5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
will retrofit in the future...just had a few questions
I been reading that you would not need to make a harness for the ballasts because the low beam wire runs on its own? It is not connected to many other functions. Can explain this to me? Is it safer to run a harness, or is there no point to?
you should definitely make a relay harness to be on the safer side. if you draw power from your stock wiring, it can toast your stock harness int he future.
A harness has nothing to do with whether or not a circuit is on its own. The reason for the harness is to run power to the ballasts straight from the battery as opposed to through the stock headlamp wires. At startup, the ballasts can run up to 150W of current. Frequent use in this way will fry your stock wires.
__________________ 2009 Audi TT 2.0T --- THE BEAST! 2002 LE 4Cyl --- Gone, but not forgotten. 06/28/09
Glaring blue HID bulbs are NOT classy, and don't make your car look nice, no matter what that kid in the Civic told you.
you should definitely make a relay harness to be on the safer side. if you draw power from your stock wiring, it can toast your stock harness int he future.
No, not really. The stock harness is designed to handle 55 watts. The HIDs would require less wattage at operating time, more for initial startup but that doesn't last long.
No, not really. The stock harness is designed to handle 55 watts. The HIDs would require less wattage at operating time, more for initial startup but that doesn't last long.
Yes, the ballasts operate at 35W. But it is at about 150W for nearly a minute at startup. Its that whole "warm-up" process that you see with HIDs. Frequent on-off use at 150W through the stock wires WILL fry the wires and harnesses. I've seen it happen. Might not happen today or tomorrow, but it is inevitable.
__________________ 2009 Audi TT 2.0T --- THE BEAST! 2002 LE 4Cyl --- Gone, but not forgotten. 06/28/09
Glaring blue HID bulbs are NOT classy, and don't make your car look nice, no matter what that kid in the Civic told you.
^ yea but imagine if you start up often...would you want to chance it? NOt onlt that, but if you have a sounds system and you like to pump up the voume a bit, by making a harness and wiring it directly to the battery, you will take out the volatage drops on the low beams=no dimming
Yes, the ballasts operate at 35W. But it is at about 150W for nearly a minute at startup. Its that whole "warm-up" process that you see with HIDs. Frequent on-off use at 150W through the stock wires WILL fry the wires and harnesses. I've seen it happen. Might not happen today or tomorrow, but it is inevitable.
Yeah, make a harness or have someone make one for you. It is a simple safety measure that a lot of people don't undertake. Why? Who really knows.
__________________
Old Car: '03 Toyota Camry LE
New Car: '04 Black ES330 (Aftermarket sound/navigation system installed)
Always got something else in mind...
so it is best to make a harness. I guess i will to be on the safe side.
Most definitely. You do not want to fry wires because that'll be more stuff you have to trace and replace when it burns up not to mention it's a fire hazard.
It's right to note that overdriving the stock wires will overheat them and melt the jackets and risk short circuit and fire. If you use the stock rated fuses this is not likely to be a problem (assuming the fuse pops fast enough). My biggest advice for using an independent harness is that the current spike at startup will create more wear on the OEM column switch. The switches are mechanical and the arch created at contact is different than it was designed for. Once it burns the contact enough, you will start seeing problems with the headlights fllickering, dimming, or the switch seizing up. Changing that is more difficult than the effort to build a new harness. I should also mention that when you have your first problem with the HID lights not turning on (most people buying the knock-off or Chinese made kits will likely go through this) troubleshooting the failure is much easier with the harness.
Easy..just register at hid planet and there will be wiring diagrams in the university. THe plus about making your own is that. you can map out where wires can go to give the OEM look. instead of having wires everywhere
^true, I had someone make a harness for me and I sorta wish I made it myself because I have a surplus of wiring in the engine bay. I've never done any soldering so I didn't feel up to making my own. Crimping is also another option but soldering is supposed to be better.
__________________
Old Car: '03 Toyota Camry LE
New Car: '04 Black ES330 (Aftermarket sound/navigation system installed)
Always got something else in mind...
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
