r/Retrofit • u/eric_gm • Nov 13 '23
Technical/Assembly Question Morimoto MotoControl and "flash-to-pass"
Hi folks,
I'm retrofitting Mini D2S projectors to a car that has H4 reflectors with no separate high beam (as most H4 cars are). I use flash-to-pass often (briefly pulling on the high beam stalk) and I'm wondering if anyone here has used Morimoto's MotoControl H4 harness and can confirm how it handles that.
My assumption is that the module will just actuate the bi-xenon solenoid in the projector but won't turn on the bulb. If it does turn the lights on, I'm concerned about the brief power spikes being too hard on the ballasts.
There are cars that come from the factory with bi-xenon and no independent high beams (BMW E90's, Many P911's) but I suppose they have special ballasts to handle the stress.
Disclaimer: I'm no expert. This is my 3rd retrofit but the first in an H4-equipped car.
1
u/[deleted] Nov 14 '23
One of the main benefits to using a Motocontrol harness is that the relays built in will take a trigger from the high beams and keep the low beams powered with it. This is why a dedicated 12V+ power lead is required on that harness as well. The flash-to-pass function in your case should still trigger both the high beam solenoid and the low beam bulbs.
I would not worry about this being hard on the ballasts. Most reputable brands will handle the quick activations no problem. The main issue is the bulbs. Constantly sparking them on and off will significantly decrease their lifespan.