[John Michigan]

I have an European 03 Sport 2.3L. If I Flash to Pass when driving and NO lights are ON, both the HID's and the High beams light up. As the HID's need something like 25 kV to start up this is one large kick that reduces the life of the HID bulb and system. The local Mazda dealers tell me that this is standard on all Mazda6's. I am not certain if this applies to the 3 and the 2.
I know I have seen some reference to this problem some time ago, but I could not find it. If there has been a solution to this problem maybe someone can direct me to it.
Or do any of you guys have an answer.
I did get a suggestion from my local Mazda non-OEM specialist to fit a couple of relays inhibit the HID's when the Flash is used and enable this relay when the parking lights are on.
Any Suggestions from all you motor buffs there?

 

[sexy6s]

i'll tell you what a wise old man told me...

1. Drive with your HID's on all the time.
or
2. Dont flash people....(this is my option)

 

[Scarface]

Not trying to be a smart alec or anything...correct me if i'm wrong, but i think thats normal.

Even when all your lights are off, when you flash your high beams the lowbeams also come on.

 

[zoomzoomfan]

Yes... unfortunately this is common behaviour on many car-brands and models... I think they call it a switched ground system. Not sure.

But the halogen and xenon models all suffer from this "side-effect". If you have halogen headlights, its obviously not an issue. But, if you have xenons (whether aftermarket kit/retrofit or OEM factory) you should avoid flashing your high beams when your low beams are off.

I have come accross some diagrams somewhere (can't remember where) that involved putting in some extra relays to solve this issue. Can't give any specifics however.

 

[John Michigan]

Yes... unfortunately this is common behaviour on many car-brands and models... I think they call it a switched ground system. Not sure.

But the halogen and xenon models all suffer from this "side-effect". If you have halogen headlights, its obviously not an issue. But, if you have xenons (whether aftermarket kit/retrofit or OEM factory) you should avoid flashing your high beams when your low beams are off.

I have come accross some diagrams somewhere (can't remember where) that involved putting in some extra relays to solve this issue. Can't give any specifics however.
[/b]

Flashing headlights is a way of life in the UK. To say:
Thanks for letting me into the mainstream.
Beware there's a speed trap where you're going.
Beware there's an accident or road works where you're going.
Be aware that I am coming.
Flash to pass. This is most annoying and not a favourite of mine.
Etc....etc.

Looks like I have the option to;
Have the low beams on all the time as driving lights.
Don't flash when low beams are not on.
Flash with the new fogs I have just retrofitted.
Fit two new relays and rewire the HID's.

Thanks for your help and keep talking.