I updated the DDE install writeup to include shots and a description of rerouting the wires under the dustcap. I highly recommend this so the dustcap doesn't rub through the ring wires and cause a short. I made a few other little tweaks. As usual, lemme know if anything is unclear.

As you can see, the wires are running out of a hole I drilled under the dustcap and are hardwired via solder and heat shrink (also highly recommended).

BTW - Mine are still glowing strong after about 1 yr. with no issues.

 

I will be doing mines soon and all your "How To's" rock... Thanks

 

Thanks once again!

This is a good point you make because routing the wires as per Umnitza's instructions does not seem very "healthy" for the wires. What I wound up doing was trimming the plastic lip on the inside of the dust cap so that there was nothing squeezing down on the wires except for the rubber gasket on the cap. This probably doesn't make much sense, but I don't have pics, sorry.

Oh yeah, and I noticed that you also ate away at some of the plastic above the dust cap in trying to wiggle your headlights free. I thought I was the only one, but I guess there's just no way to get them out without destroying some of that plastic back there.

 

housecor-

One more thing you might want to throw on that site is that the headlight removal does not apply for those with DataDots. DataDots did more than just add a bracket on the bottom, it also replaced that "rod" that snaps into the wheel well area with something a bit more secure. I actually screwed something on my headlights up pretty badly from following your instructions (b/c I thought removal be the same other than the datadots bracket). Obviously this is not your fault, but you should really note that for those other dummies out there.

 

Sweet update to an already awsome write up. Thanks for the hardwork.

 

Great point. I added a blurb. I've never actually seen the DataDot install, so let me know if this is accurate:

PLEASE NOTE: If you had the datadots (HID Anti-theft kit) installed, the process for removing the headlights is much more involved and NOT outlined below. If you're uncertain whether your Max has the datadots intstall, check behind the headlight for additonal bracketing. If you're not in the NY area your car likely doesn't have this kit. Sorry, to avoid abuse, I can't provide any information on removing the datadot kit.

Thanks for the feedback and sorry to hear about your headlight.

 

Well, I don't want to go too far, but you might want to just say that there will be DataDots stickers on the front windows and (possibly) on the outside of the headlights themselves. You really can't see the bracket (which is just an extension of the HID ballast holder) from under the hood.

 

Nice. I will be doing mine soon as the weather gets better.

 

Ah, gotcha. I updated the note accordingly. Thanks!

 

i am surprised your dde ballast are still working. mine got water in them and i had to replace them...

 

yeah i had to replace mine a LOT!!!

but im gonna seal them up real good for my new set

 

Interesting. I see that both of you are 5.0 gen. Think that could have anything to do with the fitment of the 5.5gen HL's on your 5th gen? I've never seen how well they fit in person so I'm just speculating. I haven't heard of many complaints from 5.5gen owners.