Folks,

Ok, I've been struggling with an issue that I can seem to pinpoint. Wondering if anyone else has had this same issue or if you guys can feed me ideas on things to check?

Here's the story...

I upgraded to DDM HIDs, all went well. Looks great. HOWEVER - Whenever there is any road vibrations, I can see the passenger side beam jiggle. Looks like a ghetto car (no offense). It's driving me NUTS!

Here's what I've done that has not solved the problem: swapped driver side and passenger side bulbs and had GM replace the entire headlight assembly (for a discovered manufacturer defect, but that rules out a bad assembly IMO).

I've also placed the original halogen bulb into the assembly and did not see the jiggling. My assumption is that the halogen is not bright enough to show the imperfection. Maybe I'm wrong.

Here's what I've done that has helped the problem, but only temporarily: Adjusted the projector up less than a half inch. My assumption to this is that the gear driven height adjustment system for the projector tightened up any gear slack and therefore the projector itself could not move as much. Have no idea though how the system really works.

Is it the inner projector? Or something on the chassis/body affecting the entire headlight assembly? I have no idea...

The only thing I can think of is to remove the entire headlight assembly and look at what could be affecting it. Nothing I really want to do...

If anyone has any help they can provide on this issue, I would be REALLY appreciative!!

I'm willing to try out suggestions to get anyone more info.

Thank you in advance,
Dan

Its more than likely the HID bulbs, when you seat them in the sockets make sure you use a flat headed screwdriver to push all the tabs into their respective seats, you'll need to push the hid clockwise or counterclockwise (dont remember) a few mm's to get them to slot into their places properly. I had to do this in mine after i noticed i could move the bulb a little out (one tab wasn't correctly secured), they are a very tight fit but you have to make sure all the tabs are secured and the bulb does not move when manually trying.

Its more than likely the HID bulbs, when you seat them in the sockets make sure you use a flat headed screwdriver to push all the tabs into their respective seats, you'll need to push the hid clockwise or counterclockwise (dont remember) a few mm's to get them to slot into their places properly. I had to do this in mine after i noticed i could move the bulb a little out (one tab wasn't correctly secured), they are a very tight fit but you have to make sure all the tabs are secured and the bulb does not move when manually trying.

Britt,

I know exactly what you are talking about and have verified the bulbs are seated correctly. They do not move easily at all and are snug.

Thanks,
Dan

What about the poor dealer that replaced the headlight assembly for free when that wasn't the problem?

Loose high beam shield? Did that get replaced as part of the assembly?

What about the poor dealer that replaced the headlight assembly for free when that wasn't the problem?

The headlight was replaced due to a manufacturer defect - There was a black wire pinched in a screw inside the headlight assembly. They will not help me out any further since this is an aftermarket modification. So I am on my own to figure this out. I guess it's good to not see anyone else having the issue since it gives me hope there is something I can eventually find to fix this problem. I just don't even know where to look...


Loose high beam shield? Did that get replaced as part of the assembly?

AZ-Volt, thanks for the input - yes this was replaced as part of the assembly. The entire headlight assembly was replaced. This too is something I thought of.

I'm more inclined to think it's a manufactured design problem with the actual projector height adjustment system... But if no one else sees this on a bumpy road then I have no basis.

Well sure seems like there has to be a headlight mount issue given the steps you've taken.

You've evidentally eliminated the bulb & headlight assembly (though I suppose the latter might be bad still unlikely)

I live on a dirt road and have not had any problems with the standard lights.

Does it also bounce and shake when the HIR bulb is installed? If not then it's definitely the bulb. The easiest fix is to get a new replacement bulb. But then again you said you switched them. IS it more of a flicker? If so it could be something with the ballast...

Well sure seems like there has to be a headlight mount issue given the steps you've taken.

You've evidentally eliminated the bulb & headlight assembly (though I suppose the latter might be bad still unlikely)

This is what I'm thinking... I gotta take the assembly out to start to piecing this whole thing together... :/


Does it also bounce and shake when the HIR bulb is installed? If not then it's definitely the bulb. The easiest fix is to get a new replacement bulb. But then again you said you switched them. IS it more of a flicker? If so it could be something with the ballast...

I know bj, it just doesn't add up... Like I said I think I don't see the bounce when I have the HIR bulb installed because it is not as intense of a beam. I wouldn't say it's a flicker. I've also swapped ballasts...

Now you know why I'm about pulling my hair out and having to reach out to you guys for a fresh perspective.

Thanks for throwing ideas out, keep them coming please!

-Dan

What parts can you wiggle by hand? Is the bulb loose in its own assembly? Is the lens itself loose?

I'll try to think up some other possibilities, if I can.

What parts can you wiggle by hand? Is the bulb loose in its own assembly? Is the lens itself loose?

I'll try to think up some other possibilities, if I can.

QB, I can't wiggle a damn thing to be honest. i did a wiggle comparison between the driver and passenger side assemblies with nothing standing out of the ordinary. This is super bizzare. I've even pulled the bulb out and tapped it to make sure it was snug in it's own assembly as you suggested.

Does anyone know how to remove the passenger side headlight - that looks like a PITA. But the mechanic did it fairly quickly, so there has got to be a decent way. Unfortunately he wouldn't open up to me on how it came apart when I asked.

Wish someone with a Volt was near me so we could really butt heads on this issue...

Please keep the ideas coming... Seriously appreciate everyone's input.

-Dan