HID problems with headlight auto settings?

[bspink]

I'm interested in the HID upgrade available from Retroshop as we enter the dark and wet road season (especially in the PNW with long dark days ahead). My truck lights come on and off as the lighting conditions change, when I lock or unlock the truck and various other trigger events. I know I could turn off the automatic settings but I like the option and that only alleviates a portion of the events.

Has anyone had a problem with HID upgrades over a period of time given the lights will cycle on and off quite frequently?

Thanks in advance -

 

[Ram-engineer]

Yes, they will burn out very rapidly I am looking for another option even looking into yhe leds as the hids did not last even with canbus adapters.

Sent from my SM-N930V using Tapatalk

 

[bspink]

Thanks -
LED's have a fan and it would need to spin up and down, this too might not be good for longevity.

 

[Sir John]

You could end up doing a hot restrike which is bad for a HID bulb. I just turned off most of my auto on light features.

 

[bspink]

Good advice, it looks like I need to do more investigation. I think Dodge borrowed the lame Jeep Wranger lights over to save money!

Bottom line is that the stock lights are so bad (IMO) that I often wonder if they are on. Without the fog lights I would be in worst shape. I'll have to find something as an alternative.

 

[MADDOG]

My HID's are doing fine, even with the automatic settings. No issues at all. I am using a kit from Retroshop.

 

[tripleplay]

Turning off the auto settings is worth the inconvenience for me. I'm in the PNW and the HID's and LED fogs are a HUGE difference.

 

[Ram Man]

I have never had an issue using the AUTO function. I think the main reason is because the lights dont attempt to fire up during ignition, there seems to be a slight delay which means the ballasts should always be getting the correct voltage.

I would recommend turning off the lighted approach setting with HIDs however. Although its super convenient at night, the problem is the HIDs will fire up every time you unlock the truck, no matter day, night, auto, or off position. That is a ton of unnecessary start ups that will just go right back off during the day and wear out the components that much faster.

 

[bspink]

Thanks for the recommendations.

Bottom line, auto lights are OK but turning off the lighted approach is a good option to save the ballast life and prevent failure.

 

[Mauzz]

I'm a little over a year in on my retroshop HIDs. Sometimes the driver side doesn't fire in auto but i turn the dial off then back to auto and it works right away.

 

[Eddi310]

I'm a little over a year in on my retroshop HIDs. Sometimes the driver side doesn't fire in auto but i turn the dial off then back to auto and it works right away.

Mine do that too, I recently got a new retroshop kit and thats been happening. its a minor inconvenience really, but at least they work haha.
My old retroshop kit never did that...