Who knows about HIDs?

AJQS

AJQS

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I'm trying to find a decent aftermarket ballast for my FTO as the OEM ones have given up, and without a part number (that I can't find) my nearest Mitsubishi dealer can't get a replacement (as their computer does not cover imports, so they can't find it either!) and in any case given they charge over £100 for one bulb, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to afford a pair of ballasts!

All I want is a proper OEM quality D2S Ballast that isn't Canbus, with a plain old 12v input.
 
Not after no name Chinese rebrands, It's a bumper off job to get at the ballasts (and bulbs) for the HID lights on an FTO, I sure as hell ain't fannying about with that every time a Chinese ballast packs up! Proper manufacturers only, or ones that have a proven record of lasting years rather than months, weeks, days or even hours in the case of HID direct ballasts.
 
Why not just return to normal bulbs then you won't need to arse around with ballasts and make sure the self levelling and lamp washer system is working come MOT time? Now they're on the mot they aren't worth the hassle. Mine have been nothing but bother and they were reasonable after market ones so you'll be lucky if you do find any that will work reliably.
 
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HIDs ARE the standard bulbs, I do not condone anyone fitting HIDs in cars that aren't meant to have them. It's a very rare car and I intend to keep it as close to original as I can, Including HIDs, minus the factory ballasts of course which I've now found a part number for and they cost a measly £410 each!
 
And in a rather ironic twist, the headlights have just given up on the outgoing car....
 
Scuba diving lamps used to use Hid technology when I dived if that's any help. I think they have good longevity considering the harsh environment they live in. See BrighstartW and Halcyon products, there are others based around Welch Allyn, Darkbuster and Agir Brokk spring to my mind from a few years back.
Matt
 
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I don't think ballast units are actually that complicated so it might be possible to repair the ones you have. It could be something daft like one duff component.

I'd also check fleabay as I'm sure there was a second hand one for an
FTO on there when I had a look earlier. Any of the fto owner forums or jap car importers might have one. There's also a jap car breakers yard in
St Asaph so they might have something suitable.

There's also the breaker automated searches. If you have the part number then it is another avenue.
 
andrewc said:
Hella do an HID upgrade kit for some of their standard lamps.
Click to expand...

Ooh whilst looking for one of these I just came across a Valeo unit which appears to be what the OEM FTO ballasts are, but a fraction of what Mitsubishi want for them! I think we have a winner!
 
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