Strong buzzing sound when HID headlights are turned on

LandVan · 07-17-2017, 01:40 PM

Just came back from a 1200 mile trip around CA. As I was pulling into my driveway, I finally noticed that there was a strong buzzing sound when I turned on my HID headlights.

It sounds like a computer fan.

I realize that this isn't a Sportsmobile issue or a Ford Van issue (they are aftermarket lights). I am just wondering if anyone has a known fix?

TheLetterJ · 07-17-2017, 02:40 PM

Only at startup, or even after they've warmed up? I've got no advice to offer, I just know that all of my HID's have had a really high pitched whine for about 30 seconds when they were first turned on.

LandVan · 07-17-2017, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLetterJ

Only at startup, or even after they've warmed up? I've got no advice to offer, I just know that all of my HID's have had a really high pitched whine for about 30 seconds when they were first turned on.

The buzzing starts as soon as I pull the knob for the lights. It doesn't seem to stop.

REF · 07-17-2017, 08:34 PM

Pop the hood and see if it's the ballasts, might need to replace them.

'03 Ford E350 7.3L Diesel
SMB RB50
Quigley 4X4
CCV top

carringb · 07-17-2017, 10:59 PM

X2 on a ballast. I'd buy new and replace ASAP. I had a noisy ballast, from the guys that sell the high-$ HID kits. Shortly after that, the entire ground burned up, and probably would have caught fire if the ballast didn't finally blow.

REDOVAL · 07-18-2017, 08:34 AM

Before looking into replacing items, try changing the ground for the side that is making noise. I have found that this helps most of the time. The buzzing you hear is the unit pulsing on and off like a PWM controlled motor. If that does not seem to help, try swapping the ballast to the opposite side to see if the noise continues or stays on the original side with the new ballast. If it follows the ballast it is likely the ballast; conversely if it stays on that original side you like have a wiring or harness issue to work through.

Where did you ground the ballasts?

Scott

LandVan · 07-18-2017, 05:09 PM

I will answer privately after I try a few of these tips. Thanks.

simplesez · 07-18-2017, 05:18 PM

non stop buzzing sounds like a ground issue to me.

LandVan · 07-25-2017, 09:05 PM

So, it wasn't the headlights or ballasts at all.

My power locks stopped working a few months ago due to a bad module. The modules are part of a board that powers the interior lights and locks. They are hard to find for a 1997 Ford E350 so my car alarm guy made a new board to power the locks. Everything seemed fine when I picked it up.

I rarely drive in the dark so I don't use my headlights very often. The sound seemed to be coming from the dashboard while driving so I didn't think about my power locks since it had been a few months and everything was working fine.

Anyway, my alarm guy accidently hooked up the headlights to his new board (wires were the same color).

He figured it out yesterday, disconnected the headlight wire and everything is good again.

REDOVAL · 07-26-2017, 07:55 AM

I am very happy to hear it wasn't the lights!

Scott