Higher wattage headlight bulbs (9004)--safe to switch?

[Fuzzpetal]

I want to install higher wattage 9004 bulbs in my 2000 Ram Cummins truck. The most common ones I see for sale in catalogs are 85watts/100watts. This would be a significant step up from the stock ones of 45watts/65watts.



Has anyone out there got any experience in doing this?



I fear that the increased amperage draw may put a strain on the headlight switch.



Suggestions?

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Nope - it won't strain the switch because that's controlling the headlight relay in the PDC. I believe that's a full ISO type relay and thus 30A rating continuous duty. It could strain your wallet if the new bulbs exceed legal rating. The headlamp output harnesses should be ok from past experience.

 

[The patriot]

Dont buy the cheap JC Whitney bulbs. I had one blow out (about 6 months old) and gave my headlight a cataract on that side.

****** me off!!!

I now have the sport lights, and will not buy the POS bulbs for it.

The voice of experience has spoken.

Eric

 

[SS]

RWhite,



Welcome to the TDR - great info available here. My experience has been that the off-brand high wattage lamps are no improvement over stock. I think a few guys are running good brand name lamps with some reported success. In any case, I would recommend using them cautiously - for example, don't leave lights on for an extended time when the vehicle is not moving. Another good option is to convert to the 99-02 Sport headlamps - you can do a search for more info. I'm not sure on this, but if the SLT is wired similar to the Sport, then the switch would be O. K. They have 2 bulbs X 65 watts each = 130 watts per lamp on high beam.

 

[JLinder]

PIAA's are great!

I just put PIAA 9004 Superwhite bulbs in my truck after driving around in the dark... It is amazing, the headlights actually help you see where you are going now. I also agree with the others, cheap bulbs are crap! A buddy of mine was buying some from NAPA and they would only last about 6 mo. each.

 

[tgbol]

I have a Sport model with the Xenon 55-100 bulbs in all locations. I have had them for over a year now. At least half of my driving is at night. I haven't had any problems yet. Including a 6 hour night drive across Nevada back roads with mostly high beams. I also have the plastic film from Geno's over the lenses to protect them ffrom sand pittting.

 

[CCahill]

I too like bright lights... Where I live it's mandatory... Since I've had my truck (14 months), I've tried every possible combo of "off road" bulb possible. . Made a jump to the PIA's 9004's a while back.

Even tied the highs and lows together.



They are just as disappointing as everything else. . not really any better than stock. . I'm thinkin' now the Sport lights my be the way to go. .

Or some Hi-Watt driving lights mounted in your bumper openings.



Again, don't waste your money on aftermarket bulbs...



Colin

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Good lighting tech here:



http://lighting.mbz.org/faq/

 

[24V-DSL]

JLinder and Colin.....

I just put a pair of PIAA Extreme Superwhite 9004's in. My source said they were just released..... I believe him.



They are better than stock, by quite a bit, but I had hoped for more. My wifes's 98 Honda Civic EX factory lights are better. I also have PIAA 510's in the factory fog light holes, and coupled with the 9004's I am much happier.



I had a set of PIAA 9004's in my Dakota a couple of years ago, and they were junk.

 

[drwish62]

xenon bulb's

I found a set on e-bay from a guy in San Fran they came with a 10yr. warranty. I had them in my 99 gasser and put them in my 01 ctd with no problems. I've got the slt lights 85/100. RWhite pm me I think I might have the guy e-mail if you are interested

 

[juicedcummins]

Stay away from the cheap crap at JC-whitney!

I bought some and they cost me a headlight after 2 broke off inside the light and smoked it up.

 

[dseabaugh]

piaa

I looked up the piaa bulbs at piaa.com/9000seriesbulb.html and they show to be street legal. my experience is that you can't see $#&@ from a street legal bulb in a chrysler product. I put genos $99 kit that turns on high and low both when on high and it worked great for a month. then it went haywire and wouldn't turn off without disconnecting wire. I finally got them to send me a new one and it lasted 7 months and did the same thing and I pulled the fuse to turn off the lights. I then ordered Whitney bulbs. In the truck (It gets 4 times the miles that my wifes car does) they burned out in a few months, In my wifes Cirrus they melted the plug on the wiring harness and that car never makes long trips. :{

 

[lschultz]

Take a look at the Sylania Silverstar http://www.sylvania.com/auto/silverstar.htm I wanted to get the PIAA 9004 but I guess I'm to tight so I went with these. They are brighter about 25. 00 set.

 

[adiabatic]

I chose to replace my headlamps with Sport units from Dodge, and it made an amazing difference. I did not want to risk overheating the headlamp with a Britebox. High wattage bulbs, ditto.

I used Wagner halogens that are supposed to be 10% brighter than standard units. I don't know how I was able to drive at night before the conversion.

I would be wary of blue tinted bulbs if you live in a fog-prone area. The physics of scattering of light is such that things get rapidly worse (by the fourth power) as you make the color temperature higher. I still don't understand why automakers are switching to HID for that matter. So far the only benefit I have heard is that HID picks out blue roadsigns better.

I think a broad-spectrum halogen with a poly-ellipsoidal reflector like the Sport design is a great solution and inexpensive when the bulbs die.

Yes, it gets foggy in Astoria.

 

[Chipstien]

I had the Hella 80/100's in for a couple weeks but took them out untill I buy an aftermarket harness. Had a set in my fiancee's taurus and the melted the plug on the factory harness. It would probably be fine but I chose to wait just to be on the safe side.

 

[DavidD]

I to have tried most combs. as I live where lights need to be bright(western Nevada). I tried the 80/100watt hellas and went back to the Piaa Platinum 65/45watt. Then installed the brite box from Genos and Added a set of Helle 550 Driving lights and wired my fog lights on all the time. So on high beam I have 8 filiments burning works pretty good. Saved me from so Cows on the highway between Wells and Logan Utah one nite doing 80mph. I personnaly like the brite box with the fog lights it makes a good combo. Piaas and Hellas are both good lights the hellas are a much better buy. Good Luck, Dave

 

[jcbrown]

HID is the ONLY way to go!

 

[C Schomer]

I put the GE 9004HOs($16/pair at Walmart) in a long time ago. They're 10 watts more and have a better light pattern. I have bright light, straight out front now just like GOOD headlights! Craig