HID Reverse Lights Done The Right Way

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oakrdrs187

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Hello TYF




I finally got the bulbs I specifically wanted to put in my back up lights. They are H4-2 bulbs from VVME.
2011-01-12_21-17-47_46.jpg

What makes this bulbs different than other H4 HID bulbs is that has a dual function unlike the lesser quality ones that only have low beam functionality, also different from the DDM bulb it has a Halogen capsule attached for High Beam use, though not as bright as getting a BIXENON bulb that tilts to produce an HID high beam this bulb was merely intended for a car to pass inspection. BUT.....when the ideas of having HID reverse lights were being tossed around, I thought, like most of you, that cant possibly last, too much on/off and not enough actual running time for the ballasts is gonna kill them. I mean just getting from P to D right Through R, is gonna do it alone. Then I though of this bulb, (And taking over the world...) but for now just this bulb. I said "Self, we can make HID reverse work, while retaining the factory function of regular back up bulbs and adding HID when we want it." (Complete Evil look on my face).
So my project began, the halogen capsule is wired to the factory reverse lights, and the HID side to a toggle switch! Brilliant!!

So you will want to run a power wire from the dash to the back for powering the ballasts. Use a Relay
2011-01-12_21-18-54_40.jpg

with a toggle switch for the power, don't drive the ballasts with a straight switch, you will burn it.
This is the Rear Pass wheel well, wire and one of the zipties is visible.
2011-01-12_21-19-51_726.jpg

Here's mine just zip tied to wires already there.
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Next, you guessed it, tail light off! If you are Bruce Almighty, all you gotta do is say it.
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If you have checked the VVME website for these bulbs, by now you are wondering why H4 and not 9007 or H13, Here's the reason
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DONORS!!!
these are my stock eclipse headlights, I knew not to throw those out yet!!!
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Removed the retaining clips, which will be stretched to fit this application, but did hold the bulb very well against me intentionally tugging to pull it off.
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End Result
So My Criminal Mastermind forgot to get silicone to seal these, there is a GAP left between the bulb and base that will need to be sealed to keep weather, dust, rats, mice and the mother in law out of the housing.
2011-01-12_21-44-09_254.jpg

(I must have passed by them damned thing at the autozone 5 times!)
:emotions122:
Anyway by this time it was 11PM and too late to go buy it, luckily this is a step that's as easy as changing a brake light.
Next Ballasts Need to be tucked away
2011-01-12_21-51-25_914.jpg

So sexy, it's like she was made for HID but wasn't a dealer option
Next up, wire the halogen capsules to the stock Reverse light wiring, plug in your HID bulbs and very important, notice MY ground, it's been scarped to ensure proper contact.
2011-01-12_22-19-09_488.jpg

Now to the other side, just tap the power wire from one side to the other, and repeat the process. I will post more HID pics this weekend.

MISC Pictures:
2011-01-12_21-20-46_710.jpg

BTW I left the shield on because I needed the spacing from the base of it, otherwise it will be at an angle, either way super bright.
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I cant tell which of the above pics is halogen and HID, they are both really bright, since the halogen capsule is 55w.








One other very important thing, that I will take more pictures of,

I used 2 more relays to isolate the halogen capsules from being on with the HID bulbs, as this would cause a HUGE amount of heat for such a small space. when the truck is in Reverse and I want to use HIDS, the same power wire to the ballasts triggers the relays and cuts off power to the halogen capsules.




See Video

[yt]IW5PQ7UWlYw[/yt]
 
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Physh1

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HID runs pretty cool...shouldn't be even close to melting...
 
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oakrdrs187

oakrdrs187

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They do get warm, but I remember the stock 3157's getting just as warm when I used the switch on them and left them on as long as I leave the HID's. Also once you have this mod, you're very self conscious about the temperature, so you will try not to leave them on so long.
 
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oakrdrs187

oakrdrs187

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This is a video of my HID reverse lights. Done with the intention of blinding tailgaters and to see through 5% Tint when backing up. I did this "the right way" by connecting a separate switch to the HID's, and keeping a filament bulb as the reverse gear light so I don't mess up my ballasts by constantly shifting to reverse or straight to Drive and causing a quick flash. The first light you see is the 55 watt filament bulb which is also recorded flashing (may appear a bit yellow or amber at times, but trust me it's white and bright too). I never flash the HIDS though, I also Have a separate button (not toggle switch) that when pressed and releases it flashes the filament bulb as a warning, as seen in the video. If the tailgater has not responded satisfactory to the halogen bulb flashes, that's when the HID's come on. Also you will see that When the HID's come on the filament bulbs cut out, and they come back on when the HID's are off. Done with relays to prevent too much heat in the small compartment. In the video it sometimes seems the halogens are HIDS because you see them dim and get bright, but its just the auto focus.

[yt]IW5PQ7UWlYw[/yt]

Remember, The first lights that come on in the video are the Halogens then the HIDS come on. Halogens too are very bright when backing up.
 
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vipergtsr96

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This is a video of my HID reverse lights. Done with the intention of blinding tailgaters and to see through 5% Tint when backing up. I did this "the right way" by connecting a separate switch to the HID's, and keeping a filament bulb as the reverse gear light so I don't mess up my ballasts by constantly shifting to reverse or straight to Drive and causing a quick flash. The first light you see is the 55 watt filament bulb which is also recorded flashing (may appear a bit yellow or amber at times, but trust me it's white and bright too). I never flash the HIDS though, I also Have a separate button (not toggle switch) that when pressed and releases it flashes the filament bulb as a warning, as seen in the video. If the tailgater has not responded satisfactory to the halogen bulb flashes, that's when the HID's come on. Also you will see that When the HID's come on the filament bulbs cut out, and they come back on when the HID's are off. Done with relays to prevent too much heat in the small compartment.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW5PQ7UWlYw

This is such a useful tool, and done with so much creativity. I have seen other HID reverse light installs on the forum, but none of them done like this. This makes those other setups look... well lazy, (not looking to start something) I'm just blown away right now.

I have only word..... Genius!!
 
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oakrdrs187

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Thanks man. If you have any questions, or anyone for that matter feel free to pm or post on here.
 
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DenaliAK

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This is AWESOME.

Very nicely done. I'm sorta blown away, too. I like the flash warning...what a good idea.

So...I want you to do this for me, k? I don't fully understand how you did this, and I'm not an electrical genius, but I think this a great mod. And having to back up in the dark a LOT in the winter up here, the extra light in back would be helpful.
 
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oakrdrs187

oakrdrs187

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This is AWESOME.

Very nicely done. I'm sorta blown away, too. I like the flash warning...what a good idea.

So...I want you to do this for me, k? I don't fully understand how you did this, and I'm not an electrical genius, but I think this a great mod. And having to back up in the dark a LOT in the winter up here, the extra light in back would be helpful.

This is very basic compared to your tsx retrofit, pm me I will walk you throught every step.
 

DenaliAK

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The wiring on that was minimal and still pretty much PNP, though...lol. When I get my tax money, I may hit you up for the full-on "help me do this" PM. ;)

Did you have to mod the taillights themselves at all? I guess that's my first question. Not clear on how you made two bulbs fit in one socket....
 
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oakrdrs187

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Did not Mod the tail lights in any way, no holes, no drilling, nothing, just screw down mounting brackets. The special bulb is both lights in one

Shot of my toggle switch/button setup
SwitchesTahoe1.jpg
 
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DenaliAK

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Ok, now I'm seriously considering this. I don't have money for new projects.

Damn you.

;)
 

DenaliAK

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I do have a request. I'd like to be able to judge the actual output, which is notoriously hard to capture with a camera in front of the lights. Could you maybe back up to a wall at night and with 15-20 feet between your truck and the wall, take pics of the output on the wall with each bulb?? That would really help illustrate how bright it is.

Also, where'd you get the switch panel on your dash?

I took a look at the website because I was having the hardest time visualizing this bulb...how can one light be both halogen and HID?!? It made no sense....I get it now. :Stupid Me:
 
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oakrdrs187

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Switch panel is custom out of ABS plastic.
As soon as night falls im gonna get some output shots for you, this projects budget should be set at about $100-$125 Hid included.
 

DenaliAK

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Switch panel is custom out of ABS plastic.
As soon as night falls im gonna get some output shots for you, this projects budget should be set at about $100-$125 Hid included.

Thanks, man. Sent you a PM as well. I will probably give this project a whirl once I get my tax return, but need more details on how you wired everything...switches, relays, etc.

Those lights are on sale on vvme right now, too....25% off. They are like $61.00 for the 55w kit, if anyone is interested.
 
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oakrdrs187

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Thanks, man. Sent you a PM as well. I will probably give this project a whirl once I get my tax return, but need more details on how you wired everything...switches, relays, etc.

Those lights are on sale on vvme right now, too....25% off. They are like $61.00 for the 55w kit, if anyone is interested.


Dont buy the 55w kit for this mod, I dont think the small housing will hold up.

Do you know how to use a relay?
 

DenaliAK

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I'll figure it out...

For the flashing lights, is that a function of the relay or the button itself? Not sure how it knows to flash....
 

DenaliAK

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For the flashing lights, do you just repeatedly hit the button?? I'm still unclear on that portion.

The guy that helped with my TSX's is on-board with helping me do this, so it's just a matter of time now. :flamingdevil:
 

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