[JFP in PA]

Unfortunately, we seem to spend an inordinate amount of time dealing with issues (MIL’s, electrical codes, weird on-board computer displays, charging issues, major electrical problems like burnt wiring, etc.) caused by aftermarket HID and some LED lights. The components vary all over the map in quality, technical information (like replacement parts) are non-existent, as is any form of technical support. We had someone bring in a kit (invariably sourced online) which had instructions entirely in Mandarin Chinese. When we got a native speaker to translate them, we found out they were not even for this kit. Swell……… While we do remove these kits for customers, we do not install any as we do not want to have to deal with this time consuming nonsense.

Some states have taken to failing cars at inspection with aftermarket lighting, particularly the HID installations without projector assemblies; and municipalities are seeing this as a revenue generation opportunity in a down economy and issuing tickets for off color or glaring oncoming head lights, and wildly flashing turn signals.

These days, when we are asked to do a PPI for a prospective buyer, we list aftermarket lights, particularly the HID’s, as a “deduct” from the car’s value….