This really is one of the most simple installations out there. The following vehicle used was a 2004 Nissan Armada SE. With most brands coming as "plug-n-plays" these days, I would say this job rates at a beginner level and shouldn't take you more than 1 hour. And intermediate to advanced mechanic should be able to complete this within 20 to 30 minutes.

Tools we used: #2 Phillips screw driver. 90 pick or small flat head. Cleaning solution like 409 and paper towels or rags.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

The kit:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01271.jpg

Close-up of the ballast:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01273.jpg

We chose to use Sylvania Silverstars for the high beams, as I am not a fan of waiting for the HID highs to heat up and turn on. Honestly, the low beams are bright enough as it is, and I feel the highs are a wasted expense...but it's really your choice!
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01274.jpg

THE INSTALL:

The easiest way to do it is to remove the screw(or screws) holding the wheel well lining in place and pull it back. This is what you'll be looking at...(headlight is up above, also NOTE the flat spot, it's the perfect place to mount the ballast)

1. Start on either side of the vehicle and turn the wheel the opposite direction of the side you plan on working on.

2. Use a #2 Phillips screw driver and remove the screw that secures the fender to the front bumper valance.

3. Use a 90 degree pick or small flat head to pull down on the hinged clip that holds the wheel well lining above the tire on the fender.

4. Carefully pull back the wheel well lining but don't bend it so much that it creases and cracks.

5. Along the side of the frame that holds the core support spray some cleaner like 409. Allow it to soak and wipe clean. Depending on how dirty it is you might need to repeat this step a few times and allow sufficient time for it to dry.:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01275.jpg

Now, you mount the ballast (like I said before, this flat spot works perfectly). Most kits will come with a double sided sticky pad or tape to mount it with. Some people are much more comfortable with screwing it on though...so it's your choice.

6. Using the double sided tape apply it to the back side of the ballast and firmly place it on the frame. Remember, if you didn't clean the frame adequately or didn't allow it to dry the ballast won't stick. If you feel more comfortable you can use some self tapping screws and permanently mount them in place.:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01279.jpg

Next, you swap the bulbs out...of course making sure to NOT TOUCH the bulb at all. Here, the bulb is installed, and the wire hanging, unconnected.

7. Remove the factory bulb by pushing on the snap lock and pulling down. Then turn it counter clockwise if you're looking at it from behind. And carefully replace it with the HID bulb turning it clockwise to firmly secure it in place.. Be careful not to touch the light bulb with your fingers leaving oil residue as this can cause the light bulb to overheat and explode in some cases.:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01278.jpg

8. Next conect the ballast wires to to HID wires.

9. Connect the separate plug wires to the red/red and black/black HID wires to the factory plug. Test headlight to make sure it functions properly.*

* In the event the HIDs do not turn on the first time, switch the wires that go from the factory plug in to the HIDs. It should be red/red and black/black, but sometimes they come from the factory installed incorrectly and you will need to switch it from red/black and black/red.:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01280.jpg

10. Carefully replace the fender well cover back into its original position and make sure the top fender is correctly in position before snapping the plastic hinge lock back into place.

11. Replace the screw using your #2 Phillips screw driver.

12. Repeats step 1 through 11 for the opposite side.



How to install upgraded high beams such as Sylvania Ultra Stars:

I would say this job also rates at a beginner level and shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.

No tools are needed.

1. Facing the front of the vehicle with the hood push on the snap lock and push down to remove the harness.

2. Turn the light bulb clockwise and pull out.

3. Carefully place the new light bulb into the headlight housing and turn it counter clockwise to tighten. Be careful not to touch the light bulb with your fingers leaving oil residue as this can cause the light bulb to overheat and explode in some cases.

4. Re-install the harness making sure it snaps back in to place.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the opposite side.


FINISHED PRODUCT PICS:

First turned her on, bulbs start out blueish-purple, and will get more white as they heat up:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01283.jpg

Front view after first turning them on:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01287.jpg

Far off view with just low beams:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01292.jpg

Far off view with high beams (Sylvania Silverstars):
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01291.jpg

Note: I used the latest kit out by Vision-X, my bulb rating was 8000K for any of you interested :)

Nice write up!!!! Thanks!!!! :thumbup:

Search Tags: high intensity discharge headlight

Nice write up!!!! Thanks!!!! :thumbup:

Search Tags: high intensity discharge headlight

No problem Pops...I just hope it helps some people out, or even makes people decide to do the swap :) Not only is it a cleaner look, but the safety issue is there as well...the HIDs make it so much easier to see.

I just wish I had gotten some more clear pictures!

I couldn't have said a better write up myself. Way to go babe! :ugogirl:

This is a perfect write-up, thanks! If Santa was nice to me this year I'll be doing this Dec 26th....who am I kidding, I couldn't wait that long....December 25th around noon! haha

This is a perfect write-up, thanks! If Santa was nice to me this year I'll be doing this Dec 26th....who am I kidding, I couldn't wait that long....December 25th around noon! haha

I'm very glad it helped you :) How did the install go? (if Santa was good to you haha)

Somebody needs to get into the manual writing business. That looked a lot better than a bunch I have read.

Somebody needs to get into the manual writing business. That looked a lot better than a bunch I have read.

Haha maybe I should contact vision-x?? lol

Haha maybe I should contact vision-x?? lol
Hell yeah, written better than an Army Manual!:thumbup:

Hell yeah, written better than an Army Manual!:thumbup:

Aww thanks...you guys are makin me blush :o

Aww thanks...you guys are makin me blush :o
It's about time and well deserved!!! Spyda always has the right thing to say. :thumbup:

It's about time and well deserved!!! Spyda always has the right thing to say. :thumbup:

Yes he does! Thanks guys :) I'm really glad it turned out ok, and understandable, and that it's helped at least a few members.

Great job on the write up. I'll PM you on some further questions.

Just recv'd my 5000K kit in the mail. Installed them earlier. Much brighter than the halogens (obviously), but I think I need to install fogs on the Mada. The great thing I noticed was that the harness is outfitted for fogs. SWEET!!!

Anyway... I like the difference b/t 5000K & 6000K. I have the 6s installed on my Accord. I like the 5s. I may swap the bulbs on the car for a set of 5s in the future.

I took pics showing one HID bulb installed & one halogen.

Driver's view:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Armada/ArmadaHIDs001.jpg

Frontal view:

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Armada/ArmadaHIDs002.jpg

Driveway shot of the complete install (driver's view):

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Armada/ArmadaHIDs004.jpg

Driver's view (Mada on the left w/ 5000K, AV6 on the right w/ 6000K):

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c326/zro26t_225/Armada/ArmadaHIDs005.jpg



Armada Chick... Thanks for posting the writeup! The ballast's mounting spot is a GREAT choice! :bow:

will be using these directions next week

ordered some 4300s and if i like the quality be ordering fogs and a pair for the mustang

Glad you guys found it useful :) !!

BlakSpyda I read the Army Manual and they was drunk when they wrote that, and thats why I joined the Navy back in the day, but sad to say, I ended up comin to find out that who wrote the Navy Manual was on Crack, so for that matter, our good friend Heather is a professional...

Danny got you trained real good...lol

Danny got you trained real good...lol

Hey now, hey now...Danny has nothin to do with my bein "trained"...watch yourself!

Denial, its ok, we understand...lol

Looks like the neighbor across the street might not love your new HID's.

hello is all hid bulbs the same? i just recieve mine 880, 9006 HId bulb. what is the difference? its the same size.

Wonderful job! However my question to you is do you get other drivers flashing you because they think your brights are on. They look great, but super bright. Can someone also where I should order the kit and pricing? Thanks a bunch!

Did anybody have issues with their wires burning.(melting) Plug n play kits is cheap on ebay but r they any good? Which plug and play kits r worth getting. I wanna get the cheap ones but not sure its gonna last long. The info on the install is perfect. I think my eight year son can do the install. 5 stars

i got no problems with hids i have. (DDM) i have them 5 months now and its still good. i hope it will last a year or more. this is the site check it out. http://www.ddmtuning.com/

Did anybody have issues with their wires burning.(melting) Plug n play kits is cheap on ebay but r they any good? Which plug and play kits r worth getting. I wanna get the cheap ones but not sure its gonna last long. The info on the install is perfect. I think my eight year son can do the install. 5 stars

VLEDS.com i have HID for the low beams and fogs...

Very well written!

Hello...I am new to this forum and I am thankful it is available. I just bought a 2004 SE and am very happy with it. The foirst mod I want to do is the HID conversion. Can you please answer a couple of questions for me:

1. Can you please specify exactly which Vision X kit you used in the write up? The show several and I want to make sure I order the correct one.

2. Do the bulbs that come with the kit act as the low beams with the Sylvania bulbs being the new high beams?

Thank for your assistance!

Readymixer
2004 Armada SE

This really is one of the most simple installations out there. The following vehicle used was a 2004 Nissan Armada SE. With most brands coming as "plug-n-plays" these days, I would say this job rates at a beginner level and shouldn't take you more than 1 hour. And intermediate to advanced mechanic should be able to complete this within 20 to 30 minutes.

Tools we used: #2 Phillips screw driver. 90 pick or small flat head. Cleaning solution like 409 and paper towels or rags.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

The kit:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01271.jpg

Close-up of the ballast:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01273.jpg

We chose to use Sylvania Silverstars for the high beams, as I am not a fan of waiting for the HID highs to heat up and turn on. Honestly, the low beams are bright enough as it is, and I feel the highs are a wasted expense...but it's really your choice!
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01274.jpg

THE INSTALL:

The easiest way to do it is to remove the screw(or screws) holding the wheel well lining in place and pull it back. This is what you'll be looking at...(headlight is up above, also NOTE the flat spot, it's the perfect place to mount the ballast)

1. Start on either side of the vehicle and turn the wheel the opposite direction of the side you plan on working on.

2. Use a #2 Phillips screw driver and remove the screw that secures the fender to the front bumper valance.

3. Use a 90 degree pick or small flat head to pull down on the hinged clip that holds the wheel well lining above the tire on the fender.

4. Carefully pull back the wheel well lining but don't bend it so much that it creases and cracks.

5. Along the side of the frame that holds the core support spray some cleaner like 409. Allow it to soak and wipe clean. Depending on how dirty it is you might need to repeat this step a few times and allow sufficient time for it to dry.:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01275.jpg

Now, you mount the ballast (like I said before, this flat spot works perfectly). Most kits will come with a double sided sticky pad or tape to mount it with. Some people are much more comfortable with screwing it on though...so it's your choice.

6. Using the double sided tape apply it to the back side of the ballast and firmly place it on the frame. Remember, if you didn't clean the frame adequately or didn't allow it to dry the ballast won't stick. If you feel more comfortable you can use some self tapping screws and permanently mount them in place.:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01279.jpg

Next, you swap the bulbs out...of course making sure to NOT TOUCH the bulb at all. Here, the bulb is installed, and the wire hanging, unconnected.

7. Remove the factory bulb by pushing on the snap lock and pulling down. Then turn it counter clockwise if you're looking at it from behind. And carefully replace it with the HID bulb turning it clockwise to firmly secure it in place.. Be careful not to touch the light bulb with your fingers leaving oil residue as this can cause the light bulb to overheat and explode in some cases.:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01278.jpg

8. Next conect the ballast wires to to HID wires.

9. Connect the separate plug wires to the red/red and black/black HID wires to the factory plug. Test headlight to make sure it functions properly.*

* In the event the HIDs do not turn on the first time, switch the wires that go from the factory plug in to the HIDs. It should be red/red and black/black, but sometimes they come from the factory installed incorrectly and you will need to switch it from red/black and black/red.:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01280.jpg

10. Carefully replace the fender well cover back into its original position and make sure the top fender is correctly in position before snapping the plastic hinge lock back into place.

11. Replace the screw using your #2 Phillips screw driver.

12. Repeats step 1 through 11 for the opposite side.



How to install upgraded high beams such as Sylvania Ultra Stars:

I would say this job also rates at a beginner level and shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.

No tools are needed.

1. Facing the front of the vehicle with the hood push on the snap lock and push down to remove the harness.

2. Turn the light bulb clockwise and pull out.

3. Carefully place the new light bulb into the headlight housing and turn it counter clockwise to tighten. Be careful not to touch the light bulb with your fingers leaving oil residue as this can cause the light bulb to overheat and explode in some cases.

4. Re-install the harness making sure it snaps back in to place.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the opposite side.


FINISHED PRODUCT PICS:

First turned her on, bulbs start out blueish-purple, and will get more white as they heat up:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01283.jpg

Front view after first turning them on:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01287.jpg

Far off view with just low beams:
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01292.jpg

Far off view with high beams (Sylvania Silverstars):
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i40/trublubeauty/Home%20Sweet%20Home/Our%20Vehicles/DSC01291.jpg

Note: I used the latest kit out by Vision-X, my bulb rating was 8000K for any of you interested :)


I love this idea, the information is useful and I hope it helps.Light Bulb (http://www.lyco.co.uk/)

Welcome to CA bentleejohnson!

Welcome to the club jerseymike68!

Hi guys,I just purchased a 55W 5000K HID kit for my 2006 Mada from Retro solutions.and was told by the rep that i need to purchase a wireing harness,because of a potential problem of the ballas shutting down because of low voltage,has anyone had any problems installing the kit without the harness?

Hi guys,I just purchased a 55W 5000K HID kit for my 2006 Mada from Retro solutions.and was told by the rep that i need to purchase a wireing harness,because of a potential problem of the ballas shutting down because of low voltage,has anyone had any problems installing the kit without the harness?

First thing to do, return that 55W HID kit and find another retailer who is more knowledgeable and/or trustworthy when it comes down to the products their selling.

The reason why a relayed wiring harness is needed is because the OEM wiring harness, electrical connectors in the majority of cars are designed for a surge (startup) current of less than 10 amps. A 55W HID kit draws much more than that at startup, and over time will damage the lighting circuits electrical connectors. In other words, it can burn out your OEM wiring harness.

Second, most of these so-called 35W/55W HID kits uses the cheapest bulbs available. NONE of these bulbs come close to the quality of Philips D2S/D2R burners(bulbs). Those 55W bulbs will create more heat and might even cause a hot spot inside the headlight and I'm sure that is something you don't want.

Trust me, stay with the 35W HID kits. Not that I'm a fan of any of these so-called aftermarket HID kits but their cheap, so its easily replaceable for most people.

Ditto Primo's thoughts on the 35w. You will have plenty of light with them. The only Mada's that we have found that have any voltage issues are the 2005MY. The digital ballasts have resolved that issue. Although not generally needed, some have gone with the relay harness for personal preferences. We don't have DRLs so there isn't much need for them. Your 55's should work regardless but I will reiterate Primo's thoughts to keep an eye on them especially if you drive a lot with them on. Headlight housings are not cheap.

Excellent write up! Simple, to the point and easy to understand. This write up, coupled with the HID Kit from ArmaDen made my installation seamless. Took me about 40 minutes total. I took my time on the first side because I checked and rechecked, then checked again. Making sure my surface was clean and dry and that my connections were tight, clear of any obstructions and that the connections actually produced a working HID.

I'll post some photos later...tried using my phone, but the pic was not good.

i just purchased my kit today for my mada and my maxima. I almost took off my whole front end to my mada and came across this. u saved my life with this tutorial. Thank u so much!

Now that would've truely sucked!!!

This might be a repeat but I installed the HID's for the headlights and fogs at the same time by pulling back the fender-well skirt which allowed access to the headlights and fogs at the same time. I also used the packaging from the HID's as a wedge to hold the fender skirt back to make the install easier.

Where are you guys placing the ballast when installing fog HID's. The I will most likely be drilling the ballast on just like I did with my lows so I need to know what is a good area for the fog's. Any suggestions/pics of any1's install would be greatly appreciated. TIA

There's plenty of space to mount the ballasts near the back of each set of lights as you will see when you pull the fender skirts back to start the installation.

There's plenty of space to mount the ballasts near the back of each set of lights as you will see when you pull the fender skirts back to start the installation.

For the fog lights correct. I have the ballast placed for my lows in the same exact spot as where this tutorial suggest. I'm having a hard time finding a nice solid spot to drill onto for the fog HID's.

Thanks for the write up. I have been waiting for this for a long time. Where can you buy this kit? are the harness/wires the same for the 010 aramadas compared to the 04 to 09 models? Thanks in advance.

Contact (PM) ArmaDen. He's the go to guy for your HID needs. He's got the quality kits at an extaordinary price!

Talk about a detailed write up! Very impressive!! I'll be printing this baby out when I’m ready to install the HID'S. Thanks Armada_Chick!

That was a great write up. Installed mine on Friday of last week before you did the write up, but i had some help from Armaden

Got the HID's and installed it last friday and Big Kudos to the FF: Armada Chick for the great write up, Dirty Cash for the link and ArMaden for the great product and service. Installation was a breeze.THANKS A LOT !!!

Sweet!!! I'm happy to hear you were able to install them with ease!!!

Is this any good ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HID-Conversion-Kit-Bi-Xenon-Kit-35W-Kit-avaliable-/180532592633?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a0894bff9

I am looking for a kit for my Nissan Armada 2005 SE.

Thanks,

Is this any good ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HID-Conversion-Kit-Bi-Xenon-Kit-35W-Kit-avaliable-/180532592633?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a0894bff9

I am looking for a kit for my Nissan Armada 2005 SE.

Thanks,

I have an eBay set my brother got for me and most sets seem to have one ballast that doesn't work so you end up buying more sets to get a pair... Buying from Armaden is a much better deal IMHO.... :D

This guy at eBay is close to where I live. I will pick it in person ... and make sure I'l get 35W, 6000 HID .... do u think this is good idea ?

I will message Armaden and see how soon I can touchbase with him. Thanks.

OK. I just installed mine and I love them. Great instructions, great product, and great service from Armaden.

Now the down side. The HIDs look so great, they now make my brights look pathetic! I installed, Silverstar Ultras, but they still look terribly yellow next to my 6000k HIDs. Anybody have any suggestions for improvement of the brights?

Don't spend the money on a Bi-Xenon kit (Hi/Low) for your Mada or Titan. The Highs and Lows are in different locations. That being said if you put an articulated bulb type in the low beam location you may run into trouble with the light dampener (the little silver piece that sits in front of your bulb to keep light from shining directly forward and not from the controlling reflector surface. Check the difference between the Low bowl and the High bowl and you will see what I am referring to. You will have to get separate kits for the Lows and Highs(if you choose to both). Ask any questions you have. Thanks Jason

Don't spend the money on a Bi-Xenon kit (Hi/Low) for your Mada or Titan. The Highs and Lows are in different locations. That being said if you put an articulated bulb type in the low beam location you may run into trouble with the light dampener (the little silver piece that sits in front of your bulb to keep light from shining directly forward and not from the controlling reflector surface. Check the difference between the Low bowl and the High bowl and you will see what I am referring to. You will have to get separate kits for the Lows and Highs(if you choose to both). Ask any questions you have. Thanks Jason

I guess the downside of having HIDs for the brights is the warm up time. Are there any that warm up quicker, or perhaps some other bulb type (for my brights) that doesn't look so yellow by comparison?

Finally, I did my HID conversion today. Now I n 35W, 6K lights !! looks absolutely wonderful !

Finally, I did my HID conversion today. Now I n 35W, 6K lights !! looks absolutely wonderful !

Did you upgrade your brights as well? If so, what did you use?

I know this post was done awhile back, but thanks for the photos. And DAMN those are bright!!! I'm squinting while I stare at the screen!!! LOL

I left them alone. I still have stock blubs in high beam

Did you upgrade your brights as well? If so, what did you use?

I left them alone. I still have stock blubs in high beam

Thanks. I did upgrade mine to the SilverStar Ultra's, but I'm still not happy with how yellow they are in comparison with the 6000k HIDs.

Can you just pull out the whole headlight if you are changing the lows and highs? Is it difficult to remove the headlight b/c I might be doing tinting of the blinkers and installing hids the same day probably.

Thanks ArmadaChick and Armaden. You made my conversion simple and painless.:)

I've bumped into another issue ... I installed the right side in 15 min. Perfect HID but the left side would not turn on after install so I put the factory bulb back in and that did not work either would this be a fuse issue? I know Armaden outta town so anyone have advice ...I hope this isn't a wiring problem .... I don't have the little tool either to pull the fuse to check ... So frustrating when I have to stop a project and wait lol

I've bumped into another issue ... I installed the right side in 15 min. Perfect HID but the left side would not turn on after install so I put the factory bulb back in and that did not work either would this be a fuse issue? I know Armaden outta town so anyone have advice ...I hope this isn't a wiring problem .... I don't have the little tool either to pull the fuse to check ... So frustrating when I have to stop a project and wait lol

Sounds like a fuse... Use a pair of needle nose pliers to pull the fuse.

Today I changed the blown fuse out on the left headlight, I tried flipping the connections around because I know sometimes they are made backwards and that blew a fuse as well. I believe this is a bad ballast and/or bulb as well. Any other suggestions? I was thinking of increasing the fuse but I don't want to run into fuse box issues and damage the wiring harness. Is there any way to get this working or you think the kit is bad?

Today I changed the blown fuse out on the left headlight, I tried flipping the connections around because I know sometimes they are made backwards and that blew a fuse as well. I believe this is a bad ballast and/or bulb as well. Any other suggestions? I was thinking of increasing the fuse but I don't want to run into fuse box issues and damage the wiring harness. Is there any way to get this working or you think the kit is bad?

See my answer in your other post.