Replacing Hid Headlights With Halogen

[ObiV35]

So, apparently my car (I'm not the first owner since import) managed to sneak through compliance without having the HID lights removed. Only problem is that I've moved interstate (NT) and they do a compliance check (in addition to roadworthy) when you transfer registration from interstate.

I'm told I'll either need to have them modified to be self-levelling and have spray washers installed, or change them back to halogen. I assume changing them back to halogen is cheaper, however what will I need to do this apart from disconnecting the ballast? Since pretty much nobody does this willingly I can't really find out what to do and would rather do it myself if it doesn't require actual rewiring (as opposed to changing a harness or something).

[sonicii]

I imagine you will need some sort of adaptor to fit the halogen lamps into the existing holder. (Some dodgy compliance workshops glue them on!!)

Then cut the 12V cables that feed the ballasts and fit an appropriate halogen lamp connector.

If you are Planning on re-connecting the HIDs then just splice into the 12V cables rather than cutting. It will make swapping back easier.

[Sinista32]

Why not take it along and wait to see what they say needs doing ?

[ObiV35]

Sorry if I wasnt clear; I did already take it in (to the compliance place), and was told as above. Thanks sonicii, I'll have look around and see if there's any places that are confident of doing it I guess.

Edited January 1, 2013 by ObiV35

[Murry33]

tell them to shove it! lol they are just head lights ffs, such stupid rules these days!

[Deep Dish V35]

What they havent told you is that it is illegal to fit a different type of globe into a reflector designed for HID, so fitting the self levelling thing is the only correct thing to do... Just dont tell them that theyve asked you to do something illegal or theyll get upset ..

i'd just take out the HID bulb and use the fog beam instead. There is no reason why you cant use the fog beam as a low beam. According to ADR's, the reflector is within the correct height tolerance from the ground, it is within the right distance from the cars width, and is the correct wattage, it only needs the beam height set...

then once the car is signed off, go home and put the HID bulbs back in. happy days

[sonicii]

What they havent told you is that it is illegal to fit a different type of globe into a reflector designed for HID, so fitting the self levelling thing is the only correct thing to do... Just dont tell them that theyve asked you to do something illegal or theyll get upset ..

Are you sure?? can you supply a reference?

It would be strange that the requirement for these cars to meet ADR is the HIDs are replaced with halogens.. when this doesn't comply with ADRs??

Also, HIDs require headlight washers.. not just auto leveling.

[Deep Dish V35]

its all in here..

http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/motor/design/adr_online.aspx

the section referring to headlamps, and the section referring to filament lamps, both state that the "E" marking on approved ADR headlights will be void if modified without testing and approval, ie: installing a globe that is not the same as the globe type marked on the rear of the light assembly, due to filament and reflector misalignment.

Its up to you what you want to do, i personally wouldnt want to cut the loom and get rid of the HID components.

[sonicii]

But wouldn't part of the RAWS compliance approval process include testing and approval for headlight modification to meet ADR requirements?

[daisu]

Just jump through their hoops to get it through compliance and rego.

Mine came fitted with halogens due to compliance. All they had done is unplug the ballasts, jammed a single fillament bulb in there (the high beam is a dual fillament bulb with the fog) and tap a wire from the bulb to the ballast plug.

I've seen a lot of cars have the fog lamps disabled for compliance. Mine had the relay removed in fuse box behind the battery.

Once they sign it off and you have rego, put the HID bulbs back in and plug the ballast back in. Just stick to the low temperature color bulbs (I think it's 4000k?) so you don't attract the wrong kind of attention, like it's really obvious people have HID's when they use 6000k or higher bulbs.

[Deep Dish V35]

But wouldn't part of the RAWS compliance approval process include testing and approval for headlight modification to meet ADR requirements?

this is the annoying bit. it is as illegal to fit HID globes to a regular headlight reflector as it is to fit a filament globe into a HID reflector. In both cases they are designed to have the correct parts fitted.

as usual, government standards allow a downgrade to crappier filament globes. double standards.

Youll find that the RAWS process only signs off that it is no longer HID, infact they do no testing at all of the replacement install regarding light output

[Murry33]

Just owning a car is illegal/defectable these days.

[sonicii]

this is the annoying bit. it is as illegal to fit HID globes to a regular headlight reflector as it is to fit a filament globe into a HID reflector. In both cases they are designed to have the correct parts fitted.

A double standard isn't too surprising from the government.. They probalby just overlook the 'non-stanard' lamp for compliance purposes..

I guess if they leave the HIDs in, they also breach the requirement for HID headlights to have washers and auto leveling.. least of 2 evils maybe??

[ObiV35]

Just to reply back, I got an auto sparky to fix my compliance issue. I was busy/lazy so it took me a while to get around to doing it. It now has modified H7 globes in there but all the wiring is still intact. Only 2 hours labor It would have taken me a lot longer, haha.

Thanks for all the info/advice.

[Murry33]

What do you mean modified H7 globes? Did he remove the ballets and just put a standard globe in there with new wiring or?

[ObiV35]

the ballasts are disconnected but not removed. I believe a standard H7 socket is in there, spliced straight from the original power before the ballasts? The D2R socket is still in there, just moved to the side. I think he had to modify the frame of the H7 globe so it would fit in the same spot.

see: http://www.consumabulbs.com/photo/499.jpg

[Murry33]

hrmm ok thanks!

[B-rice]

how do i see if the balasts is disconnected im not even sure of where theyre located. This is a picture of mine. Could i just plug in the bulb and it will work need to figure this out before i spend on the bulbs and to find i have to do a lot more.

[niZmO_Man]

Ballasts are usually mounted on the bottom of the headlight housing.