Horrible Amateur HID Install Job for a "Professional Shop" recommended by Nextmod

[fluidd]

Just wondering? Where is everyone getting their HIDs installed from?

I recently got mine done at an outsourced shop recommended by Nextmod.

Before the install, I confirmed with Peter if it would be a professional job, as I only wanted the best for my car.





Hi there,

Not sure if you remember me but back in Spring I picked up a pair of front 2004 Mazda 3 Rotors from you as well as Front Hawk Brake Pads.

I am in the market for a pair of HIDs (6000K) for my 2004 Mazda 3 GT Sedan. I was wondering if your shop can install them professionally? Also is it extra to make the fog lights the DRL? (Or is that the method required to install HIDs?)

Please hit me back with a quote. Thanks alot! Hope to do business with you again soon.

ya if you want the DRL mod we can do it at out other shop for $90

with the HID kit thats $120 + $90

I will do the full job with HID kit for $200 installed for you with DRL mod

let me know thanks =)

Awesome! I am very busy with exams this week. Will let you know as soon as I am ready to do it.

Just double-checking, your technician will tuck it away, securely and hidden away from where water can get to it and damage it right? (HID ballast) as well as covering the wires not leaving it exposed and all right? I just want to make sure it is a clean install. I've heard horror stories of other places doing a hack job. Not trying to insult you, just want to best for my car. :)

ya the job will be done at a professional install shop and everything will be a pro job. you have nothing to worry about =)

PROBLEM 1:

This shop did not seem professional at all. When I first arrived to the shop, they were looking up "HID Installs" on another mazda3 forum and then began printing them out.

In my head I was thinking: "Don't they know how to do this modification already?"

It is supposed to be a one hour or less job, and it took them more than 2 hours. I arrived there at roughly 2:45PM and was waiting until about 5:30PM when a buddy finally came by to pick me up and grab food.

They looked so confused, trying to figure out how to do the "DRL Fog Light Mod".

Question.. on a typical HID install job. Is it not common sense to wire the HIDs to turn on independently?

For example:
Off mode: No lights on.
One click: Parking Lights on only.
Second Click: Parking Lights stay on, Main Lights (HIDs) come on as well.
Third Click: Automatic Light Sensor (It was working fine on my GT model)

Instead? They wired it in such a way so that with one click, the parking lights and HIDs are on at the same time.

I brought this to Kevin's attention, but he said that I did not specify these terms and that if I wanted the above setting that it would be EXTRA.

If anyone can tell me if i'm wrong, feel free. I am in the dark here.

PROBLEM 2:

Upon closer inspection, all wires were not tucked away at all. Everything was left out in the open and exposed. The wires, coming from the ballast to the actual headlights had the plug exposed and prone to shorts if it came in contact with any metal from the car. Not even wrapped with electrical tape. They shoved all the wires inside my battery compartment. Is this what "Professional Jobs" are made of?

The ballasts were out in the open, therefore, exposed to water/dust damage. Not at all what Peter described in Private Message as a "Professional shop and Professional Job".

PROBLEM 3: When I picked up the HID kit from Kevin @ Nextmod. After paying, I asked for a receipt. He seemed very reluctant to give me one. Instead his reply was: "I signed your warranty card inside your HID kit, so that should be enough." Not professional at all.

I also did not receive this warranty card from the shop.



Don't get me wrong. I know you all have respect for Nextmod as they are one of TM3 popular sponsors. I have respect for them as well. In no way is this a hate thread about them, because they are all nice guys.. I am just not happy at all with this experience with them.

I mean, if I am paying a shop any money at all, one would expect a professional job and professional service. Would they not? This job is very poorly done and not worth the money at all. It turned out to be a hassle more than anything.

I am not a frequent nor am I an active participant of this forum, but everywhere I turn I see "Nextmod this, Nextmod that", so I decided to trust in their name, and was serverely disappointed after doing so.

I only post this to warn others that want to do the same thing, to make sure not to blindly trust anyone, and be sure to write everything in detail as to what will be done. I regret placing full trust in Nextmod.

I would never go back to this outsourced shop again. I will also post pictures of the install shortly.

I hope my next experience with Nextmod will be better.

[PearlM3]

:banhim Bad mouthing Nextmod will not be tolerated. haha j/k. In regards to the no receipt thing, trust me they are great at Nextmod, you will never have any problems with them, with or without receipt. In regards to the other shop, what is the name of the shop??

[sol_searchin]

I don't trust to many shop's, such an easy mod you should have done yourself and saved the headache!

[fluidd]

:banhim Bad mouthing Nextmod will not be tolerated. haha j/k. In regards to the no receipt thing, trust me they are great at Nextmod, you will never have any problems with them, with or without receipt. In regards to the other shop, what is the name of the shop??

SR "something".. forgot, as they didn't leave a positive experience in my memory.

19 Laidlaw
Mccowan/7

[fluidd]

I don't trust to many shop's, such an easy mod you should have done yourself and saved the headache!

Only reason why I didn't is, all this talk of "HID flickering" and stuff like that, and I really did expect a professional job, so decided to get it done at a shop instead myself.. (My mistake)

[fluidd]

Edit: Just found it. It was called "Select Right Car Detailing". 19 Laidlaw Unit#3 McCowan/7

[baymoe]

Informative writeup. Post a few pictures of the install as i'm curious to see the level of work.

To have him say it wasn't expected in the terms is simply irresponsible. Who wires the parking lights and main headlights together anyhow? Sounds to me to be a butchered job.

[Egierda]

I've never done business with NextMod. Something about that business just doesn't sit right with me...and I always find cheaper prices elsewhere.

Regarding the install, I would have done the research and completed it myself. Nobody lays a finger on my car except me - this is precisely why.


Best of luck getting everything sorted out! I would go back to the shop and raise hell.

[bluemazda3]

:pop

[towelsnap]

Originally I went to a garage to install mine and they had it setup with no clicks (lights off) the hids were on but would strobe like a cop car lol (no relay and a bunch of fail)

Than I got a friend aka "PRO INSTALLER" Gizzmo_jr he installed/corrected mine in 20 minutes and mine is set up that no click , no lights, one click (parking lights) both HIDS/parking and two clicks (same) ... (I'm an 06).

Overall I have had zero issues with Peter/Kevin with shipping or getting installs done... sorry this happened I've never been referred to the location you listed above I'd assume if you just talked to Peter he'd help you out or the TM3 could get you back on track best of luck

[Souls]

HID install on our 3's are almost as easy as installing new I.C.E. More lurking around on TM3 and you would've found out there's different "DRL fog mods" (I did the "non-firewall DRL Fog mod" from madza3forums.com, took all of 5mins) also you would've read (and maybe asked more questions) on the OEM DRL and how they make the HIDs flicker... which is easily resolved as well by using a relay. There are other ways to kill DRL's that research could saved you a lot of grief

live and learn

[kenghk]

HID kits are technically not legal for use on the road so maybe that's why you didn't get a receipt? As for the install, wiring to the parking lights to bypass the low voltage strobing is an easy way around the DRLs. No excuse for the sloppy install, my sister has electrical tape and shrink tubes......

[alho]

HID kits are technically not legal for use on the road so maybe that's why you didn't get a receipt? As for the install, wiring to the parking lights to bypass the low voltage strobing is an easy way around the DRLs. No excuse for the sloppy install, my sister has electrical tape and shrink tubes......

haha it's cause of cash!

[RedRaptor]

HID kits are technically not legal for use on the road so maybe that's why you didn't get a receipt? As for the install, wiring to the parking lights to bypass the low voltage strobing is an easy way around the DRLs. No excuse for the sloppy install, my sister has electrical tape and shrink tubes......

You would know about HID kits, wouldn't you Peter?

[Nextmod]

Sorry I wasnt there to help you with this issue. how ever, Kevin did tell you we will redo everything for you for free right?

we will be back open after the new years on the 6th. we have never had a problem with SR before. I am sure they will take care of everything for you. and if there is any extra charge we will pay for it.

[sol_searchin]

Seriously, that's the dumbest thing i've heard in a while LOL, HID's can be sold legally without an issue and a receipt HAS to be issued if you paid for the product! Sound's kind of sketchy, unless the OP paid cash and didn't pay tax on the total amount.


HID kits are technically not legal for use on the road so maybe that's why you didn't get a receipt? As for the install, wiring to the parking lights to bypass the low voltage strobing is an easy way around the DRLs. No excuse for the sloppy install, my sister has electrical tape and shrink tubes......

[Kevin@nextmod]

Question.. on a typical HID install job. Is it not common sense to wire the HIDs to turn on independently?

Yes it is perfectly normal that they would wire it independently if you have the 07-09. The 04-06 have the DRL on the low beams thats why they wire the HIDs to the parking lights, that way you will not be constantly running HIDs all day and all night long.

When i had my mazda 3. This was the way it was wired up. DRL was gone and HID low beam was wired to the parking lights. DRL fog mod was done by Year of the Rat on this forum.

Also when you stated you wanted the job done. I told me you wanted to install the HIDs plus the independent fog mod. So in our past experience, this is what and how we wire it up. After the job was done then you told the mechanic that you wanted the parking light to turn on alone and HID low beams alone and fogs alone. I'm not sure why you said were not clear on explaining but when you told us you wanted it done then we did it.

I do understand the part about the wire tucking. If you do'nt like how the wires are exposed then i will tell them to try to hide it. But to be honest with you, the mazda 3 don't have enough room to mount the ballast in a place where you can't see it and still be able to connect the wires to the bulbs. I'm sure a few of you have had problems trying to hide the ballast.

Also i know you have called me after the insatll and i did appologize about the bad experience you had. I talked to them already on the day of and said they will look into your car for you after the new year because they are very busy. You said ok and will give them a call after the new years.


When I picked up the HID kit from Kevin @ Nextmod. After paying, I asked for a receipt. He seemed very reluctant to give me one. Instead his reply was: "I signed your warranty card inside your HID kit, so that should be enough." Not professional at all.

I also did not receive this warranty card from the shop.

The reason i didn't give you a reciept is not because i'm hiding anything from you. The warranty card that is included in your HID kit already have our company stamp with name, address and number and date on it. We have sold over 100 kits in the past with the warranty card. If you insisted that you want one i can write you one with the samething that i already put down on the card. I did not refuse to give you one.


In the end, Nextmod is not a shop that will hide and run away with things that the customer is not satisfied with. You can ask majority of the members here are happy dealing with us and recommend customers to us. We will still help you the best we can and solve this problem for you . And of course with no extra charge.

[Kevin@nextmod]

Seriously, that's the dumbest thing i've heard in a while LOL, HID's can be sold legally without an issue and a receipt HAS to be issued if you paid for the product! Sound's kind of sketchy, unless the OP paid cash and didn't pay tax on the total amount.

We do give out reciepts if the customer insist to get one. It is not the full invoice receipt because the deal with a cash deal. If he insist on wanting one i would have given him one with our company stamp and date on it which is the same information already on the warranty card in the HID kit.


Than I got a friend aka "PRO INSTALLER" Gizzmo_jr he installed/corrected mine in 20 minutes and mine is set up that no click , no lights, one click (parking lights) both HIDS/parking and two clicks (same) ... (I'm an 06).

That is exactly how it is wired up and his car falls under the 04-06 year. I'm not too sure on the different HID installs now on the mazda 3 so i don't know if there are other ways to install it that will allow you to turn on everything independently. The way they did this has been used on the mazda 3s that we have sent there and a few lancers as well. The new lancers are wired the same way as the 04-06 mazda 3s which have the low beam as DRLs

[sol_searchin]

Fair enough Kevin, OP if this was a cash deal what did you expect lol

[MajesticBlueNTO]

I do understand the part about the wire tucking. If you do'nt like how the wires are exposed then i will tell them to try to hide it. But to be honest with you, the mazda 3 don't have enough room to mount the ballast in a place where you can't see it and still be able to connect the wires to the bulbs. I'm sure a few of you have had problems trying to hide the ballast.



wire tucking isn't that hard...all you need is some wire loom to shove the wires in and it looks like a clean, OEM job

wire loom going up over the fuse box has the HID wires:
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2296/1626227img.jpg

wire loom zip tied under the rad support has the HID wires (yes, that's a Big Bird chair staring at you):
http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/6973/1626229img.jpg

negative/ground wire wrapped in electrical tape:
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6327/1626228img.jpg

looking at the pics from my old 3's HID install, you can't see the wires for the HIDs and the wire loom hides everything nicely.

[Kevin@nextmod]

^^ That is a very clean install. I will tell the shop to do the exact same. Thanks for the pics . It wil be good to show the shop .

[tidus888]

First of all.. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

i usually just browse on different car forums and look at threads... but after reading the OP's post... i decided to register an account and post since I actually do know SR and Nextmod... and have dealt with both shops multiple time... i am a car enthusiastic myself with engineering background... and after a small talk with the install shop on your case, "SR". I would like to clear up the OPs confusion in the install.

Realistically, there are two ways to install hid's without intruding the firewall of the car!
1) use the original low beam plugs with a matching capacitor to flatten out the square wave power supply on DRL mode which causes flickering on the relay (which you should be using). This mode, your hid will be on basically all the time.
2) use the parking light wires as a trigger to the relay for HID.
This mode, your hid will be on when you turn on parking light(1st click) or low beam (2nd click).

As for the independent fog light mod. I talked with the installer about your concern.
I want to clarify one thing, if you go into the dealer to do accessory installations or some mechanical work, a lot of the time they will refer to the shop manual. Is that not professional enough that they have access to such resources?

Anyhow, to begin the install, yes, they did look into the DIY guide, but it was for the "Fog Light" part of the job, not HIDs. It is not uncommon for installers, even PROFESSIONALS to look into other peoples' install idea. (eg. remote start installers often browse the12volt forum for advises and share ideas!) But in your case, the installer didn't use the guide due to possible differences for US Spec and CAN Spec vehicles. The installer used the electrical manual, specific to your canadian spec mazda 3 and did the modification on the wirings connect to the "Passenger Side Junction Box". There are two DIY guide widely available, one is tapping the actual fog light switch wiring at the steering column harness (requires the removal of steering column covers and feed the wiring through the firewall) feeding the Negative(-) signal to the relay to control the fog light. The other one is doing the modifications at the PSJB. The guide they printed was indeed option 1, but they ended up doing all the work at PSJB with the diagrams available to them and expertise they have in electrical work (they did my audi's remote start system).

ok... so now.. the OP has problem with the shop not doing or had to charge extra for..,,,, INDEPENDENT headlight...

and from the electrical diagrams that SR showed me... we both agreed it can only be done one way... have the HID relay GND signal tapped directly to the headlight switch (meaning going thru the firewalle), but you would lose auto headlight as it is controlled by the "micro-computer" inside the PSJB ... and of course... extra feature comes extra price!...

I think the OP also needs to re-look problem 2.... i was told by the installer that "Dielectric Grease"(non-conductive grease) was apply to the oem headlight plugs (female end) to prevent oxidation and unwanted ground contacts. I would like to ask the OP if he covers up every single unused 110V wall sockets in his living space... and also.. thats why there is a fuse for the headlight.. even though it is rare for short circuit to occur.

as to leaving the ballast out in the open... please explain... most modern ballast have a really high threshold against weather wear and tear.... so... i guess as long as its inside the engine bay.. it should be good!.. as to the battery compartment... i cannot really comment on unless i see some pictures...

As to the problems with NextMod... i personally never had any problems with them what-so-ever... for the past two years.. i've spent problem 7G on parts from them... including 2 sets rims... BBK and some other miscellaneous items... whenever i had to order something... i leave deposit and when the item arrives.. they promptly call me... i even got HIDs for my beater accord and they did include the warranty card... some other members will say they can find cheaper stores elsewhere (even though nextmod's pricing is really competitive)... but to me... its about the service and reliability... if spending another $10-$20 more can make me happy... i surely would! and dealing with them for quite some time already... i will have to say.... Nextmod FTW



From the sounds of the OP, it seems like he/she is new to the world of modifications. He should be thankful that a install shop is taking their time and concern to try to perfect the job and not rush the the job and give you back the car in 30 mins and then charge you $80-90? if thats the case,,, why not go to a dealership (stealership) and pay $100/hr with "warranty"...

I would also hope that the OP would not "burn down" a shop due to possible miscommunication/misunderstanding... i see their vinyls everywhere these days... which shows they cant really be that bad... i mean.. come on!

Its good to express opinions on the forum... but just dun go too extreme!

now enjoy your car!!! haha!!!



ps. POST SOME PICS! :pics

[McGuyver_3]

Yes it is perfectly normal that they would wire it independently if you have the 07-09. The 04-06 have the DRL on the low beams thats why they wire the HIDs to the parking lights, .

That is a crock of BS. It all depends on how you hook up the relay. Ask any one of my previous customers how the setup was hooked up 04-06 I was able to have noclicks all lights off, first click JUST the parking lights and 2nd click parking lights and xenons and then auto. I suggest you do some homework next time before posting. BTW your outsorced shop WAY overcharged OP. Just throwing that out their


wire tucking isn't that hard...all you need is some wire loom to shove the wires in and it looks like a clean, OEM job

wire loom going up over the fuse box has the HID wires:
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/2296/1626227img.jpg

wire loom zip tied under the rad support has the HID wires (yes, that's a Big Bird chair staring at you):
http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/6973/1626229img.jpg

negative/ground wire wrapped in electrical tape:
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6327/1626228img.jpg

looking at the pics from my old 3's HID install, you can't see the wires for the HIDs and the wire loom hides everything nicely.

That does NOT look Oem or hidden. I am sorry but that is just way out their.

[Soyabean]

lol Dan to the rescue hahha

OP, i suggest you take Peter up on his offer. Hes willing to fix issue so this shows his professionalism. Although it is somewhat his fault for recommending you to that shop, it is not entirely his fault because he does not take part in the installation. Just take it back and hopefully they will fix your problem

[bluemazda3]

Dan's install was CLEAN... cant really see the wires.. and everything works awesome except for a burnt out bulb..

[Kevin@nextmod]

That is a crock of BS. It all depends on how you hook up the relay. Ask any one of my previous customers how the setup was hooked up 04-06 I was able to have noclicks all lights off, first click JUST the parking lights and 2nd click parking lights and xenons and then auto. I suggest you do some homework next time before posting. BTW your outsorced shop WAY overcharged OP. Just throwing that out their



That does NOT look Oem or hidden. I am sorry but that is just way out their.

Just to let you guys know. The $200 includes the HID itself. You're basically saying a shop is ripping someone off for charging $80 for HID install and the independent fog light mod? Just because your prices are competitive, doesn't mean they over charge. You don't own a shop so thats why you can afford to have good prices.

And be honest here guys. The shop did complete the job. Just because they did it the other way, it doesn't mean they failed to do the job. Yes i do understand that it didn't come out to the OPs expectation but the shop did say they will fix it with no charge. Also it was stated that the OP wanted the HIDs done and independent fog lights done and this is the way the shop does it. Their other customers that had it done was fine and had no problems with it. That is why we know that they can do it and we recommended them to the OP. I'm not sure if you can say its the shops fault or not because thats the way they do it and thats the way they help customer do it and had no complaints. If they knew they can do it the other way, then i'm sure he would've asked and see which one the customer wants.

I'm not here to try to blame anything to anyone either the shop or the OP. I just want you guys to be fair and look at both sides of this situation. I just don't understand why its unprofessional when there are 2 ways to have this done and the shop did 1 way and is considered wrong.

[Kevin@nextmod]

But anyways. I have said all i need to say and i'm going to stop posting here. As promised originally me and then peter that we will fix it according to the OPs expectation with no extra charge. If the OP chooses to contact me or peter, feel free anytime and we will do our best to solve this as soon as possible.

I just want to let you guys know the shops we recommend customers to are shops that we trust and have good feed back from. Not because they charge cheap or expensive. We don't make anything from installs from shops. And also we always try to satisfy every customer that walks in. And Nextmod do try to do more for customers then we have to. I'm sure the good feedback we get are all because of our good customer service that we offer.

So thats it for me.
Happy new year everyone and wish everyone the best of all the upcoming years.

[McGuyver_3]

But anyways. I have said all i need to say and i'm going to stop posting here. As promised originally me and then peter that we will fix it according to the OPs expectation with no extra charge. If the OP chooses to contact me or peter, feel free anytime and we will do our best to solve this as soon as possible.

I just want to let you guys know the shops we recommend customers to are shops that we trust and have good feed back from. Not because they charge cheap or expensive. We don't make anything from installs from shops. And also we always try to satisfy every customer that walks in. And Nextmod do try to do more for customers then we have to. I'm sure the good feedback we get are all because of our good customer service that we offer.

So thats it for me.
Happy new year everyone and wish everyone the best of all the upcoming years.

80$ seems fair with drl mod i misread that. I was under the impression just for the hid instal

[MajesticBlueNTO]

That is a crock of BS. It all depends on how you hook up the relay. Ask any one of my previous customers how the setup was hooked up 04-06 I was able to have noclicks all lights off, first click JUST the parking lights and 2nd click parking lights and xenons and then auto. I suggest you do some homework next time before posting. BTW your outsorced shop WAY overcharged OP. Just throwing that out their

since you're no longer a sponsor, why don't you post up the schematics of your method to help others out that want to do it this way?




That does NOT look Oem or hidden. I am sorry but that is just way out their.

some context behind the pics:

* that was in 2005 and was the first time i ever attempted wiring up anything in the engine bay of my old 3
* i am not a professional 12 volt installer nor claim to be nor have ever charged for installs
* the wires themselves were hidden inside the wire loom making it look cleaner than having bare wire exposed


opinions are like a$$holes and you're entitled to the former as well as be the latter. I have never attacked your work but can understand if someone pissed in your corn flakes this morning.

by the way, the proper use of the word is "out there", not "out their"

Cliff's Notes: GFY and have a happy new year :)

[McGuyver_3]

since you're no longer a sponsor, why don't you post up the schematics of your method to help others out that want to do it this way?




some context behind the pics:

* that was in 2005 and was the first time i ever attempted wiring up anything in the engine bay of my old 3
* i am not a professional 12 volt installer nor claim to be nor have ever charged for installs
* the wires themselves were hidden inside the wire loom making it look cleaner than having bare wire exposed


opinions are like a$$holes and you're entitled to the former as well as be the latter. I have never attacked your work but can understand if someone pissed in your corn flakes this morning.

by the way, the proper use of the word is "out there", not "out their"

Cliff's Notes: GFY and have a happy new year :)

My method was NEVER a secret. Everyone who wanted to know I told. I even made a thread about it a long time ago including the highbeam as drl mod.
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?20069-All-new-highbeams-as-DRL-mod&highlight=highbeam+as+drl+mod
You asked i delivered

Sorry if i attacked your work. its just not the way I would have done my work

[MajesticBlueNTO]

My method was NEVER a secret. Everyone who wanted to know I told. I even made a thread about it a long time ago including the highbeam as drl mod.
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?20069-All-new-highbeams-as-DRL-mod&highlight=highbeam+as+drl+mod
You asked i delivered

thank you. someone should sticky that schematic or move it to the how-to section.



Sorry if i attacked your work. its just not the way I would have done my work

you missed the point of my post, again...which is, if an "amateur" can hide wires using wire loom, a "professional" can do a better job.

[S.F.W.]

thank you. someone should sticky that schematic or move it to the how-to section.


done and done.

[tidus888]

Informative writeup. Post a few pictures of the install as i'm curious to see the level of work.

To have him say it wasn't expected in the terms is simply irresponsible. Who wires the parking lights and main headlights together anyhow? Sounds to me to be a butchered job.

to my understanding.. the parking lights were wired as a signal for the relay to turn on the HIDs... simple bypass of the flickering problem and disabling DRL.

[showa]

First of all.. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

i usually just browse on different car forums and look at threads... but after reading the OP's post... i decided to register an account and post since I actually do know SR and Nextmod... and have dealt with both shops multiple time... i am a car enthusiastic myself with engineering background... and after a small talk with the install shop on your case, "SR". I would like to clear up the OPs confusion in the install.

............................

From the sounds of the OP, it seems like he/she is new to the world of modifications. He should be thankful that a install shop is taking their time and concern to try to perfect the job and not rush the the job and give you back the car in 30 mins and then charge you $80-90? if thats the case,,, why not go to a dealership (stealership) and pay $100/hr with "warranty"...

I would also hope that the OP would not "burn down" a shop due to possible miscommunication/misunderstanding... i see their vinyls everywhere these days... which shows they cant really be that bad... i mean.. come on!

Its good to express opinions on the forum... but just dun go too extreme!

now enjoy your car!!! haha!!!



ps. POST SOME PICS! :pics

:agree


i usually just browse on different car forums and look at threads... but after reading the OP's post... i decided to register an account and post since i was there when the OP was picking up his car

to the OP fluidd, you dont know me and i dont know you and im not here to start a war or anything but i do remember seeing you the day you picked up your car from SR. i was there waiting and i saw that the SR technicians explained the HID job to you and you were satisfied. they showed you how its installed and how it operates and you were satisfied with the job.

and now you're confusing me with this nextmod and SR bash saying its a horrible job? did you not leave with a "smile and thank you" at SR when picking up your car after they showed you the work and explain to you what they did?

im just asking...

[S.F.W.]

i decided to register an account and post since i was there when the OP was picking up his car

but i do remember seeing you the day you picked up your car from SR. i was there waiting and i saw that the SR technicians explained the HID job to you and you were satisfied. did you not leave with a "smile and thank you" at SR when picking up your car after they showed you the work and explain to you what they did?

im just asking...

I'm just asking, what is your affiliation with SR? You just happened to be there, and just happened to browse this forum. You just happen to come across this thread. You just happen to defend SR voraciously. It seems as though you are employed or otherwise affiliated with SR. In which case, drop the facade and say so.
If it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck....I am thinking you are a duck.

[bluemazda3]

i think its a duck also... quack quack

[RedRaptor]

I'm just asking, what is your affiliation with SR? You just happened to be there, and just happened to browse this forum. You just happen to come across this thread. You just happen to defend SR voraciously. It seems as though you are employed or otherwise affiliated with SR. In which case, drop the facade and say so.
If it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck....I am thinking you are a duck.

Good call Ami. Its so obvious this newbie is from SR.

[mazdaskit]

i think its a duck also... quack quack

http://rlv.zcache.com/duck_says_quack_photosculpture-p1536799133358510103s98_400.jpg

[JonsMazda]

http://vocabmadeeasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/quack.jpg

[S.F.W.]

ok guys, let's keep this on topic please.

[TheMAN]

Seriously, that's the dumbest thing i've heard in a while LOL, HID's can be sold legally without an issue and a receipt HAS to be issued if you paid for the product! Sound's kind of sketchy, unless the OP paid cash and didn't pay tax on the total amount.

show me any kit that complies with CMVSS/FMVSS 108 or UNECE r98... if you find it with the "DOT" sticker on it, go inquire at Transport Canada or NHTSA for compliance certification... or with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe for a compliancy number. If you can find it and can produce such information from any of these three major regulating bodies for vehicle safety regulations, it is legal. If you can't (which I'm willing to bet money on), then they're not.

I'm sure we're all curious to know who you think said the dumbest thing after you have gone through with that investigation.

[S.F.W.]

show me any kit that complies with CMVSS/FMVSS 108 or UNECE r98... if you find it with the "DOT" sticker on it, go inquire at Transport Canada or NHTSA for compliance certification... or with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe for a compliancy number. If you can find it and can produce such information from any of these three major regulating bodies for vehicle safety regulations, it is legal. If you can't (which I'm willing to bet money on), then they're not.

I'm sure we're all curious to know who you think said the dumbest thing after you have gone through with that investigation.

I believe the difference is HID's can indeed be legally sold, but they are for "off road" use technically.

[TheMAN]

That is a crock of BS. It all depends on how you hook up the relay. Ask any one of my previous customers how the setup was hooked up 04-06 I was able to have noclicks all lights off, first click JUST the parking lights and 2nd click parking lights and xenons and then auto. I suggest you do some homework next time before posting. BTW your outsorced shop WAY overcharged OP. Just throwing that out their



That does NOT look Oem or hidden. I am sorry but that is just way out their.

I'm afraid I have to agree. There's only a few known and industry standard ways of DRL setups. The 3 isn't any different than any many other cars as far as how the headlights work. On many cars, the DRLs are just dimmed by a simple resistor. Remove it or bypass it and you get full intensity which will allow the ballast to function properly. Or you can simply connect the relay directly into the stock headlight connectors and have power from it drive the relay coils. You just simply source power elsewhere, like directly from the battery. I did this with my van to get less voltage drop to the headlights. Everything still works the way it should be, just no dimmed DRLs... and that is my point... there shouldn't be any reason why the headlight switch functions be reduced

Most people don't care for a tucked away factory look. I get the feeling from the OP that all he wants is a neat and professional looking install (we can't be the judge because of no pics) without a rats nest of wires. There's nothing that can excuse the fact that a roll of tape and some black wire loom can organise and PROTECT the wires. Simply just tossing the wires into the battery box and leave the ballast rattling under the hood is inexcusible. Why is that not double sided taped onto something? Why is it not screwed or zip tied on?

I don't know this shop, but the name says "Detail" on it... to me it sounds like they specialise in detailing cars and not anything else


One of the defenders mentioned "professionals"... As for professionals at dealers, they rarely ever look elsewhere for information. Call it arrogance, but many DIY information out there are amateurish and only a few measures up to professional standards, which is why nobody in shops bother wasting their time for it. They rather reinvent the wheel by looking through their known reliable sources... the shop manual and information available on subscribed internal information available on the computer... it is simply too risky to use 3rd party sources for parts or information for dealerships... anytime you have to deal with the outside, it becomes a logistic nightmare and things quickly get out of hand into one big headache.... this is why dealerships are the most conservative places you will ever go to as far as vehicle work, but they have to hold to the standard of consistency, which is why many people are willing to pay the price premium for the service
Will it take longer doing it this way? Quite possibly. Will it look more professional to the customer? More than likely because they don't see some guy trawling some internet forum for something someone did out under their backyard's tree. Will it get done right to the customer's satisfaction? Quite likely.

[TheMAN]

I believe the difference is HID's can indeed be legally sold, but they are for "off road" use technically.

tell that to Richard Van Iderstine at NHTSA down in Washington and he'll tell you that the "off road use" label is the biggest crock of bollocks ever conceived by man... in his eyes and NHTSA's eyes, it is nonsense and doesn't really apply as far as a regulated commodity.... the "off road use" label did not make any of the vendors or manufacturers of such illegal goods be immune to legal liability, especially since there is no stopping people from installing these on a road car nor there's any way for them to determine the intended application... call it retarded because the same thing can be said about people buying guns and the vendors not knowing the customer is using it to kill someone, but NHTSA does have oversight on any safety equipment related parts for vehicles in the US just like TC does in Canada... they operate under the "innocent until proven guilty" doctrine (unlike the UNECE) which is why it took a few years until they (NHTSA) cracked down on the HID kits after hearing many compliants from motorists and determined after investigation that none of the kits were complaint... but you can also argue that guns are standalone items and not a part that is to be integrated with something else that changes something drastically (in this case, HID kits which is a public danger)... vehicle regulatory bodies were created by governments in the interest of public safety... roads and cars are integral parts of everyone's lives, so that's why it is a highly regulated and very closed system... if this wasn't the case, people will be building cars out of their backyard

obviously TC sees it differently, so I guess that's why they never cracked down on HID kit sales like NHTSA did in the states... but it still doesn't mean they're not contraband

[tidus888]

I'm afraid I have to agree. There's only a few known and industry standard ways of DRL setups. The 3 isn't any different than any many other cars as far as how the headlights work. On many cars, the DRLs are just dimmed by a simple resistor. Remove it or bypass it and you get full intensity which will allow the ballast to function properly. Or you can simply connect the relay directly into the stock headlight connectors and have power from it drive the relay coils. You just simply source power elsewhere, like directly from the battery. I did this with my van to get less voltage drop to the headlights. Everything still works the way it should be, just no dimmed DRLs... and that is my point... there shouldn't be any reason why the headlight switch functions be reduced

Most people don't care for a tucked away factory look. I get the feeling from the OP that all he wants is a neat and professional looking install (we can't be the judge because of no pics) without a rats nest of wires. There's nothing that can excuse the fact that a roll of tape and some black wire loom can organise and PROTECT the wires. Simply just tossing the wires into the battery box and leave the ballast rattling under the hood is inexcusible. Why is that not double sided taped onto something? Why is it not screwed or zip tied on?

I don't know this shop, but the name says "Detail" on it... to me it sounds like they specialise in detailing cars and not anything else


One of the defenders mentioned "professionals"... As for professionals at dealers, they rarely ever look elsewhere for information. Call it arrogance, but many DIY information out there are amateurish and only a few measures up to professional standards, which is why nobody in shops bother wasting their time for it. They rather reinvent the wheel by looking through their known reliable sources... the shop manual and information available on subscribed internal information available on the computer... it is simply too risky to use 3rd party sources for parts or information for dealerships... anytime you have to deal with the outside, it becomes a logistic nightmare and things quickly get out of hand into one big headache.... this is why dealerships are the most conservative places you will ever go to as far as vehicle work, but they have to hold to the standard of consistency, which is why many people are willing to pay the price premium for the service
Will it take longer doing it this way? Quite possibly. Will it look more professional to the customer? More than likely because they don't see some guy trawling some internet forum for something someone did out under their backyard's tree. Will it get done right to the customer's satisfaction? Quite likely.

what you said is true...
but from the OPs post... he wants DRL disabled along and hids to be on only when headlight switch is switched to the headlight on position.... and refer to my post.. i did mention the methods already (might not be the most accurate, but 5 mins with the wiring diagram gave me those ideas)... also how the shop wired it according to my understanding...

in regards to your comment, i saw the diagrams in person on friday. The shop was indeed using the electrical troubleshooting diagrams provided by mazda canada... how they obtained it? i don't know.. but i can sure take a picture for you next time i visit them... so i personally don't see anything wrong with that...

out of curiosity, one question for the OP... did you personally watched the install (which i always liked to do) or sat in the waiting area and just simply wait?

[tidus888]

ops.. forgot to add one more thing... from what i recalled... SR did started as a car detailing business but then they got a mechanic to join and started offering mechanical services.. (i never liked washing my cars)...

but like i said guys... lets wait for the pictures.... i keep my fingers crossed... haha... hopefully i don't have to start inspecting my own cars after seeing the OPs picture!
:pics :pics :pics

[TheMAN]

from what I understood, he didn't want to disable DRLs, but merely make the fog lights become the DRLs
when you try to do something more complicated like this, you better be bringing your car that know these cars in and out... or you can stop being lazy and do it on your own driveway and be responsible for any mistakes

in any case, I do recall making fog lights be DRL doable without screwing up anything else in the car... it is a completely unrelated mod from an HID install... but my memory is a bit fuzzy and I don't care to perform illegal lighting mods

and service manuals/information are not state secrets... anyone can obtain them... it's just the matter of a cooperative dealer (use your social skills), and money
or you can just watch ebay like a hawk... which is what I did to get my manual for $35

[jwei]

http://imgur.com/tCp90.gif

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Lol this thread. There are a few ways to do every job guys. The way one shop might do it may not be the same as another. The best way to take care of things like this is research and communication.

Whenever I am getting a mod done, or having something installed by a shop that has open lines of communication I ask how the job will be done to make sure there are no surprises.


My HID setup, by far not the neatest/most oem looking thing ever but the wires are away from all moving parts, not overly exposed to the elements and most importantly (to me) done in a way that should something go wrong it's easy to swap ballasts/bulbs/inspect the relay to diagnose.

[PearlM3]

Lol this thread. There are a few ways to do every job guys. The way one shop might do it may not be the same as another. The best way to take care of things like this is research and communication.

Whenever I am getting a mod done, or having something installed by a shop that has open lines of communication I ask how the job will be done to make sure there are no surprises.


My HID setup, by far not the neatest/most oem looking thing ever but the wires are away from all moving parts, not overly exposed to the elements and most importantly (to me) done in a way that should something go wrong it's easy to swap ballasts/bulbs/inspect the relay to diagnose.

I did my install myself, and the main concern was being able to take it back apart without to much of a hassle, should something go wrong. Right now i'm glad I did that because I have one bad ballast and don't have a garage, so the quicker I can disconnect out in the cold the better.

Remember guys, the majority of us are not driving "show" cars, and the few of us who do, are not showing the engine bay, who really cares!

[TheMAN]

still not an excuse to have a rats nest of wires... that's a fire hazard!

[FoXy]

I vote to end this thread, it seems to be going no where now... everyone has said their peace so now deal with it outside of here... and for future reference, if you personally don't like a shop than don't go there again. Most of us at some point have had a bad experience with one shop, installer, or another. We live and learn. It often seems that unless there is some sort of personal relationship from yourself or a friend than it can lead to a bad experience with a shop. I usually ask my friends on here where they trust rather than ask a shop/sponsor you don't know personally.

[S.F.W.]

Agree with FoXy, thread has run it's course.

[fluidd]

All the BS put aside I would just like to clarify that Peter and Kevin have contacted me personally and they will be resolving this matter for me. I would just like to state that, I was not trying to disrespect Nextmod in any way, shape or form. I was simply unhappy and wanted to share.



.. I'd assume if you just talked to Peter he'd help you out or the TM3 could get you back on track best of luck

Peter was away on vacation at the moment, and Kevin was the only one available


Sorry I wasnt there to help you with this issue. how ever, Kevin did tell you we will redo everything for you for free right?

we will be back open after the new years on the 6th. we have never had a problem with SR before. I am sure they will take care of everything for you. and if there is any extra charge we will pay for it.

On the day of the install, I called Kevin immediately after to try and sort things out. He actually did NOT say that I would be getting everything re-done for free at that time, and was basically stating that if the shop were to re-wire and re-do everything that it would cost extra.



Yes it is perfectly normal that they would wire it independently if you have the 07-09. The 04-06 have the DRL on the low beams thats why they wire the HIDs to the parking lights, that way you will not be constantly running HIDs all day and all night long.

When i had my mazda 3. This was the way it was wired up. DRL was gone and HID low beam was wired to the parking lights. DRL fog mod was done by Year of the Rat on this forum.

Also when you stated you wanted the job done. I told me you wanted to install the HIDs plus the independent fog mod. So in our past experience, this is what and how we wire it up. After the job was done then you told the mechanic that you wanted the parking light to turn on alone and HID low beams alone and fogs alone. I'm not sure why you said were not clear on explaining but when you told us you wanted it done then we did it.

I do understand the part about the wire tucking. If you do'nt like how the wires are exposed then i will tell them to try to hide it. But to be honest with you, the mazda 3 don't have enough room to mount the ballast in a place where you can't see it and still be able to connect the wires to the bulbs. I'm sure a few of you have had problems trying to hide the ballast.

Also i know you have called me after the insatll and i did appologize about the bad experience you had. I talked to them already on the day of and said they will look into your car for you after the new year because they are very busy. You said ok and will give them a call after the new years.

The reason i didn't give you a reciept is not because i'm hiding anything from you. The warranty card that is included in your HID kit already have our company stamp with name, address and number and date on it. We have sold over 100 kits in the past with the warranty card. If you insisted that you want one i can write you one with the samething that i already put down on the card. I did not refuse to give you one.


In the end, Nextmod is not a shop that will hide and run away with things that the customer is not satisfied with. You can ask majority of the members here are happy dealing with us and recommend customers to us. We will still help you the best we can and solve this problem for you . And of course with no extra charge.

Actually, before anything was done on the car, I verified with the mechanic there if they would have everything independent and he said "Yes he will do it", also, he said "whatever is in this thread on here I will do it".. That is why when it was done, I verified if all was complete and they didn't have it done. I then asked if they could please have it done, they said that it would take 30 mins. I then left the shop to get food and when I came back after 30 mins, they began saying that they didn't do it and that its only for "USA" models?

I also have not received that warranty card yet from them.

Also, I am not trying to disrespect Nextmod in any way, I just wanted to voice out my opinion and bad experience. If you had told me right away that everything would be fixed for free before hand, I wouldn't have wrote this thread up.


Fair enough Kevin, OP if this was a cash deal what did you expect lol

I will pay with debit from now on.


:agree


i usually just browse on different car forums and look at threads... but after reading the OP's post... i decided to register an account and post since i was there when the OP was picking up his car

to the OP fluidd, you dont know me and i dont know you and im not here to start a war or anything but i do remember seeing you the day you picked up your car from SR. i was there waiting and i saw that the SR technicians explained the HID job to you and you were satisfied. they showed you how its installed and how it operates and you were satisfied with the job.

and now you're confusing me with this nextmod and SR bash saying its a horrible job? did you not leave with a "smile and thank you" at SR when picking up your car after they showed you the work and explain to you what they did?

im just asking...

Reason why I smiled and acted like everything was okay, was because I didn't want to cause a storm. I knew that one of the other install guys were in a rush and wanted to leave because of the attitude he gave me "Shaking his head" when I told them I wasn't happy with the job. What would standing there demanding for something to be done, do for anyone there? Its like an angry customer complaining to a regular average joe worker. Nothing will be done unless you complain to the higher ups. That is why, I saved my breath and complained directly to Kevin (Nextmod) since he was the one who recommended me to the shop.

Also, if you can read my thread properly, I am not bashing Nextmod or SR, If you all read my last few paragraphs of my post that I highly respect them and I have already done business with them in the past which is why I wanted to go back.

All other bullshit and comments, I am not going to bother replying to it because it is a waste of my time. You can think what you want and say what you want. At the end of the day, none of it matters.

This is all I would like to say and S.F.W. you can close it up if you would like. Anything more would just be unnecessary.