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Old 10-18-2018, 09:37 AM   #1
theevbo
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Default Aftermarket HID headlights issue

Hey guys,
I purchased a 2011 WRX a few months back and the previous owner had installed some sort aftermarket HID headlight kit. I'm not super familiar with these kits but it looks like the stock projector housings with HID bulbs. Drivers side went out yesterday and when I pulled off the rear cap it looks like the wires have been spliced together.

I've never been very happy with the light output, probably the worst of any car I've ever had. Returning to stock is perfectly acceptable but I worry that since things have been cut and spliced I might run into some issues.

What are the options on replacing these? Any advice appreciated.

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Last edited by theevbo; 10-18-2018 at 01:18 PM. Reason: photos
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Old 10-18-2018, 01:46 PM   #2
theevbo
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Upon further digging and pulling things aside it looks like there are two plugs that attach further down stream, so to speak. So I reckon they're not actually spliced after all. All I may need are H11 replacement HID kit bulbs. Yes?
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Old 10-18-2018, 02:15 PM   #3
Obviously Tyler
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If you want to avoid problems with HID bulbs, you should go back to the stock halogen.

Or try LED bulbs, good ones. Less messy and less heat.
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Old 10-18-2018, 02:40 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Obviously Tyler View Post
If you want to avoid problems with HID bulbs, you should go back to the stock halogen.

Or try LED bulbs, good ones. Less messy and less heat.
Option 1. Toss the HIDs and put the proper halogen bulbs in, done.
Corollary to Option 1- Instead of H11's, install a set of H9's for a true lighting upgrade without the downside of aftermarket HID's.
https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=2083911
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Old 10-18-2018, 06:57 PM   #5
theevbo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mulder View Post
Option 1. Toss the HIDs and put the proper halogen bulbs in, done.

Corollary to Option 1- Instead of H11's, install a set of H9's for a true lighting upgrade without the downside of aftermarket HID's.

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=2083911


Is it that easy to just revert to stock? That would be my preference.
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Old 10-18-2018, 07:34 PM   #6
Mulder
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Quote:
Originally Posted by theevbo View Post
Is it that easy to just revert to stock? That would be my preference.
It depends whether the factory harnesses and connectors are intact and not hacked up. If they are ok you should be able to just unplug the HID's and plug in the halogens. If they're chopped up you'd need to get replacement H11 connectors and properly splice them onto the harnesses. Wiring/electrical not your thing? Find a good local shop and have them do it the right way.

The use of wire nuts on that installation is horrific.
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Old 10-19-2018, 10:03 AM   #7
CRAZYHAWK
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On my 2009 Impreza, I used an HID kit without problems.
35 watt 4300K H11

http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/DD...ast-35W-or-55W

$50.51 with shipping
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Old 10-20-2018, 05:39 AM   #8
theevbo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mulder View Post
It depends whether the factory harnesses and connectors are intact and not hacked up. If they are ok you should be able to just unplug the HID's and plug in the halogens. If they're chopped up you'd need to get replacement H11 connectors and properly splice them onto the harnesses. Wiring/electrical not your thing? Find a good local shop and have them do it the right way.

The use of wire nuts on that installation is horrific.


Looks as if the factory harnesses are no longer there. I’ve got a set of hid bulbs coming tomorrow as a interim fix until I can get them rewired back to stock. Thanks for the advice.
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Old 10-20-2018, 11:28 AM   #9
CRAZYHAWK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by theevbo View Post
Looks as if the factory harnesses are no longer there. I’ve got a set of hid bulbs coming tomorrow as a interim fix until I can get them rewired back to stock. Thanks for the advice.
You will need AMP bulbs.
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