Elise headlight problem - LotusTalk

MNlotus · 10-26-2009, 01:21 PM

i got HID's installed about two years ago, but about a year ago it started cutting out. when i turn on the ignition, the light comes on every time so the bulb must still be good. but when i actually push the start button it flickers out. The only time the light actually works is when i shut the car down and turn it back on after driving for a while.(like 30 mins) i just got a floor jack so i can take off the inner wheel lining now. any one have any ideas? i really dont want to buy a new set of HID's. heres a video of it too, to help.

YouTube - lotus light problem

TheViper · 10-26-2009, 01:49 PM

Seems like a voltage drop problem. What happens if you only turn on the lights after you have started the engine? As it recently started, I would look for loose or corroded connection on the lights that may be causing a high resistance.
Michael

MNlotus · 10-26-2009, 06:51 PM

i cant turn on the lights after the engine has started, as soon as i turn on the ignition they automatically turn on and stay on.

Dave · 10-26-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNlotus

i got HID's installed about two years ago, but about a year ago it started cutting out. when i turn on the ignition, the light comes on every time so the bulb must still be good. but when i actually push the start button it flickers out. The only time the light actually works is when i shut the car down and turn it back on after driving for a while.(like 30 mins) i just got a floor jack so i can take off the inner wheel lining now. any one have any ideas? i really dont want to buy a new set of HID's. heres a video of it too, to help.

I just replaced my driver side HID that was doing the exact same thing...ended up being a bad ballast which is not uncommon. Easy enough to test by swapping your lamps. You can p/u a complete set for @ $65 from dabears2k.

TheViper · 10-26-2009, 07:01 PM

Interesting....has it always been that way, as it sounds rather unusual.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNlotus

i cant turn on the lights after the engine has started, as soon as i turn on the ignition they automatically turn on and stay on.

MNlotus · 10-26-2009, 07:06 PM

it has always been like that, the HID's are the daytime running lights too.
to replace it do i just switch the bulb and that it?

TheViper · 10-26-2009, 07:18 PM

As Dave said it could be the ballast but if both are going out that would seem unlikely. Same applies to the bulbs. Could also be a bad relay in the SPM, do your side lights go off too?

Baysailor · 10-26-2009, 11:33 PM

As MNLotus said, the headlights are the daytime driving lights on 2006 and above, so they come on when the ignition is first switched on. They then cycle back off during the start and back on again once started. That being said, it is VERY HARD on HIDs for them to be cycled like this (allowed to come on, then cut off and then then back on again). I have HIDs too and what I do to get around this cycling is I push and hold the start button while switching the ignition switch on, letting go of the ignition switch once it has started. It is a very smooth easy process and has become habit for me now. Alternatively, you could do the green wire mod which would permantently disable the daytime driving lights, but I like having DRLs.

I have also been considering installing a time delay relay on the green wire. This would allow time to start the car in the conventional manner and then would "connect" the green wire back thus switching on the DRLs. Alternatively you could set the relay to trigger off of the parking brake... basically it would function where by when the parking brake was engaged, the relay would "disconnect" the green wire. When the parking brake was released, the relay would "connect" the green wire.

MNlotus · 11-11-2009, 08:04 PM

well thats great. i just wasted $150 on new HID's just to have the new one do the EXACT same thing. Any ideas now!?

kabob · 11-11-2009, 10:09 PM

Have you checked all your connections where you're splicing into your wiring harness?

Serebo1 · 11-11-2009, 11:13 PM

Disable DRL and turn on HID's only after engine is started?

MNlotus · 11-12-2009, 05:03 AM

they are completely new HID's and were installed by the local lotus dealer. i did try what BAYSAILOR said earlier, pushing the start button and then turning on the ignition and that seemed to work. i think im gonna do the green light mod though and see if that works. So once i disconnect the green wire, which button in the control panel would i use to turn them on?

glb · 11-12-2009, 07:29 AM

just in case, there's no need to lift the car to remove frt fender liner; turn the steering wheel all way over, plenty of room.

Lazily,

glb

MNlotus · 11-12-2009, 07:48 AM

yeah that would give you room, but i like having as much room as possible

RoadDad · 11-12-2009, 09:50 AM

MN,

You would still push the second button from the top to turn them on.

10-26-2009, 01:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheViper Alarmed & Dangerous Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boca Raton FL Posts: 3,205	Seems like a voltage drop problem. What happens if you only turn on the lights after you have started the engine? As it recently started, I would look for loose or corroded connection on the lights that may be causing a high resistance. Michael __________________ Cobra OEM - Alarm, Immobilizer, CDL Emergency Override with warranty Additional Emergency Touch Keys - see link above Brand New Cobra Alarm Remote with warranty Cobra Remote Key Fob Strap Cobra Window Closing Module - Add to your existing Cobra alarm 3 Piece Front Clam Protection Kit with Center Bumper Undertray Removal Tool INFORMATION Improved AC & Heating System Battery Choices & Information Remote Key Fob, Alarm & Immobilizer Programming Light Bulb Conversions 2005 Last edited by TheViper : 10-26-2009 at 02:07 PM.

10-26-2009, 06:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
MNlotus 06 elise Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: apple valley MN Posts: 812	i cant turn on the lights after the engine has started, as soon as i turn on the ignition they automatically turn on and stay on. __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise-way too many mods to list (k24 swap planned. 300+whp) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjIcCsvhWvY 2003 Caterham Super Seven DeDion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ysO...e=channel_page

10-26-2009, 07:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
MNlotus 06 elise Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: apple valley MN Posts: 812	it has always been like that, the HID's are the daytime running lights too. to replace it do i just switch the bulb and that it? __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise-way too many mods to list (k24 swap planned. 300+whp) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjIcCsvhWvY 2003 Caterham Super Seven DeDion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ysO...e=channel_page

10-26-2009, 07:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
TheViper Alarmed & Dangerous Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boca Raton FL Posts: 3,205	As Dave said it could be the ballast but if both are going out that would seem unlikely. Same applies to the bulbs. Could also be a bad relay in the SPM, do your side lights go off too? __________________ Cobra OEM - Alarm, Immobilizer, CDL Emergency Override with warranty Additional Emergency Touch Keys - see link above Brand New Cobra Alarm Remote with warranty Cobra Remote Key Fob Strap Cobra Window Closing Module - Add to your existing Cobra alarm 3 Piece Front Clam Protection Kit with Center Bumper Undertray Removal Tool INFORMATION Improved AC & Heating System Battery Choices & Information Remote Key Fob, Alarm & Immobilizer Programming Light Bulb Conversions 2005 Last edited by TheViper : 10-26-2009 at 07:36 PM.

10-26-2009, 11:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
Baysailor Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 1,205	As MNLotus said, the headlights are the daytime driving lights on 2006 and above, so they come on when the ignition is first switched on. They then cycle back off during the start and back on again once started. That being said, it is VERY HARD on HIDs for them to be cycled like this (allowed to come on, then cut off and then then back on again). I have HIDs too and what I do to get around this cycling is I push and hold the start button while switching the ignition switch on, letting go of the ignition switch once it has started. It is a very smooth easy process and has become habit for me now. Alternatively, you could do the green wire mod which would permantently disable the daytime driving lights, but I like having DRLs. I have also been considering installing a time delay relay on the green wire. This would allow time to start the car in the conventional manner and then would "connect" the green wire back thus switching on the DRLs. Alternatively you could set the relay to trigger off of the parking brake... basically it would function where by when the parking brake was engaged, the relay would "disconnect" the green wire. When the parking brake was released, the relay would "connect" the green wire. __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise - Solar Yellow, HT, LSS, LSD/TC, Touring, StarShield, S111 RTDbrace, S111 microMirror, S111 Carpet Buttons, Painted A/C Surround, CF Center Console, Nitron S/A, Tempest BAB26-12 AGM Battery, Fujita Intake, Top Speed Pro 1 Exhaust, 4Tress Harness Bar, 6000k 35w HID kit, Moroso Oil Pan, Plinthless front clam, Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 Wheels w/ RE01-R's for street use, Heater Core By-Pass, Shifter Reinforcement, LETSLA v2 Shift Kit

11-11-2009, 08:04 PM	#9 (permalink)
MNlotus 06 elise Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: apple valley MN Posts: 812	well thats great. i just wasted $150 on new HID's just to have the new one do the EXACT same thing. Any ideas now!? __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise-way too many mods to list (k24 swap planned. 300+whp) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjIcCsvhWvY 2003 Caterham Super Seven DeDion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ysO...e=channel_page

11-11-2009, 10:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
kabob Steers and Queers Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Irving, TX Posts: 79	Have you checked all your connections where you're splicing into your wiring harness?

11-11-2009, 11:13 PM	#11 (permalink)
Serebo1 fm78.tv - check it. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,824 Images: 4	Disable DRL and turn on HID's only after engine is started? __________________ Matte Black, Sport, Touring, ***** intake (TBA), RAC Mono wheels, Painted Shift knob, smoked turn signals, Alpine SPS 6.5" rear speakers, MB Quarts, JVC Nav, Starshield, LBH exhaust, Dpic perf. gauge, Custom true HID projectors, GUT wing and splitter, Mesh side pods, Sector111 harness bar and 4-point harness, Lotus Sport Ohlins double-adjustable suspension, swaybar, '06 LED tailights, Toda flywheel, Lotusport interior.

11-12-2009, 05:03 AM	#12 (permalink)
MNlotus 06 elise Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: apple valley MN Posts: 812	they are completely new HID's and were installed by the local lotus dealer. i did try what BAYSAILOR said earlier, pushing the start button and then turning on the ignition and that seemed to work. i think im gonna do the green light mod though and see if that works. So once i disconnect the green wire, which button in the control panel would i use to turn them on? __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise-way too many mods to list (k24 swap planned. 300+whp) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjIcCsvhWvY 2003 Caterham Super Seven DeDion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ysO...e=channel_page

11-12-2009, 07:29 AM	#13 (permalink)
glb Unattractive Nuisance Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chester, NJ Posts: 4,532	just in case, there's no need to lift the car to remove frt fender liner; turn the steering wheel all way over, plenty of room. Lazily, glb __________________ 05 elise (PES chip, SSRs, shift tower mods, Multivex; HID low beams); 05 Corolla XRS; 72 Elan Sprint, 170 hp (Sold) "Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable." G. Orwell. 6. "A bore is a man who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company." - Gian Vincenzo Gravina

11-12-2009, 07:48 AM	#14 (permalink)
MNlotus 06 elise Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: apple valley MN Posts: 812	yeah that would give you room, but i like having as much room as possible __________________ 2006 Lotus Elise-way too many mods to list (k24 swap planned. 300+whp) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjIcCsvhWvY 2003 Caterham Super Seven DeDion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1ysO...e=channel_page

11-12-2009, 09:50 AM	#15 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,040	MN, You would still push the second button from the top to turn them on. __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

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