How to install HIDs on 04-06 Mazda 3

[stevenma188]

In case you aren't already aware of this, the 04-06 Mazda 3 uses the same bulb for the low-beam headlight as well as the Daytime Running Lights (DRL). This causes some problems with the installation of aftermarket HID kits, causing the bulbs to flicker. There are several workarounds, including splicing into the parking lights, disabling DRL, using a premade anti flicker device etc. After much research, I found that you can use a DIY solution, all while retaining DRL function, and no splicing of stock wiring.


Required things:
1. HID Kit with Relay Harness - I ordered mine from Import Tuning (sp3GT)
2. 4700 µF Capacitor - I used a 16V one, although 35V will also work
3. ~1hr time

Part 1: What is included in the HID kit, and a review of the Import Tuning kit



2 Slim ballasts - I was surprised how "slim" the ballasts were. Most pictures I've seen of other kits came with much larger ballasts.



Relay Harness



Bulbs x 2 - I ordered 8000k


Part 2: Prep work

Relay Harness




Bulb - You need to cut up the rubber piece holding the 4 wires together, separating the bulb from the other set of wires. You will only need the wires off one bulb, but keep both rubber pieces and use them as bulb spacers. Slip the rubber piece behind the back of the bulb in lieu of the H7 bulb spacer.

[stevenma188]

Part 3: Actual Installation

Stock Halogen lighting (with fogs on)

1. Run red power wire into the battery compartment using existing opening (do not connect yet).
2. Plug in the signal wire taken from the bulb into the battery side stock headlight plug. Wrap the capacitor leads around the plugs. Be aware of polarity on the plugs (Black to black), as well as the polarity of the capacitor (Side with stripe and "-" sign is negative). Wrap the whole thing with electrical tape.

3. Plug signal wire into harness, plug ballasts into harness, Mount the ground terminals to any bolt on the car that is in contact with something metal on the car. It is up to you where you mount it for ease of running the cables. Plug bulbs into ballasts. (I forgot to take a picture of my wiring, I will probably do that later)
4. Attach the positive terminal of the harness onto the positive terminal on the battery
5. Test it out.
6. Tidy up all your wiring.


End result (With Nokya Hyper Yellow fogs)


Installing Nokya Hyper Yellow H11 Bulbs
As for installing the Nokya Yellow bulbs, I had a total brain fart today. I undid the panel and the wheel well, and got access to the bulb, but for the longest time couldn't figure out how to remove the bulb. I found a guide for changing the bulb, and briefly looked at the pictures. For some reason I couldn't turn the bulb. I got frustrated and ended up pulling the entire front bumper off. Turns out, you can't turn the bulb unless you unplug them first.
Otherwise, changing the fog bulbs would be super easy, just be prepared to get a bit dirty when you reach under to get at the bulb. (I don't know why I can't find the guide for changing the bulb right now, I believe it was from M3F. I will look for it when I get home and check my history)



Here is a picture with the Nokya installed in the left, and stock in the right. Although the camera wasn't able to pick up the difference, the Nokya were very yellow.

[yearoftherat]

Nice write up..FYI the premade anti-flicker device is also a capacitor.
If you see my write-up here: LINK its basically the same...no splicing of stock wires,etc.

Also in regards to installing the H11 fogs, I've never had to remove the bumper/ unplug them to swap the bulbs.

[stevenma188]

Ya, I was just being stupid and didn't figure out that you have to pull the plug first before twisting the bulb out.

[urbanjoe]

I have an 05 with HIDs and the only problem I have with flickering is when I put it to the "auto" function. If you don't mind turning the lights on manually every time then you wont have a problem with flickering, or as already stated put in a relay or anti-flicker.

[stevenma188]

Ya, basically my method is to DIY an anti-flicker device.

[stevenma188]

As promised, pictures of my ballast placement:





Driver Side



Passenger Side


Here are some more pictures of the lighting:

[Rob23]

i still dont understand how these fit into your headlights do you have to modify them?

[stevenma188]

^ sorry are you referring to the rubber piece I used as a bulb spacer?

[Rob23]

the bulb, do you remove that clear plastic cap off it or somthing?

[stevenma188]

Ya that clear plastic cub is only used to protect the bulb during transit.

That picture shows it a bit better. For our car, see, the black piece behind the bulb, thats a required spacer. I just used the rubber piece that came with the bulb instead of buying one.



Here is what the bulb looks like without the protective case.

[Rob23]

so the bulb fits in the same way, with the pin to lock it down and the ruber seal and plug?

[stevenma188]

Yup it fits in the same way. However, there will be a gap between the metal base of the HID bulb and the retainer clip, hence the need for a spacer.

[Rob23]

im just using the regular hid h7s and they always burn out in like 6 months, drives me crazy. will the bulbs that come with the kit last at least a couple years?

[stevenma188]

Your "regular HID H7" are actually just normal Halogen bulbs with a bluish tint on it. These should last longer than those fake HID bulbs. My kit came with 18 month warranty.

[sp3GT]

im just using the regular hid h7s and they always burn out in like 6 months, drives me crazy. will the bulbs that come with the kit last at least a couple years?

I sold this kit to Steven, and I can assure you it will last a few years for sure.

And all our kits come with a 1.5 yr warranty, so you won't be disappointed.

[Rob23]

Your "regular HID H7" are actually just normal Halogen bulbs with a bluish tint on it. These should last longer than those fake HID bulbs. My kit came with 18 month warranty.

i know they're not real HID, very much considering this tho. thanks for the info

I sold this kit to Steven, and I can assure you it will last a few years for sure.

And all our kits come with a 1.5 yr warranty, so you won't be disappointed.

sounds good, ill probably be gettin this for my next mod.

[htc***]

I just curious.

1) How many relay harness do you install? 1 or 2.
2) Does your HID also use at a DRL for daytime and regular headlight for nightime/whenever you turn on the light.

Thanks.

[yearoftherat]

1) You only need one relay harness.
2) B/C he used a DIY capacitor, the HIDs are now his DRLs. The output will the same when you turn the light switch on.

[stevenma188]

Thanks YOTR.

[sp3GT]

Just wondering if you're using the capacitor in place of the relay harness, can that be wired somehow to use high beams as DRL for 04 - 06 cars?

Or would you still need a 2nd relay to achieve that?

[yearoftherat]

Just wondering if you're using the capacitor in place of the relay harness, can that be wired somehow to use high beams as DRL for 04 - 06 cars?

Or would you still need a 2nd relay to achieve that?

IIRC, he used the cap with the relay. Look at my thread to see how its hooked up: LINK

AFAIK no one has tried to hook up their High beams as DRL on 04-06 cars.

[stevenma188]

Ya, I hooked up the cap to the relay.

[sp3GT]

IIRC, he used the cap with the relay. Look at my thread to see how its hooked up: LINK

AFAIK no one has tried to hook up their High beams as DRL on 04-06 cars.

I thought RedRaptor did?

[Thrizzl3]

I thought RedRaptor did?

he did..and steven has that mod too..