Hey everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone else notices when they turn on their HIDs they get static on FM stations? If I listened to FM radio Id be pretty annoyed, but luckily I use my iPhone for music.

I used a plug and play kit and never had this problem with previous cars. Kinda of strange...

Lights on = static. Lights off = commercials/music.

Thoughts?

 

yeah i get some static too, i have the ballasts mounted near the struts.

 

really? I have them mounted under my front bumper cover. no static. which kit are you running? what brand?

 

This is a common problem with HID kits. Get yourself a HID relay harness, it will correct the problem.

 

really all it needs is a relay harness? never really bothered me too much but if all i need is a relay harness then i'll pick one up.

 

Yea I mounted my ballasts on the flat supports near the struts too.

 

No it wont, I had the same problem and I still had static with the harness. I just stuck to listening to my iphone to solve the problem lol.

 

Just did a HID install and have the same problem.
Ran grounding straps to the frame as well it reduced it but it's still there.
Anyone try using a power line filter on the ballets / radio?

 

Im wondering if putting a square piece of rubber between the ballast and the chassis/mounting surface will eliminate it. Again, I use my iphone over FM all day, but this still shouldnt be happening. Its just my OCD saying hello =)

 

Not sure why the relay didn't work for you? I had static problems when I first had my kit, amongst other issues. I purchased a relay harness and haven't had any problems since. It's a good idea to have a harness anyway, since it draws the power directly from the battery, and won't fry your stock wiring. Chances of it frying the wiring are probably slim to none, but I'd rather spend the extra few bucks for the peace of mind.

 

35W HIDs wont fry 55W wiring. But youre right, a relay wouldnt hurt. I just dont think that would fix the problem.

 

It's not the wattage of HID bulbs that can fry wires, it's the amps that the ballasts draw on start-up. The newer digital ballasts draw less amps than the old analog ballasts, and are safer with OEM wiring. Some people still choose to add a relay for the additional peace-of-mind that it gives them. The older analog ballasts have been known to potentially fry OEM wiring even with 35watt HID bulbs.

Not arguing, just saying...

 

this

and i have my ballast mounted near the struts and i do not get any interference with my fm signals

 

I had the old analog balasts. I had them mounted on my fender aprons(by the strut towers) and used an insulator(window weld) between them and the body. I also had the relay harness and I would get slight interference in the FM band.

I've noticed some people have the issue and some don't, and there doesn't seem to be any one issue that causes the problem. I would think that the closer to the front of the vehicle you mount them(farthest from the radio and antenna) the better chance you would have of not getting interference.