Results 1 to 13 of 13

Thread: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

  1. #1
    Member Fuyuzora's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Ottawa
    Posts
    1,342
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    Disclaimer: I know I'm probably going to catch flak for posting this since questions on HIDs come up SO often... But I'm having a hard time finding a concise answer/confirmation via search. So hopefully you guys won't mind reading the conclusions I've come to from reading different threads and confirm whether I am correct or not.

    - - -

    I'm looking at joining the HID club, but I'm not terribly interested in getting a bargain-basement kit of questionable quality/reliability, so I'm sourcing my parts individually. Could someone please confirm that this list covers all of the necessary components for a 2010 MZ3?

    Bulbs:
    35W D2S bulbs rebased for H11 socket (x2)

    Ballasts
    35W Electronic Ballast (x2)

    Relay Harness
    H11 Compatible low-beam relay harness (x1)


    Also looking at changing my other lights, but those are simpler, as per the manual:
    - Fog Lights: 9006
    - High Beam/DRL: 9005 for GX/GS

    Cheers.
    Last edited by Fuyuzora; 03-02-2011 at 10:25 PM. Reason: Strikethrough on harness

    2010 Mazda 3 Sport - Gunmetal Blue Mica

    - Tints - LED Interior - Aluminum Pedals - Rally Armour - VG Sharkfin - Morimoto 5000k HID - Nokya Fog Lamps -
    - MS3 Rims - TWM Shifter - Eibach Pro-Kit - Koni Sports - Corksport SRI - Hella Supertones - Yakima Rack -

  2. #2
    Sr Member stevenma188's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Edmonton
    Posts
    4,791
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 9 Times in 7 Posts
    Mentioned
    7 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    For 2010, you do not need a relay. You can directly plug the ballast into the stock wiring.
    CURRENT: 2009 Subaru Impreza STI | 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 | 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500HD | 2009 BMW X5 3.5d
    GONE: Apparently too many cars to list in the signature....

  3. #3
    Member Fuyuzora's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Ottawa
    Posts
    1,342
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    Quote Originally Posted by stevenma188 View Post
    For 2010, you do not need a relay. You can directly plug the ballast into the stock wiring.
    Awesome, that would make it even easier.

    I did read that it might be a good idea anyways though due to power draw. Yea/nay?

  4. #4
    Sr Member stevenma188's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Edmonton
    Posts
    4,791
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 9 Times in 7 Posts
    Mentioned
    7 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    For 35W, you do not need a relay. Stock wattage for H11 is 55W.

  5. #5
    Member Fuyuzora's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Ottawa
    Posts
    1,342
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    Quote Originally Posted by stevenma188 View Post
    For 35W, you do not need a relay. Stock wattage for H11 is 55W.
    Sweet. I guess I was just overthinking the whole process.

    Thanks!

  6. #6
    Sr Member stevenma188's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Edmonton
    Posts
    4,791
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 9 Times in 7 Posts
    Mentioned
    7 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    No worries. Why not buy a kit from one of the sponsors here? ImportsTuning has kits for a good price, and offers 18 months warranty.

  7. #7
    Moderator cwp_sedan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    GTA
    Age
    41
    Ride
    07 Mazda3 GT Sedan
    Posts
    14,706
    Thanks
    498
    Thanked 256 Times in 151 Posts
    Mentioned
    73 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    Yeah unless you want to spend $500+ and get a really good kit, stick with the sponsors stuff, which is still decent. The guaranteed warranty is worth it.

  8. #8
    Member Fuyuzora's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Ottawa
    Posts
    1,342
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    Will definitely take a closer look at ImportsTuning and the other sponsors' offerings.

    Since I'm a ways away from the sponsors on the board I don't mind lone-wolfing either though.

  9. #9
    Newbie
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    97
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    Quote Originally Posted by stevenma188 View Post
    For 2010, you do not need a relay. You can directly plug the ballast into the stock wiring.
    Interesting. Do you know what determines this on other cars?

  10. #10
    Member Fuyuzora's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Ottawa
    Posts
    1,342
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    Quote Originally Posted by vinamack View Post
    Interesting. Do you know what determines this on other cars?
    By my understanding it depends on the DRL setup.

    On some cars, the low beams are also the DRLs - when the DRL circuit activates it chops the power supply in order to run it at reduced power; when HIDs are installed, this signal damages the electronic ballasts and causes flickering and other ill effects. The solution is to install a relay harness, so the HID ballasts can draw power directly from the battery when instructed to do so by the light circuit.

    On the 2010s it seems the DRL circuit it wired to the high beams, so no such problem.

  11. #11
    Jr Member Freakzaz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Markham
    Posts
    557
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    I've mentioned this before in other threads, but you could consider a DDM Tuning HID kit. I got mine for about $81 after tax and shipping, and its been running really well for like 4-5 months now.

    Oh and just a note, page 10-8 in your 2010 Mazda 3 owner's manual has all the bulb types, wattages, etc. listed!
    2010 Mazda 3 Sport GS - Graphite Gray Mica

    I've done some stuff to the car.

  12. #12
    Sr Member stevenma188's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Edmonton
    Posts
    4,791
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 9 Times in 7 Posts
    Mentioned
    7 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    Quote Originally Posted by Fuyuzora View Post
    By my understanding it depends on the DRL setup.

    On some cars, the low beams are also the DRLs - when the DRL circuit activates it chops the power supply in order to run it at reduced power; when HIDs are installed, this signal damages the electronic ballasts and causes flickering and other ill effects. The solution is to install a relay harness, so the HID ballasts can draw power directly from the battery when instructed to do so by the light circuit.

    On the 2010s it seems the DRL circuit it wired to the high beams, so no such problem.
    You are correct.

  13. #13
    Newbie
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    97
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Re: 2010 HID Installation Checklist?

    Quote Originally Posted by Fuyuzora View Post
    By my understanding it depends on the DRL setup.

    On some cars, the low beams are also the DRLs - when the DRL circuit activates it chops the power supply in order to run it at reduced power; when HIDs are installed, this signal damages the electronic ballasts and causes flickering and other ill effects. The solution is to install a relay harness, so the HID ballasts can draw power directly from the battery when instructed to do so by the light circuit.

    On the 2010s it seems the DRL circuit it wired to the high beams, so no such problem.
    sweet. good thing to know as a general rule of thumb. i ordered a harness for no reason. lol not even gonna bother to install it. that, and im lazy and its COLD

Similar Threads

  1. Accident Report Checklist
    By Skarbro in forum General Lounge
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 06-13-2013, 08:45 AM
  2. BIG Turbo Upgrade Checklist
    By REZXPERT in forum MazdaSpeed3 Modifications
    Replies: 25
    Last Post: 04-24-2008, 07:33 AM
  3. checklist for new car pickup?
    By -gb- in forum Buying a Mazda3
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 03-28-2008, 11:58 AM
  4. Pre-Delivery Inspecton Checklist
    By LegoMan in forum Buying a Mazda3
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 04-04-2006, 04:04 PM
  5. Car Pickup CheckList
    By RedRaptor in forum Mazda3 General Discussion
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 09-03-2004, 12:23 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •