Wacked problem: my HIDs are interfering with my FM reception

[MrK]

Pretty much what the title says. My FM reception is fine with the headlights off, but as soon as I switch them on, I get a significant amount of extra static on many of my saved stations.

FWIW, I'm running aftermarket HIDs (duh), and a sony headunit.

Any suggestions? Similar cases? Anything?

[T.Dot E30]

sony headunit.

Thats your problem.

I never had a problem with my hids and pioneer

[asubimmer]

ummm...those xenons wern't made for your car!! ship them to me and I will take them to my local HID disposal site for free

[soliver]

HID headlights are essentially a high frequency power supply, and they are causing one of two problems. (or maybe both?)

1) The frequency they are operating at is in the FM range, and they are interfering with your reception. Have a buddy pull their car up next to your headlights and turn on his stereo. If he has the same problem, your headlights are fucked, and the FCC will want to have a word with you.

2) The ballasts are sending to much THD back onto your electrical system. If it is electrical distortion in the line, you should be able to find filters that will correct the problem. You may also be able to get a different stereo that is able to operate with a higher THD. That would be more expensive, but an easier item to find and install.

Good luck

[asubimmer]

nevermind then, I might not want to recycle them for you.

[aldy54]

shot in the dark but any loose grounds on either the head unit or HIDs? Grounds always cause interference and are a pain in the ass

[Febi Guibo]

dude HID pirate radio! Turn it up!!

as a test, try disconnecting one side, and running practically any size capacitor between the ground side of the ballast and the ground wire. The ballast is a high frequency electronic unit, so its possible it might not be electrical per se, but actually how the ballast is shielded too... although, that's unlikely if it has any kind of UL, CE type approval.

[parkerbink]

What brand ballast? My Hellas did not do this.

[MrK]

I have some no-name HID kit. I guess I'll just go back to the shop that sold me the set and complain. I just wanted to make sure that having HIDs interfere with FM in the first place was plausible.

Thx ppl.