Don't hate on me for asking this question, but....

What would it take to convert a TL's headlights from the HID type bulbs back to just plain old regular non-HID headlights?

Could you run the wiring that currently goes into the ballast directly into the non-HID headlight (obviously by splicing the wiring to a connector that fit the non-HID headlight) and thereby cut the ballast and igniter out of the equation altogether?

 

just one question


WHY on earth would you even want to do this?




.

 

x2.





WHY on earth would you even want to do this?

 

why would you want Halogen bulbs?

 

Because I just replaced (1) one headlight assembly for $230 (2) one ballast and one igniter for $190 (3) two HID bulbs for $40 something. And from what I see, those are pretty darn good prices for those items.

And even so, when I wash the car, I see condensation inside the brand new headlight assembly which, if I can't fix it, could ruin the new ballast/igniter.

It would be so much simpler just to replace one $10 bulb every once in awhile. And I don't really care whether I have regular light or super-blinding-everybody-hates-me lights in my car anyway. =)

 

^x3!
That's going backwards, not forward! Get better than stock bulbs, and also ZKW-R lenses, they are plenty of threads on how to get better light output! Nate(post above) could recommend what to look for specifically.

 

I don't want better light output. I want easier to maintain light output. I want exponentially cheaper light output. =)

 

why did you need to replace all of that? the only time you should ever need to replace the whole assembly is if its physically damaged/broken.

dont worry about water in the balast those are completely sealed units.

 

so then, why'd you buy the car?

 

From my understanding, quality bulbs will last a few years, so a little now will last a few if not more yrs in the long run.

OT- I need 2 replace mine, and would like to get the highly sought after Osram CBI(spelling?) bulbs everyone is talkin bout!

 

it seems as if the OP overspent on items he didnt need.

and then will probably spend even more on the conversion
and then a thread will pop up conveniently named "I messed up my headlights and want the HID's back"

 

2004 Acura TL with 67K miles for $10,000. How could I not buy the car?

 

its an entry level luxury vehicle.
it comes with entry level luxury items. be prepared to pay

 

You can buy a used set of ballasts/ignitors for around $150.

New OEM bulbs can be had for $80 through various vendors such as TRS.

PM me if you want to solve the issues permanently .

 

why did you replace everything including the housing?

what issues were you having?

 

Let's stop for a second and make an assumption that I'm certifiably crazy and will therefore ask crazy things.

So back on topic. If you threw a haolgen headlight into an Acura TL, could you simply hook it up to the existing wiring directly and make it work sans ballast/igniter?

How about LED headlights to replace the HIDs? They don't require a ballast/igniter, correct? Would that kind of replacement be slightly less crazy? Could you hook them up directly using the existing wiring?

 

you should be locked up in a padded room with a straight jacket.

 

LEDs to replace to HIDs = not a good idea

If I were you, just send your one headlight to JnC.
It would have been hell of a lot cheaper than purchasing these new headlight parts.

 

he could have also gone with a ddmtuning kit and replaced his balast, ignitor, and bulbs for $40 with a warranty

 

look, you shouldnt have to replace the head light and its bulb and ballast ever again.
there are cheaper places to get the items that you needed, and even then, I dont even think you needed all of the parts you bought.

i feel you're going to be having electrical problems if you convert to non hids.
which will cost you more in the long run.

you bought the car because it was cheap.
doesnt necessarily mean that the maintenance will be cheap.
there are lots of fixes and alternatives on Acurazine. take some time to research!

actually, now that I think about it...I think inaccurate was thinking about converting to non hids to save weight.
I dont know if he did it or not, but if you look up some of his post, you can find the schematics

 

Thanks guys. I have sent a PM to JnC. I owned a '99 Honda Accord before this and TL's and "luxury" vehicles are new to me so I'm probably making some mistakes here at first. All I know is that I've spent far less than what the Acura dealership quoted me and at least have a working headlight. I just don't want to do this again, so I want to finish up this repair right. Hopefully JnC can get me on the right track and we'll get this sorted out.