Hey Guys,

I figure I’d do a step by step write up on the HID installs since many have only given bits and pieces of install instructions. I’m not knocking anybody but I figure since no one really has done a write up for the Santa Fe, I figured I’ll help the community :) . First off, this is a must do mod. Many have said that HID won’t alter the lighting of the beam where you would see more beam are lit up. I beg to differ, maybe it’s the HID’s, I don’t know but there is more cover area light with the HIDs on the Santa Fe. I will have to take some pics at night but in the mean time, here are the instructions I’ve written up called, “Santa Fe HID Install for Dummies” :D

I went with Apexcone 5000k, which I got through Xenon Expert (xenonexpert.com). These have a lifetime warranty on the ballast, bulbs, everything. – BEFORE INSTALL, DISCONNECT POSITIVE (+) CABLE FROM BATTERY!

In the first pic, I used a quarter as a reference of the size hole needed to run the wires through, accommodating the rubber seal of the kit. Since I didn’t have a 1” drill, I just marked it with the quarter and drilled holes around the circle. I used a soldering tip to have a better and cleaner circle. – This was easy but if you’re anal like me, you’ll take some time to ‘perfect’ the circle :D

Next pic shows the wires through the hole created, then pulling the rubber seal to cover hole – procedure is almost mimicking a tire/wheel install.

Next step is just following procedures from the Apexcone instruction guide. Take the male plug (bulb side) and insert to female socket (from ballast). Then plug the male wire from bulb to female (from ballast) and do the same for female from bulb to male (ballast). – As seen in the following pics…

I forgot to take a pic but the bulbs come with a ‘lamp holder’, which is basically just a plastic cover casing to protect the bulb. You will need to remove it so the bulb will fit in the housing. The next pic shows the connection from the HID wire prongs to the car’s socket plug. Because both factory wires are yellow, I had to figure which was ground, luckily with this kit, it has a safety to avoid any electrical shorts if you plugged them wrong. – But the pics shows you the setup; this was for the passenger side headlamp. The driver’s side is the opposite (black then red).

Next shows the connection and waterproof seal fastened. The tied the excess wire to the A/C line and placed the ballast by the fender wall; as seen in next pic.

Repeat the same procedures for the driver’s side. I have big hands and had a hard time working in such a tight area. However, I was lazy to not remove the fuse box or the battery. It can be done, just takes a little more time and patience compared to the passenger side. ;)

Next shows where I’ve temporarily placed the ballast. It’s not a bad spot, but it’s not great either. Still thinking where but in the meantime, it’s not falling off :)

I’ll try to get some night pics by end of this weekend. The day pic doesn’t really show much but I was doing a comparison of the HID vs. halogen stock.

Well, there you have it and enjoy. I’m extremely happy with the outcome and HID kit; their customer service is exceptional!

UPDATE: Night pics are up!!! (Not the best pics, but you get the idea :57: )

This post has been edited by BigElm: Feb 12 2007, 12:36 PM

Nice write up!

Saves us from doing one since your is very complete. We haven't received our group buy kit yet. Can't wait.

Nice job! :grin: Enjoy! Can't wait for some night pics ;)

This post has been edited by XenonExpert: Feb 10 2007, 12:37 PM

sweet :thumbsup: good write up, good pics, yes show us some night shots :grin: even the day shot though, you can see the difference, next week kits should arrive :banana:

I guess you won't be needing my help after all :whistling:

hmmmm ah ya still would like your help :grin: cough cough garage

Update... Night pics are up!

I don't understand why the last pic (light beaming the street) shows 'layers' or as if the lighting is rippled (for lack of better words) but it's not like that. The lighting is consistant across the beam. Must be the crappy pic shot I took.

Also the side shot I took show light reflecting off the bumper, that's because I was lazy and didn't move the truck back some more to avoid reflection off the garage door :D

All in all... I'm happy!!! :)

This post has been edited by BigElm: Feb 11 2007, 09:07 PM

Nice pics!. Thanks!

http://www.xenonexpert.com/apexcone_sale.html :)

Nice writeup! The GB kits should be arriving this week. I can't wait to get mine and get to tinkering.

I may have to wait until it's a bit warmer outside though. I was surveying the engine bay yesterday and almost froze my butt off.

Nice upgrade to the Santa Fe... and any vehicle for that matter :banana:

Advertising is not allowed here :57:

Sorry. :whistling:

argh.. i just put them in.. they work now, however, my check engine light is on.. i think its from when i put the red/black on the wrong post since hyundai makes both wires yellow.

I tested everything so far, and no problems. i am leaving the battery cables off the battery over night to see if it will reset the computer. If not, I will take it to autozone and let them reset it.

unless anyone else knows a way to reset the cpu...

thanks

I have never seen our HID give a check engine on a car....weird :blink:

i think it was due to me crossing the connectors.. btw, i disconnected both the + & - for about 4 hours.. just checked now, light is out and all is good.

i did however, just turn the lights on, and only 1 came on right away. I then turned them off and back on, and then both came on. any advice?

thanks

Sometimes we see some cars even within the same make and model not giving a full constant 12V at start up and the ballast then doesn't ignite the bulb. A quick fix is to get a battery harness if that continues so the power comes directly from the car's battery.

Same web page at the bottom if you ever want one.

Oliver

oliver,

thanks for everything. i will probably be ordering a set for my wifes 07 elantra soon. I may get the harness for both then. My only regret, is that i did not go with the 55w. But 35w is really nice..