't on autolamp. During the day the lights stayed off unless I turned the switch on. It was wierd.

[BLACKMAGIC03]

lil problem i got the hi/ lol kit worked fine then the other night i went to go show someone and they just turn off any ideas?

[slickster]

It says this item can not be found

[capt512]

So I just bought the 35W 5K kit for the headlights as well as the H10 kit for the fogs, but when reading all these posts, saw 2 things which caught my eyes.

1. Not to use the Auto feature on car as it will damage HIDs? Thats really a bummer if thats the case as I loved being able to find my car in a large lot by unlocking the doors and the lights coming on at night...

2. If I buy the HID accessory kit then I don't have to cut the factory harness for the fogs? I was thinking I would have to, but saw on one page that the accessory kit makes it run off the battery or something so I don't have to cut the factory harness (really don't want to cut it)? Is this true or did I read wrong?

[fastblackmerc]

So I just bought the 35W 5K kit for the headlights as well as the H10 kit for the fogs, but when reading all these posts, saw 2 things which caught my eyes.

1. Not to use the Auto feature on car as it will damage HIDs? Thats really a bummer if thats the case as I loved being able to find my car in a large lot by unlocking the doors and the lights coming on at night...

2. If I buy the HID accessory kit then I don't have to cut the factory harness for the fogs? I was thinking I would have to, but saw on one page that the accessory kit makes it run off the battery or something so I don't have to cut the factory harness (really don't want to cut it)? Is this true or did I read wrong?
I've used the auto feature with my HIDs for 3 years and have had no problems. I do have a different HID kit.

Yes you will have to cut the harness for the foglights as the HID kits are made for headlights, not foglights. I used Weather Pack connectors.

[ctrlraven]

So I just bought the 35W 5K kit for the headlights as well as the H10 kit for the fogs, but when reading all these posts, saw 2 things which caught my eyes.

1. Not to use the Auto feature on car as it will damage HIDs? Thats really a bummer if thats the case as I loved being able to find my car in a large lot by unlocking the doors and the lights coming on at night...

2. If I buy the HID accessory kit then I don't have to cut the factory harness for the fogs? I was thinking I would have to, but saw on one page that the accessory kit makes it run off the battery or something so I don't have to cut the factory harness (really don't want to cut it)? Is this true or did I read wrong?
You can use the Auto feature, the only reason why I recommend not using it is only when you go to start the car up with the lights on. With aftermarket "plug-n-play" kits some don't have any problems and some do (ballast going out) just because when car is sitting the voltage on a good battery should be between 12.1-12.5s but when you start the car up the voltage can deep down below 10 volts. This causes a voltage drop then spike in the ballast. If your HID kit has a lifetime warranty keep it on auto if you choose to.

I have my 08 Taurus lights set on auto entry only, so when I unlock the car the lights come on but when I go to start the vehicle up when the key hits the ON/RUN position the lights go out and I wait 1-2 secs then start the car up.

You do not need the accessory kit, that's usually for hi/low lights or vehicles where the power on the factory wiring harness is not enough to power up the hid ballast. You will need to cut the factory foglight harness and you can either use crimp connectors or solder the wires. I opted to solder my connections cause I hate crimps.

[fastblackmerc]

You will need to cut the factory foglight harness and you can either use crimp connectors or solder the wires. I opted to solder my connections cause I hate crimps.

I ALWAYS solder and heat shrink any vehicle connection. You'll have less problems over time.

[ctrlraven]

I ALWAYS solder and heat shrink any vehicle connection. You'll have less problems over time.
Yep!

Of course when I did mine I forgot to write down which color was the positive and negative wire on the factory foglight harness. lol

[fastblackmerc]

Yep!

Of course when I did mine I forgot to write down which color was the positive and negative wire on the factory foglight harness. lol

The ground is usually black or brown. The power will be c0lored with different color stripe or hash marks.

[ctrlraven]

The wires are black and tan.

[fastblackmerc]

The wires are black and tan.

Black = negative

Tan = positive

[capt512]

Do any of you notice splotchiness with your new HIDs? While my lights do definetly appear to be brighter, they seem very splotchy looking, not a smooth beam...see pictures. And my high beams don't actually seem to do anything but move the focus point to the right... (yes I checked and the blue rod is at the 6 o clock postion). The bulbs do tilt like they should as well.

Splotchy beams with hot and cool spots
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/capt512/IMAG0520.jpg

Another of lows
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/capt512/IMAG0525.jpg

And highs
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/capt512/IMAG0526.jpg

And a short video showing lows to highs. (click the picture)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/capt512/th_VIDEO0041.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v58/capt512/?action=view&current=VIDEO0041.mp4)

[bigmerc'03]

the blotches wont go away because we dont have projector lenses but do a little ajusting to the housing
and you'll be alright

[bigmerc'03]

looking at your video your lights seem to be going left to right instead of down to up try repositioning the bulb and adjusting the housing

[ctrlraven]

looking at your video your lights seem to be going left to right instead of down to up try repositioning the bulb and adjusting the housing

That's why it's important to make sure the metal arm rod that runs the length on the bulb is at the 6 o'clock position in bi-xenon hid kits (ones that have actuating bulbs).

Paul double check and make sure the metal arm rod is at the 6 o'clock position.

[BirchMarauder]

That's called Glare.

[bolsen]

you don't need to NOT use the auto function. my HIDs have a halogen highbeam, so i always just leave the highbeams on and when i get in it pull the lever back. almost like an inexpensive daytime running light. :) think about it. i love it.

[JBeezy]

Do any of you notice splotchiness with your new HIDs? While my lights do definetly appear to be brighter, they seem very splotchy looking, not a smooth beam...see pictures. And my high beams don't actually seem to do anything but move the focus point to the right... (yes I checked and the blue rod is at the 6 o clock postion). The bulbs do tilt like they should as well.

Splotchy beams with hot and cool spots
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/capt512/IMAG0520.jpg

Another of lows
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/capt512/IMAG0525.jpg

And highs
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/capt512/IMAG0526.jpg

And a short video showing lows to highs. (click the picture)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/capt512/th_VIDEO0041.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v58/capt512/?action=view&current=VIDEO0041.mp4)

Hate to say it but mine are the same way. They aren't left to right but the high beams really don't make a difference. I've just ignored it to be honest. I made sure the rod under the bulb was at 6 O'clock position

[capt512]

I'll double check mine again this morning, but I already checked a few times that the rod is at 6 o clock position. Thats too bad about the splotchiness, maybe when I put the HID fogs in it will help some? Hopefully...

[fastblackmerc]

I'll double check mine again this morning, but I already checked a few times that the rod is at 6 o clock position. Thats too bad about the splotchiness, maybe when I put the HID fogs in it will help some? Hopefully...

No, the fogs won't help.

The splotchy look is from the reflectors inside the headlights. If it was smooth then the light wouldn't be splotchy.

[ctrlraven]

FBM is correct.

The fog lights are really only going to help light up the road to the side/corners of in front of you.

Also when aiming your lights, the passenger side should be a hair higher than the drivers side.

[Speed]

Finish the install of this kit in my CV headlights and foglights, thanks for this wealth of info Chris. :beer:

[Blk04MM]

3 years later how's the kit holding up? I figure while I'm under the hood doing a tb cleaning might as well clear up my vision on the road

[ctrlraven]

I switched from my original 6000K kit to a 5000K kit maybe like 2+ years ago. Much happier with 5000K over the 6000K.

I also still daily my car sometimes 3 days a week or 7 days a week. I had a corrosive pin on the hi/lo controller cause my headlights not to come up. Took maybe 15 mins of trouble shooting and 15 mins to take the hi/lo controller out, clean the connections up and still working fine. I think the corrosion came where some water was getting down on the controller from the radiator cover.

Just be warned, once you go HID there is no turning back. You will hate driving anything else with halogen lighting.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

I changed from 8000k hi/lo to 6000k single (non hi/lo) and the splotchiness was almost non-existent anymore. The more light output the better.

[Blk04MM]

I switched from my original 6000K kit to a 5000K kit maybe like 2+ years ago. Much happier with 5000K over the 6000K.

I also still daily my car sometimes 3 days a week or 7 days a week. I had a corrosive pin on the hi/lo controller cause my headlights not to come up. Took maybe 15 mins of trouble shooting and 15 mins to take the hi/lo controller out, clean the connections up and still working fine. I think the corrosion came where some water was getting down on the controller from the radiator cover.

Just be warned, once you go HID there is no turning back. You will hate driving anything else with halogen lighting.


I changed from 8000k hi/lo to 6000k single (non hi/lo) and the splotchiness was almost non-existent anymore. The more light output the better.

Why did you to come down off the 8k? That's what I've always used and liked.

Btw I've ALWAYS hated the normal lighting on the MM. It wasn't driven much at first but since the 4.10s it's the new daily. I just been fixing what breaks and what I don't like but since I'm under the hood I will swap them out. I need fogs too

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Personally I think the more blue it is the more ghetto it looks. I like a nice cool white. 5000 would have been even better as it provides more light output, but will not have a cool blue tinge to it.

Its funny, my bike has projectors, and I have 8000k HIDs on it and I love the light output. Maybe because my bike is a candy blue, but I never have minded the color of them.

Projectors are where HIDs should be going anyways, they make a hell of a difference.

[Blk04MM]

Personally I think the more blue it is the more ghetto it looks. I like a nice cool white. 5000 would have been even better as it provides more light output, but will not have a cool blue tinge to it.

Its funny, my bike has projectors, and I have 8000k HIDs on it and I love the light output. Maybe because my bike is a candy blue, but I never have minded the color of them.

Projectors are where HIDs should be going anyways, they make a hell of a difference.

Oh ok just Personal preference. So 5k has very little splotchy look as where the 8k is noticeable?

[Chi Stallion]

I have the 5000k DDM hi/low kit and never had no problems with their HID's yet..


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

[ctrlraven]

I changed from 8000k hi/lo to 6000k single (non hi/lo) and the splotchiness was almost non-existent anymore. The more light output the better.
In this case more is better. The closer you get to 4300K the better.

Oh ok just Personal preference. So 5k has very little splotchy look as where the 8k is noticeable?
4300K is the brightest you can get, it's as close to color as natural high noon sunlight. The higher the K (Kelvin) the less light output you get because of the "color wash" in the bulb. Light is measured in Lumens output.
4300K @ 35 watts is around 3500 Lumens
4500K @ 35 watts is around 3500 Lumens
5000K @ 35 watts is around 3200 Lumens
6000K @ 35 watts is around 2800 Lumens

These are just for example purpose
http://www.ddmtuning.com/images/custom/hid-bulb-color-guide.jpghttp://www.ddmtuning.com/images/custom/hid-color-chart-projector.jpg

Also the more color the bulb has just makes you stand out like a sore thumb. Aftermarket HID plug-n-play kits are deemed illegal by DOT since a halogen housing throws the HID Xenon lighting all over the place and is not properly focused as from a projector.

4300k vs 6000k 5000k is a happy medium between the two, not real blue but not yellow either. Just a nice bright white.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t249/crackerzot/IMG_08701.jpg

[NavySeabee]

I got the same kit from DDMTUNING. Had the same problem with the HI/LO being reversed. With the help of FBM, I switched the wires in the blue connector and all works great now. So far I'm happy.

My package was shipped directly from China to me. Yours?

Pete

[ctrlraven]

I got the same kit from DDMTUNING. Had the same problem with the HI/LO being reversed. With the help of FBM, I switched the wires in the blue connector and all works great now. So far I'm happy.

My package was shipped directly from China to me. Yours?

Pete
By having the items shipped directly from their manufacturer, it cut DDMtunning's costs from having to buy bulk orders, paying customs' fees and storage, it also cut the wait time down as in the past some of their orders would get held up in Long Beach Customs for weeks or months which delayed an extreme amount of orders. That's how they can offer such a low price on a kit, which use to be $45.00 and now they sell them for $29.95 plus the cost for the $20 hi/lo upgrade. It was just a smart business move.

[Blk04MM]

In this case more is better. The closer you get to 4300K the better.

4300K is the brightest you can get, it's as close to color as natural high noon sunlight. The higher the K (Kelvin) the less light output you get because of the "color wash" in the bulb. Light is measured in Lumens output.
4300K @ 35 watts is around 3500 Lumens
4500K @ 35 watts is around 3500 Lumens
5000K @ 35 watts is around 3200 Lumens
6000K @ 35 watts is around 2800 Lumens

These are just for example purpose
http://www.ddmtuning.com/images/custom/hid-bulb-color-guide.jpghttp://www.ddmtuning.com/images/custom/hid-color-chart-projector.jpg

Also the more color the bulb has just makes you stand out like a sore thumb. Aftermarket HID plug-n-play kits are deemed illegal by DOT since a halogen housing throws the HID Xenon lighting all over the place and is not properly focused as from a projector.

4300k vs 6000k 5000k is a happy medium between the two, not real blue but not yellow either. Just a nice bright white.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t249/crackerzot/IMG_08701.jpg


By having the items shipped directly from their manufacturer, it cut DDMtunning's costs from having to buy bulk orders, paying customs' fees and storage, it also cut the wait time down as in the past some of their orders would get held up in Long Beach Customs for weeks or months which delayed an extreme amount of orders. That's how they can offer such a low price on a kit, which use to be $45.00 and now they sell them for $29.95 plus the cost for the $20 hi/lo upgrade. It was just a smart business move.


Ok I'm ordering. This is what I have selected so far

35watt
9007 low beam
6000k
(2) HID harness

Am I missing anything or should add anything?

What should I do for fogs?

[Blk04MM]

Delete.....

Don't know why it posted twice

[ctrlraven]

Ok I'm ordering. This is what I have selected so far

35watt
9007 low beam
6000k
(2) HID harness

Am I missing anything or should add anything?

What should I do for fogs?
35 Watt
9007 hi/lo (you want the hi/lo kit) It's $20 for the upgrade but comes with the 9007 hi/lo bulbs and the hi/lo hid harness.

Or you can contact fastblackmerc and he can set you up with everything you need.

[Blk04MM]

35 Watt
9007 hi/lo (you want the hi/lo kit) It's $20 for the upgrade but comes with the 9007 hi/lo bulbs and the hi/lo hid harness.

Or you can contact fastblackmerc and he can set you up with everything you need.

I don't ever use my highs ....it's needed?

[fastblackmerc]

I don't ever use my highs ....it's needed?

I can get you a Hi / Lo HID kit in any color temperature for $70.00.

I have a HID kit in 6K that has HID Lo beam and halogen Hi beam cheap.

PM me.

[ctrlraven]

I don't ever use my highs ....it's needed?
If you have a single beam kit and bump the high beam on your headlights will go out, there might be a need to flash someone or say one or both of your low beams go out at least you can use the high beams to get home.

There could always be that one time you need them and you don't have them.

[Mebot]

hi beams are also required to pass annual safety inspection (at least here in Virginia)

Sent from my handheld Zack Morris iShoe 4S.

[Blk04MM]

What do I order from ddm for my fogs to match my 6k headlights?

[bigmerc'03]

H10's i believe...

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Honestly the "brights" on the hi lo dual kit are kinda crap. They move slightly upwards, I don't think it is barely noticeable. When I swapped mine, I put in single non hi lo and I have never regretted not having the dual.

The Fog lights are a bit of a pain, and have to be customized. I believe it was H1 bulbs and you have to splice up the stock connector plastic. There are threads on this somewhere. I would not stick HIDs in there anymore, because you will need to remove the bulb diffuser in there for the bulb to fit, the light scatters like crazy and blinds other drivers. Now, since I have angel eyes in the fog lights I don't even turn on the fog HIDs.