Johnny Rad

I am looking to "upgrade" my GX to aftermarket HIDs (that's a shame Lexus didn't include it as original equipment, but that's another story). Either one of the aftermarket HID sites or Motorweek TV mentioned that HIDs don't last forever. I don't even know if this sounds reasonable?!

First, what "wears out" or needs replacing over the years? How long until that happens?

Anyone replace their factory HIDs with either another factory set or aftermarket AND notice an improvement?

AYEmike

the OEM BALLAST are made to last longer than the car itself.. the bulbs will not, you can change it to different Kelvins.

Spyder78

iTrader: (7)

I find that statement to be untrue. I have gone thru 2 ballasts since owning the car. Ballasts are usually rated to last around 6000 hours and the bulbs 3000 hours.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

The OEM ballasts are built like tanks. They will last much longer than the bulbs, but like every electrical component, there is a failure rate.

Most of the failures I've seen are due to the user turning on and off the lights continuously within a short amount of time. I limit myself to 3 turn on/off per hour.

AYEmike

i keep mine away from the auto function, my lights always turn on when i park under my carport.

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

My stock HID bulbs went out after 9 years. With quality OEM bulbs like Philips, they will last a long time so no need to worry about changing bulbs every few years.

GCOP

I have a 98. I don't do to much night driving, but as mentioned, 3000+ hours is reasonable. Ballasts, will/should outlast the car

I put in aftermatket 6k fogs, and high beams, obviuosly those were a huge improvement. My OE were swapped for 6k's a "little" bit brighter, but prolly because they were new.

Got mine from www.hidhouston.com 5 year warranty.

Johnny Rad

Good stuff, team. Thanks.

JoelGs

iTrader: (1)

Mine is OEM since day 1 and had not replace it yet so that mean it has been 7yrs as to date...

karatelex

Have mine now about 3yrs and still good.I dont have the original.I have m-tec hid 6000k

GSJake

iTrader: (21)

Mine too.
Is it bad for them to turn on when I leave in the morning, then off after 2 minutes. Same when I get home, on for i minute when I get in then off..

Thanks.

GCOP

My auto function is always on, no problems.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

As long as its not continuously turning on and off within a short amount of time, you're fine. But like many things, parts will wear whenever you use them.

TheKoosh

yep, 8 here

istundra

iTrader: (2)

Agreed. I leave mine AUTO as well.

However, there is a lot of advised that due to the voltage spikes at 25,000 kV (D2R\D2S) during power up of these CPU's would create abnormal wear on the chips. Recommended to leave a good 5 minutes for them to cool down.

Not sure if it is the ignitors or the ballast itself, but ours is integrated 1pc, so it doesn't matter anyway.

2pc Matsu****a was my fav. The ones from the early 1st gen G35.