VVME Problem - New Ballast Meltdown *PICS* - *Updated*
OK,
So I've had issues with my HIDs from VVME flickering from the dayI bought them. They've been on forabout 5 minutes,since they were installed on the car. I don't drive the car, sofor the first time i drove it at night last night. tThey kick on, then the driver's sidegoes right off.
This afternoon I took it into my mechanic for some other work, and asked him to check the HIDs. he calls me and says the driver's side doesn't even come on. WIRING WAS 100% CORRECT, upon closer inspection, the ballast is bad, and the bulb.Upon removing the rear cover, this is what was found:
capacitor completely blew apart, and smoked the bulb with it. Hope they'll do SOMETHING for me, given this was after 5 minutes of run time. Complete electrical failure from WITHIN the ballast. We'll see how they respond.
Yeah, I mean I'm usually the LAST person to cheap out on automotive products. I guess I've always thought that I'd rather have solid products with a solid warranty, and local reps to back things up. But VVME has such a hard hitting name, on MULTIPLE forums, i thought for sure it'd se a solid product. When i got the kit, and saw the hella branding on the ballasts, i was even more surprised than 6 days shipping from CHINA. lol.
I guess in the end you get what you pay for. You really can't beat the price. it's even less than what i was getting madkatz on wholesale BULK orders from at a speedshopI used to work for. BUT, then you run into a situation like this... we'll see i suppose. I just want it resolved. it's only fair.
dude, it looks like you mounted that ballast to your catalytic converter and melted it. wow. i hope nothing like that happens to my ballasts. I would email them those photos and ask them to send you another set for free.
just for the record, these were mounted on the rear side of the bumper supports, almost in the fender. Lots of airflow, and dry. I didn't start this tread as a bash against VVME,but the situation WILL be a test of their support. I mean, if a bulb burnt out, i could see them blaming dropping it, ot scratching it, or even skin oils, but hopefully the photos show that there is no way for me to cause a failure like this.
I haven't heard back from VVME yet, but originally their pricing was great, their shipping was fast for the distance, and this in my opinion is an opportinuty to show that they stand behind their products. I'll keep everyone posted.
Just got an email from VVME. Absolutely no parts support. No free warranty replacement will be issued.I have to pay $35 for a new bulb, and $35 for a new ballast. that's $70 total, andI paid $90 for everything.... just a heads up, that's the most they'll do. their warranty is a "discount" on new parts according to them.
thought everyone should know. bad product out of the box, and it's gonna cost another $70 to make it right. i CAN NOT refer them to anyone, nor recommend you give em a shot.
VVME Problem - New Ballast Meltdown *PICS* - *Updated*
