Converting HIDs back to normal headlights

Mastodon2

Active Member
Feb 26, 2011
81
0
Newcastle
Hey guys,

I've got a 2003 Seat Cupra R with some HIDs that I would like taken out. They are in my opinion too bright and probably more hassle than it's worth come MOT time since they can cause "beam adjustment" issues. Tonight, I went out for a quick drive with my brother and they were flickering. They usually take a minute to warm up to full power but tonight, for the first 3 or 4 minutes of the drive they flickered intermittently. I'm thinking either loose wiring or a knackered bulb-head-thing.

I want to remove them, but understand that HIDs are a full kit with a rear reflector placed inside the lamp housing. Is it a bit of a job to go back to normal bulbs? Ideally, I'd like them back to completely standard spec. I am not sure what the situation is with the wiring behind the lights, I'm hoping the original wiring is still in there. Is this conversion something I could do myself or is it really a job for experts?

Personally I don't see what is so bad about normal lights, wish the previous owner had not fiddled with them in the first place, these HIDs are ridiculously bright!
 

jamie1

Active Member
Sep 28, 2010
352
0
south east
the original loom should still be there. you will need to remove both ballasts (the square power units) and obviously both bulbs. refit some standard bulbs and the original loom both sides should have the correct plugs on. its very easy to do.
 

Mastodon2

Active Member
Feb 26, 2011
81
0
Newcastle
the original loom should still be there. you will need to remove both ballasts (the square power units) and obviously both bulbs. refit some standard bulbs and the original loom both sides should have the correct plugs on. its very easy to do.

Thanks man. The missus's grandfather is an electrician by trade so I'm hoping if I have to do any rewiring he can keep me right so I don't make any hideous **** ups!
 

jamie1

Active Member
Sep 28, 2010
352
0
south east
if the hid's have been fitted correctly no wiring will of been chopped! its possible that they are powered off the battery, which there will be a loom which feeds off the battery to the ballasts, if there is this individual loom can be completly removed. if not the ballasts will be powered by the original lighting loom on the car so they can be just unplugged.
 

Fl@pper

Back older greyer and less oilier but always hope
Jun 19, 2001
12,366
24
Gloucester
make sure they are off for starters :)

unclip the bulb part on the left out the headlamp

follow the loom back to the box (remove)

follow wires back to the original headlight connector on the right (remove)

should leave you with a hole for a bulb + a connector to plug on to it
(& maybe a hole in the lamp cover that will need a grommet/tape or new one)


hid_conv_kits_large.jpg
 

Mastodon2

Active Member
Feb 26, 2011
81
0
Newcastle
Thanks guys, some good advice here. And to the poster above, I see you are a Maiden and Metallica fan, and that makes you a good guy in my book!

I will have to have a look under the bonnet on Saturday (car cleaning and attention day!) and see what I'm up against.
 

Fl@pper

Back older greyer and less oilier but always hope
Jun 19, 2001
12,366
24
Gloucester
cheers :rocker:

If you get stuck/unsure then just bang a pic or two up here and i'm sure someone will give ya a hand