HID HEADLIGHTS / ENGINE STUTTER
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 14
From: Chicago
HID HEADLIGHTS / ENGINE STUTTER
I recently had HID headlights installed on my 05 Diesel Excursion. When traveling and 60 to 75 MPH and I turn on the lights I experience a momentary stutter in the engine. This does not occur at lower speeds. I assume this is because of an excessive power drain on initial activation affecting the computer. Can anyone advise? I am preparing to leave on a 1400 mile road trip soon.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 155
From: Milwaukee, WI
Just a minor and kind of annoying observation here but why not just turn the lights on when you get going instead of waiting for when you need them? Just my knitpickery.
Yes, I understand you want to know why and how to fix it. I hope someone else can chime in with actually helpful info.
Yes, I understand you want to know why and how to fix it. I hope someone else can chime in with actually helpful info.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 14
From: Chicago
Thanks
Thanks I think I found the answer. It seems the PCM feeds from the driver side battery and initial power requirement to turn the HID's is sufficient to cause a power drop and affect the PCM. I am told power should be hooked to the passenger side battery as well as ensuring all grounds are good.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
Thanks I think I found the answer. It seems the PCM feeds from the driver side battery and initial power requirement to turn the HID's is sufficient to cause a power drop and affect the PCM. I am told power should be hooked to the passenger side battery as well as ensuring all grounds are good.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 14
From: Chicago
HID HEADLIGHTS / ENGINE STUTTER
This is my first Ford Excursion. Always wanted one and finally was able to swing it. I have had it a month. I got it a month ago out of south Texas with 55k on it. The only mod I have done was have a premium sound system with amp installed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
Sometimes the HID lights can cause issues with the ECM. People have complained that this is an occurrence with DP-Tuner's chips which are way more sophisticated and might need a little better handling. So maybe your cables are running too close to the ECM.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 14
From: Chicago
HID HEADLIGHTS / ENGINE STUTTER
Thanks for the info. It goes back to the shop Thursday and I will make them aware of the PCM / HID wiring proximity.
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 609
Likes: 3
From: Central Va
If the HID's turn on surge is enough to cause the power to drop enough to cause the engine to surge/stutter, you have other issues in the charging system.
I would suspect possibly interference from the ballast as much as anything else.
Does it do it every time? only turn on and not when switching off?
Cheap kit?
at highway speeds you should be putting out close to max from your alternator, and even the stock diesel alt should be more than enough to handle that plus most systems.
I would suspect possibly interference from the ballast as much as anything else.
Does it do it every time? only turn on and not when switching off?
Cheap kit?
at highway speeds you should be putting out close to max from your alternator, and even the stock diesel alt should be more than enough to handle that plus most systems.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
If the HID's turn on surge is enough to cause the power to drop enough to cause the engine to surge/stutter, you have other issues in the charging system.
I would suspect possibly interference from the ballast as much as anything else.
Does it do it every time? only turn on and not when switching off?
Cheap kit?
at highway speeds you should be putting out close to max from your alternator, and even the stock diesel alt should be more than enough to handle that plus most systems.
I would suspect possibly interference from the ballast as much as anything else.
Does it do it every time? only turn on and not when switching off?
Cheap kit?
at highway speeds you should be putting out close to max from your alternator, and even the stock diesel alt should be more than enough to handle that plus most systems.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 609
Likes: 3
From: Central Va
with a decent kit, well installed, the turn on surge will equal the standard bulbs, once they're fired, the power drain is a lot lower. The cheaper kits tend to leak rf/suffer from poor grounding, so relocating/grounding will normally help.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 14
From: Chicago
HID HEADLIGHTS / ENGINE STUTTER
Thanks to all for the input. The problem only occurs above 60mph. I will try turning on the headlights with the sound system off. Truck goes back to the installing shop Thursday morning as I leave for Florida Friday night. I will make sure all input is shard with them. I used to wring this stuff out on my own when I was younger but no longer have time to do so. If the shop cannot remedy looks like I'll be breaking out the multi meter.
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