2005-2009 Mustang Information on The S197 {Gen1}

Noise from HID headlights

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Old Sep 5, 2007 | 01:26 PM
  #1  
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Noise from HID headlights

I installed the VVME HID kit about a month or so ago and I love the improvement in lighting up the road.

However, last night while listening to NPR - and sipping espresso I noticed noise from the radio that went off when I turned off the HID headlights. No noise from the fogs. So I’m guessing bad ground. But, how do I test it?

Thanks
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Old Sep 5, 2007 | 03:21 PM
  #2  
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It might be interference from the HID wires......

I'm not sure how you would test for that though....

Originally Posted by gmichaelj1
I installed the VVME HID kit about a month or so ago and I love the improvement in lighting up the road.

However, last night while listening to NPR - and sipping espresso I noticed noise from the radio that went off when I turned off the HID headlights. No noise from the fogs. So I’m guessing bad ground. But, how do I test it?

Thanks
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2007 | 08:14 PM
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yeah, I was hoping someone would have an idea on how to stop the interference, or perhaps some "trap" I could install to cut the noise down.
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Old Sep 5, 2007 | 11:35 PM
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I dont know anything about the HIDs your using, or to be honest HIDs in general. However I do know some about automotive electrical.

IF your HIDs share a ground with one of your radio components it can cause interference.

Without knowing more about the set up I cant really suggest anything else, send me a link or explain whats involved in the installation I may be able to offer more suggestions
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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 03:07 AM
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From: Southeast Michigan
Originally Posted by gmichaelj1
I installed the VVME HID kit about a month or so ago and I love the improvement in lighting up the road.

However, last night while listening to NPR - and sipping espresso I noticed noise from the radio that went off when I turned off the HID headlights. No noise from the fogs. So I’m guessing bad ground. But, how do I test it?

Thanks
It sounds like exported EMI from the HID drivers. Definitely check the grounds first, but I suspect the electronics might be at fault. OEMs check for these things (it's expensive to utilize EMI chambers). The aftermarket generally doesn't bother.
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Old Sep 7, 2007 | 09:35 AM
  #6  
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one thing you could do is get ahold of a handheld AM radio and move it around in the vicinity of the HID wiring to see if it is an EMI problem. The AM radio should pick up the EMI.
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Old Sep 7, 2007 | 11:39 AM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by gmichaelj1
However, last night while listening to NPR - and sipping espresso
Surprised you're not from San Francisco
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Old Sep 7, 2007 | 12:01 PM
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Same setup, no issues here 5 months now on the car. Grounded each ballast on the radiator support.
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Old Sep 7, 2007 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Cavero
one thing you could do is get ahold of a handheld AM radio and move it around in the vicinity of the HID wiring to see if it is an EMI problem. The AM radio should pick up the EMI.
That is an excellent idea!

Originally Posted by dustindu4
Surprised you're not from San Francisco
I was kidding about the espresso.

Originally Posted by kevinb120
Same setup, no issues here 5 months now on the car. Grounded each ballast on the radiator support.
I'll look tomorrow. I think I may have used the same ground attachment that some stock compenent used. If so, I'll move it.

Thanks all.
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Old Sep 7, 2007 | 08:28 PM
  #10  
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From: Football HOF, Canton OH
Originally Posted by dustindu4
Surprised you're not from San Francisco


Nice Dustin

Solution to the problem... quit listening to NPR, and quit drinking espresso while in the Mustang.
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Old Sep 8, 2007 | 10:34 AM
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when I'm in the stang I listen to Saliva and Drowning Pool and the like, not so much NPR If I'm in traffic and want to listen to someone talk, I put on the ol #104 Raw Dog.
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Old Sep 8, 2007 | 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by kevinb120
when I'm in the stang I listen to Saliva and Drowning Pool and the like, not so much NPR If I'm in traffic and want to listen to someone talk, I put on the ol #104 Raw Dog.
Drowning Pool!!!!!!
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Old Sep 8, 2007 | 12:41 PM
  #13  
05GT-O.C.D.'s Avatar
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From: Football HOF, Canton OH
Bubba The Love Sponge show, Howard 101 is the only reason I keep my Sirius.
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Old Sep 8, 2007 | 02:56 PM
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Originally Posted by gmichaelj1
yeah, I was hoping someone would have an idea on how to stop the interference, or perhaps some "trap" I could install to cut the noise down.
You know, something else just occurred to me. I'm not entirely sure it's EMI. because the body of your car should act like a Faraday cage which would intercept the electromagnetic waves. I wouldn't rule out the bad ground, but I'd try the AM radio idea first.


And hey, there's nothing wrong with NPR. WOULD IT KILL YOU TO CULTURE YOURSELVES!!! Just kidding... I click on NPR once in a while to listen to the classical. I need something to round out the rock and metal I usually listen to.
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Old Sep 8, 2007 | 04:02 PM
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Why, there are at least 3 classical stations in full digital audio on Sirius. And if I feel like listening to classical, I have plenty of Vivaldi or Chopin I can simply burn onto discs. I save that stuff for quiet mid-week evenings with some good wine. When I'm in my car I want the bodies to hit the floor. Hopefully my HID's or my music will move people the hell out of my way.

I need a bumper sticker for my back window that says LIFE'S TOO SHORT TO BE STUCK BEHIND YOU


I'm going to have to make that now
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Old Sep 8, 2007 | 05:01 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by kevinb120
Why, there are at least 3 classical stations in full digital audio on Sirius. And if I feel like listening to classical, I have plenty of Vivaldi or Chopin I can simply burn onto discs. I save that stuff for quiet mid-week evenings with some good wine. When I'm in my car I want the bodies to hit the floor. Hopefully my HID's or my music will move people the hell out of my way.

I need a bumper sticker for my back window that says LIFE'S TOO SHORT TO BE STUCK BEHIND YOU


I'm going to have to make that now
LOL. Make one for me too. I'd pay for it.
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Old Sep 9, 2007 | 07:04 PM
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I switched the spot of the ground from what I'll call the battery ground (right next to battery) to another spot near the front of the car - problem gone.

As to NPR, I was listening to an interview that I found surprisingly fair. I had taken to calling it Liberal Public Radio, but lately they seem to (occasionally) have it better.
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Old Sep 10, 2007 | 12:09 AM
  #18  
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Another problem solved by me
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