How to Rebase an HID Bulb

HID stands for “high intensity discharge” and it is usually used in places that need powerful lighting. The HID bulb is energy efficient and longer lasting type of lighting, although it may be more costly compared to the others. HID is also called as Xenon which refers to the gas used. HID lighting is usually found as street lamps and as stadium lights. Rebase is the common term for the glass swapping of a halogen bulb that’s replaced with a glass part of HID bulb. Recently, retrofitting to HID has become the trend which embraces the entire HID technology.

To find out more on this recent technological advancement in rebasing and retrofitting an HID bulb, let’s compare halogen to xenon bulbs. Although both bulbs use natural gas to enhance effectiveness, there remains a disparity between the two. The halogen bulb uses halogen gases that act together with the filament to produce light. It has the same light intensity all through out. Meanwhile, xenon bulbs use only xenon gas no filaments and the electric current does its work in creating HID light. Converting from a halogen to xenon headlights can be quite risky and expensive if the vehicle is not made for HID technology.

Step 1 – Removing the Headlight Bulbs

Detach your car battery and take note of the wires leading to the headlights. Then remove the headlight bulbs before laying out the HID conversion kit which includes HID ballasts, HID bulbs and wiring harness.

Step 2 – Install the HID Wiring

Now attach the HID wiring harness, including the power wire which comes from the battery then to the relay, which also connects the factory headlight wire to the relay. Make sure you check were the wires go, and that it is completely done before testing the bulbs.

Step 3 – Install the Bulbs

Attach the bulbs and make sure to set the ballasts and relays by using the instructional guide in the HID conversion kit. Secure their place by screwing them on dry areas such as under the hood. Make sure that the ballasts are located within approximately 2 feet off the bulbs and that they are properly kept in place and are away from wet areas. Using ties and looms, keep all the wires in its proper position. Properly check if the wires are away from the hot spots either near the engine or the transmission.

Remember to realign the headlights for a more focused lighting effect. Also take note that upgrading to HID bulbs is only allowed for off-road use only. Be sure to research the legality of this in your area.