HID replacements for Foglamps?

[YoPirate]

In a different thread, Loganfilm wrote:

(snip) They're doing a bunch of stuff upon delivery for me. I'm getting HID foglights, Matte black or color match black on ALL chrome...(end snip)

I'd be curious about where I could obtain the correct HID's for the foglamps.

I didn't necessarily want HIDs for headlights. But I'm wondering if just replacing the fog lamp bulbs with HID type would work well for those instances where I turn off the main road at night onto an unfamiliar gravel or dirt driveway in the pitch black woods.

Just looking for more light on rare occasions without mounting any external hardware.

Feasible? Practical? Or just a dumb idea?

And oh yeah... where would I source color matching trim to replace some of the somewhat obnoxious chrome? (example: rear hatch band).

 

[peterk9]

In a different thread, Loganfilm wrote:

I'd be curious about where I could obtain the correct HID's for the foglamps.

I didn't necessarily want HIDs for headlights. But I'm wondering if just replacing the fog lamp bulbs with HID type would work well for those instances where I turn off the main road at night onto an unfamiliar gravel or dirt driveway in the pitch black woods.
Just looking for more light on rare occasions without mounting any external hardware.
Feasible? Practical? Or just a dumb idea?
And oh yeah... where would I source color matching trim to replace some of the somewhat obnoxious chrome? (example: rear hatch band).

I don't think it is as simple as just replacing the bulb. My Ex has the HID lights and I thought perhaps I'd upgrade them if I wanted better lighting. The manual states that if one burns out, I have to take it to the dealer to replace the bulb AND starter capsule assembly. I admit I was expecting better illumination from the HIDs. My former Highlander with the Phillips X-treme Power Bulbs provide better lighting.

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

It's not just the bulb. Usually a ballast is involved too.

As for the trim, maybe have it painted? Color?? I like the little bit of chrome. It's not bad.

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

I admit I was expecting better illumination from the HIDs. My former Highlander with the Phillips X-treme Power Bulbs provide better lighting.

Really? The HID's are not that great? This was the only option I did not get, that I wanted. I have every other option except HID's, Self Parking (what a joke I don't ever use a valet, not about to let a computer park her either) and Adaptive Cruise Control. The HID's in my Porsche are amazing light quality!

 

[peterk9]

Really? The HID's are not that great? This was the only option I did not get, that I wanted. I have every other option except HID's, Self Parking (what a joke I don't ever use a valet, not about to let a computer park her either) and Adaptive Cruise Control. The HID's in my Porsche are amazing light quality!

Well lets put this way Bill. On my first night drive, there was no WOW factor! I really expected better results. The upgraded Halogens in my Highlander seemed to provide much better long range lighting.

 

[JDraper]

You might want to look into a set of these to replace them. From what I've heard, they will fit in the holes. http://www.tirerack.com/lighting/detail.jsp?ID=1003

 

[SWEET ST]

Bill # 4 the self parking feature is awesome you and i would most of the time not get this baby parked in one shot like this feature does its awesome. Especialy when my wife is driving lol!!!

 

[sm4astan]

I thought it was illegal to have HID in your fog lights?

 

[JanChristian]

I'm wondering if just replacing the fog lamp bulbs with HID type would work well for those instances where I turn off the main road at night onto an unfamiliar gravel or dirt driveway in the pitch black woods.

Just looking for more light on rare occasions without mounting any external hardware.

Feasible? Practical? Or just a dumb idea?

And oh yeah... where would I source color matching trim to replace some of the somewhat obnoxious chrome? (example: rear hatch band).

If you want HIDs, you're going to need a little extra hardware. HIDs consist of three main components: ballast, ignitor, & capsule (bulb). Some ignitors are contained in the ballast, others are external.

HIDs in the fogs will definitely give you more light, but they'll also piss off other drivers if you use them anywhere but deserted roads.

It's definitely feasible, you just need an H11 HID kit. V-LEDs makes pretty good stuff. I have their "premium" digital slim ballast HID kit in place of my reverse bulbs and it's amazing. Here's their H11 kit: http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-HID-Headlights/H11/HID-Kits-Bulbs/V-HID-35W-SLIM-BALLAST-p9225417-1-2.html

If you want color matched moldings, you'll have to get them painted because I think all of the Explorer models come with chrome. I'm sure it's just plastic chrome though so you can scuff it up then paint.

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

And oh yeah... where would I source color matching trim to replace some of the somewhat obnoxious chrome? (example: rear hatch band).

I wonder if the trim piece could be removed, and "wrapped" in a colored 3M type film?

 

[rescue_31]

http://www.ddmtuning.com/products/101/

I came across these browsing through an f-150 forum. Seem to have good reviews.

 

[rescue_31]

@ bill, if you want, go do your local home depot / lowes and get a can of plasti dip, tape it off and spray it. It was a big thing in the VW community to get rid of chrome and shiny plastic parts. Its not permanent, and i might give you the look your after. I havent decided if i want to black out the chrome on mine yet, im not big on chrome.

 

[Edgieguy]

HID lights were not offered on our Edge Sport, only on the Limited... So I purchased a set from DDM Tuning.com. They offer HID kits from $45. Since I've used them in the past and had very good luck with them, I decided I'd use them again. I purchased a set of size 9006, 5000k color, 55watt bulbs, with slim ballasts. These replaced my stock hir2 bulbs in the projector headlamps. The color is a pure bright white, no blue tint at all. They fire up perfectly every time with automatic headlights turned on, and DDM's additional harness ($12.50). You do need to properly aim the projectors once complete, its one screw and very simple.
Im satisfied enough with the product and their customer service to recommend them. If anyone needs pictures, let me know. I plan on ordering them for the Ex too, headlights and fogs.

 

[Razziel24]

HID lights were not offered on our Edge Sport, only on the Limited... So I purchased a set from DDM Tuning.com. They offer HID kits from $45. Since I've used them in the past and had very good luck with them, I decided I'd use them again. I purchased a set of size 9006, 5000k color, 55watt bulbs, with slim ballasts. These replaced my stock hir2 bulbs in the projector headlamps. The color is a pure bright white, no blue tint at all. They fire up perfectly every time with automatic headlights turned on, and DDM's additional harness ($12.50). You do need to properly aim the projectors once complete, its one screw and very simple.
Im satisfied enough with the product and their customer service to recommend them. If anyone needs pictures, let me know. I plan on ordering them for the Ex too, headlights and fogs.

Please post some pictures, Ive bought from DDM for my BMW before and they are great, since my Explorer hasnt arrived yet, I dont know what kind of bulbs I should order. Are high and low beams inside the same projector ? I was wondering how that works, since on my BMW (E36 M3) high and low beams are on separated lamps....

 

[tmilicia]

I just purchased and installed a set of 6000k 9005 HID's from kryptonbulbs. They get just as good of reviews as DDM on all the forums I read. From what I've read, these are slim AC ballasts as opposed to the slim DC ballasts that DDM sells. Both are good, but I've heard that some DC ballasts tend to flicker a little bit.
The Explorer uses one bulb for both high and low in the projector. When you turn on the high beams, a little shield in the projector raises providing more light.

 

[rescue_31]

@ tmilicia, DDM states "All kits use AC bulbs and ballasts for increased reliability and lifespan." pulled directly from their site.

Can you post pictures of the components installed, and the lighting pattern.

@ eddieguy, please do post pictures, I am very interested in this because the stock halogens suck, and for the price, im looking into using the ddms possibly over upgraded halogens.

 

[tmilicia]

Thanks for setting me straight on the ddm's, I haven't been to their site for awhile so I was unaware that they also went to the AC balasts. They did used to sell the DC balasts though.

 

[rescue_31]

tmilicia,

Have you had any issues with heat? My only hesitation is that hid's will get hot and melt the fog lens's or bodies, or the wiring harness's

 

[tmilicia]

I have not had any issues with heat. I used the 35 watt kit and it was direct plug and play. They are a world of difference from the standard halogens that were in there. I only used them in the projectors and not the fogs. I used a different "whiter" 55w halogen in the fogs.
I was told by the owner of kryptonbulbs that the 35 watt bulbs are the best ones to use and you won't have to worry about heat issues. He said the 55 watts aren't that much brighter but they do burn a lot hotter, he doesn't even stock the 55's because of the potential problems.

 

[Razziel24]

So the bulbs should be 9005 then ? Ill go ahead and get the kit form DDM, thanks a lof for the info