1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

For those who installed HIDs

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by MegaMPG, Jan 16, 2011.

  1. MegaMPG

    MegaMPG New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2011
    25
    0
    0
    Location:
    Palos Verdes, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hey everyone,

    Just wanted to ask those who have installed HIDs what the process all entails. How does one run the wiring from the bulb to the ballast?? Is there a hole/opening/something to run the wire to the externally located ballast?? Do I have to drill holes?

    If anyone can help me out I would be more than appreciative. I am on a lease, so I dont want to do anything overly drastic.


    Pics are always a plus too, btw.

    Thanks,
    James
     
    #1 MegaMPG, Jan 16, 2011
  2. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2009
    791
    135
    0
    Location:
    Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Hey there MegaMPG. Wiring from the bulb to the ballast is all plug and play. It literally takes minutes to get everything setup right. All you have to do is find a place to mount the ballasts in your engine compartment. You shouldn't have any worries about installing the HID's. You can simply unplug everything, and put the stock bulbs back in if you want to return the car. The hardest part is trying to figure out a place to mount the ballasts. Check out my thread (link below). I used Velcro.

    http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...allation-finished-product-pictures-video.html
     
    #2 LulzChicken, Jan 16, 2011
  3. MegaMPG

    MegaMPG New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 12, 2011
    25
    0
    0
    Location:
    Palos Verdes, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    OK so the Prius Gen III has a headlight consturction similar to this:
    [​IMG]

    Because my previous cars (Audi, BMW, Infiniti) all had headlights like these..
    [​IMG]
    If you notice the bulb housing where the bulb goes is actually inside the headlight. So with my BMW since it was the only one not to come with Xenon or HIDs, I had to drill a hole to put the wires through to the Ballast.
     
    #3 MegaMPG, Jan 17, 2011
  4. Nuckz23

    Nuckz23 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2010
    127
    5
    0
    Location:
    Santa Clara, California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Just picked up my kit from DDM for under $45. It seems like everuthing is plug and play.
     
    #4 Nuckz23, Jan 18, 2011
  5. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2009
    791
    135
    0
    Location:
    Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Don't worry about drilling any holes. All the wires are accessible without any modifications. :rockon: You'll be fine.
     
    #5 LulzChicken, Jan 18, 2011
  6. RufusNapkin

    RufusNapkin New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2010
    36
    0
    0
    Location:
    California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Do HIDs result in more battery current being drawn? - I understand the bulbs themselves are low voltage, but the ballasts apparently get hot, so...
     
    #6 RufusNapkin, Jan 21, 2011
  7. house

    house Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2010
    17
    3
    0
    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    The ballasts draw about 5W apiece so it's normal they would run warm. Still current drawn is less than halogen bulbs, HID are more efficient. Zip ties are the best: cheap, strong, secure. Just find a hole or loop to thread the zip ties through. Ensure the ballast doesn't put weight on connectors.
     
    #7 house, Jan 22, 2011
  8. rstark18

    rstark18 Member

    Joined:
    Jul 4, 2009
    442
    75
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I used zip ties myself but also used very good double sided tape. That will also lessen the chance of the ballast rattling.
     
    #8 rstark18, Jan 29, 2011
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)