HID Lights Flickering/ Blinking During Start Up

[PK470]

Mud,
I ordered and installed TRS H1 HID light kit not too long ago. However, I noticed a slight flicker/ blink ONLY on the driver side during initial start up. Sometimes it blinks continuously for like 7 secs, sometimes just a couple of secs.

I have been in contact with TRS support team (extremely helpful by the way) with an effort to troubleshoot the problem but without success. Keep in mind, the flickering/ blinking only happens on one side so below is what we have attempted so far;

1) Switch HID light bulb from side to side.
2) Switch the ballasts from side to side.
3) Disconnect the double relay plug connection and switch with the other.

Every single troubleshooting step as outlined above failed to transfer flickering/ blinking issue from driver side to passenger side bulb.

Is there something I am missing? I am stamped.

 

[TheFuzz]

I doubt that it's a problem with the individual bulb or ballast - the problem is probably the factory wiring harness not allowing the ballast to receive enough voltage during startup. Are you running an aftermarket wiring harness with your HID kit? If not, I would get one or make one. The harness will allow the ballasts to draw directly off of the battery during startup, eliminating the chance of any voltage spikes causing the issue you describe.

 

[Gottagetone]

Ive seen this happen when not all of the connections are solid. Also, did you purchase a 55w set up, if so did you install a relay?

 

[RobRed]

Wiring was my first thought

 

[staggrlee]

Also, did you purchase a 55w set up, if so did you install a relay?

I have TRS 35W ballasts and their XB35 bulbs. I planned to wire in relays in any case but tried to fire them during the test fit via the stock wiring. Even the 35s wouldn't fire without relays.

 

[PK470]

Guys,
Thank you very much for all your input.

Below is what I ordered;

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=3959

The entire kit came with the bulbs, ballast, relay and complete wiring harness. TRC are sending me a replacement wiring harness. Hopefully, it solves my problem.

I will keep you posted.

 

[2000UZJ]

Guys,
Thank you very much for all your input.

Below is what I ordered;

http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=3959

The entire kit came with the bulbs, ballast, relay and complete wiring harness. TRC are sending me a replacement wiring harness. Hopefully, it solves my problem.

I will keep you posted.

Feel free to PM me. I'm not in the office today but I can trouble shoot with you tomorrow when I get in.

Nick

 

[Wilsil]

I had the same with my HID spotlights.
They flickered and hummed.
I upgraded the wiring to heavier wire and problem was solved.

 

[PK470]

Problem Solved!!!

Just wanted to give an update on this issue.

With the help of 2000UZJ, I finally solved the flickering/ blinking issue 100%.

Like many members on here suggested, upgrading to a more high grade wiring would solve the problem.

Alternatively, on the side of the car that flickers, simply splice the -ve terminal of the wiring harness that connects to the ballast, then provide additional ground to it. Easy as that.

Thank you all for your contribution.

 

[Big D 917]

I have a 2016 Toyota Tundra Platinum Series Crewmax. Today I had 55 watt 5000k HID headlights and 55 watt 5000k fog lights installed. Wouldn't have expected any issues but low and behold, I started the truck and the drivers side only gives a real quick flicker when the lights go on. I had these professionally installed.

Looks like I will be bringing the truck back next weekend to get this remedied.