HIDs flicker when engine is on?

Question

I just bought new headlights that came with an HID kit. I got them installed and everything was working just fine until I turned the engine on.

When the engine is NOT running, the HIDs work just fine. But as soon as I turn the engine on I get warnings on the dash, and they start to flicker on and off.

Anybody got an idea on how to fix this? Ive tried my friends ballasts and everything. I read somewhere about a resistor or capacitor?

Thanks, Blake.

Answer 1

I didnt read your question completely, but I get the point.  Headlights flickering means unstable current, plain and simple.  This can mean a bunch of things...

1. Your wires for power OR ground are not sufficient.  This mean to check the size of the wire, and to check how clean the connections are... Nice polished metal or gold connections...

2. Your alternator is providing a unstable voltage, and providing a erratic pattern on the lights.  A capacitor is usually used in a sound system for such sistuation, but never heard of HID's doing that.

3.  Could it be vibrations while causing this, when driving? Not sure on this one...

4. Check your voltage at the battery terminals, at idle.  It should read over 12.7 volts for sure if your charging the battery.  More like the 14v  range, no joke.  If it is draining power, like a bumping sound system, than you found your problem, a worn out alternator or battery.  

Good luck.  Anymore questions ask.  

Answer 2

Mercedes have  computer  on board control  your headlights,  if you replaced with other then what it  is programed  before you got  warnings on the dash, go to  mb forum  that a lot of  guy there  talking about  HID replacement., or just go to dealer to reprogam your  computer for headlight.

Answer 3

headlight switch needs replaced most likely old and new voltage they draw more power also smaller pulley on ATL.

Answer 4

You're missing a part that will step-up the power to the new headlight. O.E systems have an "igniter" that is basically a transformer, it boosts the voltage to the headlight assemblies.

Answer 5

Check the wiring to your lights seems to me you got some electrical wiring issues.  Start by checking the head lights wires and follow them to (fuse box or where ever they go).  Sometimes if a wire isn't in all the way when your engine starts it might have issues getting enough power from the fuse box and the battery.