Smart Madness HID System Installed - Page 2 - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum
Home News Models Alternatives
 
Smart Car of America - America's Largest Smart Fortwo Enthusiast Community   Smart Fortwo, smart car, smartcar
HOME FORUMS GALLERY

Go Back   Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum > Technical > smart Modifications > Interior & Exterior


Notices

SmartCarofAmerica.com is the premier Smart Car Forum on the internet. Registered Users do not see the above ads.
» Auto Insurance
» Supporting Partner
» Recent Threads
Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 09-23-2009, 07:51 PM   #11 (permalink)
Mom liked you better
SCOA Club
 
The Rigger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Michigan, unless I'm elsewhere.
Drive: Cabrio
Posts: 1,507
Thanks: 10
Thanked 74 Times in 46 Posts
Garage
Quote:
Originally Posted by Padawan View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Rigger View Post
The only issue I have is a "shadow" or darker spot in the projected light, toward the lower left corner of the beam pattern.... I spoke to Tim at Smart Madness about it this morning, and we'll see what the R&D team at the manufacturer comes up with.
Any updates?

Not as of yet... Tim? Boris? Any feedback from the factory?

The Rigger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2009, 11:12 AM   #12 (permalink)
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Drive: Brabus
Posts: 5
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Installed mine, but very unhappy with result

Hi. I just went to Smart Madness store on Saturday, and bought one of these "Innovative" HID Systems by Smart Madness.

And here is my story.

Unlike "The Rigger", I installed mine without taking out the headlight assy. Wasn’t too difficult. Just few scratches on my hand. :-P

1) I've took out my old H7 bulbs and pre-wired both HID systems.
(Gotta make sure you don't touch the bulbs)

2) Before putting them inside the headlight housing, I've turn on the HID so that it'll burn off any oil or dusts that are on the glass. (for about 5min)

At very first time I've turn on the headlight, only right side of the HID turned on. Left side didn't. So I turned off the HID at once, and turned it back on again, and now both side turned on. (I'm starting to wonder why.... at this point)

3) After the pre-burn stage, I've turned off the light, and inserted the bulbs inside the headlight housing, and sealed them with provided clamps.

4) After everything is in place, I've turn on the headlight.

...... AGAIN. only my right side turns on but left side didn't!!

So I've turned off the lights and turn it back on.
Now right side turns on instantly, but left side starts to flicker for about 3 seconds and turns on.

As many of you know by now, this is very typical symptoms to those cheap HID systems out there....

Just for the info, I don't have any excessive power-draining system (such as Fog lights, Speaker systems) to prevent from these HID system to turn on.


So on Sunday night, I've done some more testing and here is what I've found out.

1) Right side HID turns on most of the time. (1 time did not turn on after few flickers)
2) Left side HID DOES NOT turn on most of the time. (from cold start-up)
3) After few OFF/ON of the switch, left side will turn on.
4) When warm, both sides will turn on instantly without flickering.

Don't get me wrong, I think Smart Madness kit does have very "Innovative" design with their Ballast hidden behind the light bulb cap and all, and that is the main reason why I bought this system.
I would be 200% happy if I don't have this lighting issue.

I'm going to call SmartMadness today or tomorrow to see what they have to say about this, but I'm curious if anybody out there has installed their Smart Madness HID system and experiencing same issue as mine.

It’s embarrassing driving my Smart with only one side of headlight on.... :-<
roadster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2009, 12:40 PM   #13 (permalink)
Supporting Vendor
 
SmartMadness's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Signal Hill, CA
Drive: Cabrio
Posts: 2,700
Thanks: 43
Thanked 138 Times in 56 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by roadster View Post
Hi. I just went to Smart Madness store on Saturday, and bought one of these "Innovative" HID Systems by Smart Madness.

And here is my story.

Unlike "The Rigger", I installed mine without taking out the headlight assy. Wasn’t too difficult. Just few scratches on my hand. :-P

1) I've took out my old H7 bulbs and pre-wired both HID systems.
(Gotta make sure you don't touch the bulbs)

2) Before putting them inside the headlight housing, I've turn on the HID so that it'll burn off any oil or dusts that are on the glass. (for about 5min)

At very first time I've turn on the headlight, only right side of the HID turned on. Left side didn't. So I turned off the HID at once, and turned it back on again, and now both side turned on. (I'm starting to wonder why.... at this point)

3) After the pre-burn stage, I've turned off the light, and inserted the bulbs inside the headlight housing, and sealed them with provided clamps.

4) After everything is in place, I've turn on the headlight.

...... AGAIN. only my right side turns on but left side didn't!!

So I've turned off the lights and turn it back on.
Now right side turns on instantly, but left side starts to flicker for about 3 seconds and turns on.

As many of you know by now, this is very typical symptoms to those cheap HID systems out there....

Just for the info, I don't have any excessive power-draining system (such as Fog lights, Speaker systems) to prevent from these HID system to turn on.


So on Sunday night, I've done some more testing and here is what I've found out.

1) Right side HID turns on most of the time. (1 time did not turn on after few flickers)
2) Left side HID DOES NOT turn on most of the time. (from cold start-up)
3) After few OFF/ON of the switch, left side will turn on.
4) When warm, both sides will turn on instantly without flickering.

Don't get me wrong, I think Smart Madness kit does have very "Innovative" design with their Ballast hidden behind the light bulb cap and all, and that is the main reason why I bought this system.
I would be 200% happy if I don't have this lighting issue.

I'm going to call SmartMadness today or tomorrow to see what they have to say about this, but I'm curious if anybody out there has installed their Smart Madness HID system and experiencing same issue as mine.

It’s embarrassing driving my Smart with only one side of headlight on.... :-<
We have not had this issue happen with any of the HID we have sold. We will gladly exchange it for you and will stand behind the product as we always do.

We are closed on Monday, but we will be back in the shop on Tuesday. Give us a call and we will take care of it right away.
__________________
www.SMARTMADNESS.com- Selection - Service - Price www.SMARTMADNESSForum.com & www.smartcarClassifieds.com are live!
SmartMadness is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2009, 11:07 AM   #14 (permalink)
SCOA Club
 
slyck14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DFW, TEXAS
Drive: Passion
Posts: 52
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Just got the kit Friday and am just a little disappointed that there are no installation instructions in the kit. I can probably figure it out, but hints and best practices are always good to have. I really don't have time to disassemble the entire front end to do the install.
slyck14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2009, 02:08 PM   #15 (permalink)
Supporting Vendor
 
SmartMadness's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Signal Hill, CA
Drive: Cabrio
Posts: 2,700
Thanks: 43
Thanked 138 Times in 56 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by slyck14 View Post
Just got the kit Friday and am just a little disappointed that there are no installation instructions in the kit. I can probably figure it out, but hints and best practices are always good to have. I really don't have time to disassemble the entire front end to do the install.
Slyck14,

My apologies for the lack of printed instructions for the HIDs in the box. We uploaded a detailed set of instructions on installation of HIDs in our description on the site. Please follow the link below and scroll all the way down to the bottom of the description. Once you do you will see step by step instructions on how to properly wire them up and also how to troubleshoot if any issues arise.

smart car HID Conversion Kit by - Low Beams 4300k

We are trying to do what we can to cut down on waste of paper by printing out instructions. Since the install is pretty straight forward we decided to simply put them up on the site. This gives everyone a chance to see what is involved with the installation prior to purchasing and after.

We have been updating our site and the addition of instructions on the site is recent, so you may not have seen it earlier. My apologies for this. If you have any issues or need help do not hesitate to give us a call at 562-961-6800 (Tue-Fri 10-6 Pacific and Sat 10-4).
__________________
www.SMARTMADNESS.com- Selection - Service - Price www.SMARTMADNESSForum.com & www.smartcarClassifieds.com are live!
SmartMadness is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2009, 02:40 PM   #16 (permalink)
SCOA Club
 
slyck14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DFW, TEXAS
Drive: Passion
Posts: 52
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
My apologies-I did go to the site and put in the keywords but only came up with the kit site, no instructions-I'm really OK with not using paper!!! :-)
slyck14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2009, 02:55 PM   #17 (permalink)
Supporting Vendor
 
SmartMadness's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Signal Hill, CA
Drive: Cabrio
Posts: 2,700
Thanks: 43
Thanked 138 Times in 56 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by slyck14 View Post
My apologies-I did go to the site and put in the keywords but only came up with the kit site, no instructions-I'm really OK with not using paper!!! :-)
No problem!

Here is the direct link in case you did not see it in the post:

smart car HID Conversion Kit by - Low Beams 4300k

In the future here are a couple of things that may help with navigation. When you see an item on our site you should also see "Click on the picture for more details". When you click on the picture you will get an expanded view of each product and more details on it.

If you ever have a question or need some assistance give us a buzz and we will be glad to help out. Our number is 562-961-6800. We are in the shop Tuesday through Friday 10-6 Pacific and on Saturdays 10-4. If you ever get a Voice Mail it is only because all our lines are busy. Leave us a message or simply give it a couple of minutes and call back. Since we regularly install just about everything we offer to the community there is a 90% chance we can help you out over the phone. When you call and need some technical advise ask for Tim, Mark or myself (Boris). If it is product related all of us can assist (Rachel, Tim, Mark and myself).

Thanks and please do not hesitate to call and ask for help if you have any issues.

The biggest thing about HID's is making sure you get the new bulb in the light housing correctly. Make sure it sits in the slots right and then snap the securing spring in place.

We have had a couple of issues (2) where the light output was not very good. It was caused by the bulb being placed in the housing incorrectly and another issue was due to the lights being off alignment.

There is an alignment adjustment knob/screw (don't know the proper name for it) (white, round knob/screw with an allen head top) on the top side of the headlight. You can adjust the headlight by turning this. It is best to do this in the evening. Park on an even surface and shine the headlights on a wall. Then you can turn the screw and raise or lower the lights until you get the desired effect.
__________________
www.SMARTMADNESS.com- Selection - Service - Price www.SMARTMADNESSForum.com & www.smartcarClassifieds.com are live!
SmartMadness is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2009, 06:14 PM   #18 (permalink)
Mom liked you better
SCOA Club
 
The Rigger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Michigan, unless I'm elsewhere.
Drive: Cabrio
Posts: 1,507
Thanks: 10
Thanked 74 Times in 46 Posts
Garage
Quote:
Originally Posted by SmartMadness View Post
The biggest thing about HID's is making sure you get the new bulb in the light housing correctly. Make sure it sits in the slots right and then snap the securing spring in place.

We have had a couple of issues (2) where the light output was not very good. It was caused by the bulb being placed in the housing incorrectly and another issue was due to the lights being off alignment.
I did check the lamps... Twice. They're in correctly. Trust me; this ain't my first rodeo. But I still have those shadows in the beam pattern, coming from the electrode support inside the lamp envelope. Any ideas?
The Rigger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2009, 11:25 PM   #19 (permalink)
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Drive: Brabus
Posts: 5
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
My SmartMadness HID is fixed!!

Sorry for my late reply. (I've been busy driving my smart around :-D )

After having an issue with my SmartMadness HID Kit, I have taken it to SmartMadness and replaced my HID kits with brand new one.

Unfortunately, when I got there, my HID did not act up (figures!), but Boris was kind enough to take my words and gave me a replacement unit.

The result? AWSOME!!!
Oh what a difference!! It now turns on with 100% success rate. It now turns on very strong at the start and settles in few seconds.

Tim, Mark, and Boris, Thank you so much!!
It sure was a pleasure visiting the shop and got to know who stands behind Smart Madness.
You have created another Happy Smart (Madness) owner :-)
roadster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2009, 09:54 AM   #20 (permalink)
Supporting Vendor
 
SmartMadness's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Signal Hill, CA
Drive: Cabrio
Posts: 2,700
Thanks: 43
Thanked 138 Times in 56 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by roadster View Post
Sorry for my late reply. (I've been busy driving my smart around :-D )

After having an issue with my SmartMadness HID Kit, I have taken it to SmartMadness and replaced my HID kits with brand new one.

Unfortunately, when I got there, my HID did not act up (figures!), but Boris was kind enough to take my words and gave me a replacement unit.

The result? AWSOME!!!
Oh what a difference!! It now turns on with 100% success rate. It now turns on very strong at the start and settles in few seconds.

Tim, Mark, and Boris, Thank you so much!!
It sure was a pleasure visiting the shop and got to know who stands behind Smart Madness.
You have created another Happy Smart (Madness) owner :-)
It was very nice meeting you as well.

Glad you like the HID kit!

If we can ever be of assistance please do not hesitate to call.

Thanks again,
Boris
__________________
www.SMARTMADNESS.com- Selection - Service - Price www.SMARTMADNESSForum.com & www.smartcarClassifieds.com are live!
SmartMadness is offline   Reply With Quote
Today
 


This ad will not be shown if you are logged in.

Sponsored Links
Advertisement
 
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Smart Madness eye lids installed SunDiego Interior & Exterior 30 01-17-2010 01:28 PM
Smart Installed Armrest fmcdave Interior & Exterior 7 04-18-2009 05:36 PM
Thanks Smart Madness saw17752 smart General Discussion 2 03-13-2009 07:01 PM
New Cold Air Intake System from Smart Madness SmartMadness Vendor Marketplace 16 01-30-2009 08:58 AM
450 smart- no engine installed. Mitspowered Archive/obsolete (?) threads 1 05-03-2008 10:24 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:30 PM.



Smart Cars of America, LLC is not affiliated with, authorized by, associated with or have any connection with G&K, Zap, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz AMG, Mercedes-Benz McLaren Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, smart Canada Division, DaimlerChrysler, Chrysler LLC, DaimlerChrysler AG, Maybach, smart gmbh, a division of Mercedes Benz LLC, the manufacturer of SMART automobiles, smart USA Distributor, LLC, a division of Penske Automotive Group, Inc, the exclusive authorized U.S. importer and distributor of the smart vehicle or any of their official dealerships


Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.3.2
Garage Plus vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.
Ad Management by RedTyger