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Originally Posted by MrLabGuy
I have a one page instruction sheet which addresses the install of the rings and has a short blurb which says:
Splice A to Daytime running lights
Brown(-) Gray (+)
Plug "B" connection to CCfl rings.
Here is the kit with several wires which include a harness, two ballasts and several ends which don't seem to correspond to anything. Now I've not taken the lights out yet but understand I'm not in a hurry to disable my vehicle without first knowing what I'm getting into. The instruction sheet does not address half of what came with the kit. I'm assuming I'm missing a page. BTW...I have plenty of experience with wiring stereo's and other electrical mods. This one on first examination has me scratching my head. HELP!
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It's a big mess of wires but the circuit is actually quite simple. It helps to isolate the sections and understand them one by one. Some of my comments may not be applicable to the E53 as I've only installed them on my E46.
Section 1 - Main Power
You have a positive and a ground wire that both run to the relay. The positive is the one with the inline fuse. I recommend you replace the 5 or 10 Amp fuse they give you with a 2 Amp fuse. People have reported problems with the cheap fuses they give you and 5 or 10 Amps is way to much to protect the circuit. Be careful where you connect your ground as not all body points give you good ground because of paint. I measured 700K ohms resistance on the vendor's recommended ground point. Use the negative jumper post if you can.
Section 2 - Relay
That's the black plastic cube with all the wires in the upper right of your photo. You need to locate it close to your power source but away from heat as the lines aren't that long.
Section 3 - 12V Ballast Power
There will be two pairs of wires, one for each ballast. You'll know which wire by the connectors that match up to the ballast connectors. There may be a long pair and a short pair but other than that they are the same. Depending on where you locate your relay you route the short pair down the shorter side to one ballast and the longer pair around the engine to the other ballast. Take your time and use zip ties and existing conduits where you can to keep the wires out of harm's way.
Section 4 - Trigger wires
Depending on your kit the number of trigger wires may vary. They are all the same with regards to the circuit but may vary in length. The function of your rings will depend on where you tap your triggers. I have one trigger on the ECU accessory power and one on my interior footwell light.
Section 5 - Ballasts
There is one pair 12V wires and two pairs of high voltage wires for each ballast. The two 12V wires connects to the wires from the relay. The high voltage pairs connects to the rings. Locate close to the lights in a spot that won't get wet or too hot. Take care in handling and securing the high voltage wires as they are thin and a nick in the wire could cause arcing problems.
Section 6 - Rings
Use the same care in handling and securing the wires. See above post regarding connectors. Secure connectors in a dry location as this is where many arcing problems occur. I taped mine up as an added measure. [edit] I noticed the instructions above show the use of heat shrink on the connections. Use those if the kit comes with them.
Installation tips:
1) Locate your main power/ground before doing anything else. Then lay out your harness to make sure you know the routing.
2) Pull the fuse out of the harness before making any connections.
3) Mount your relay and connect the main power/ground.
4) Lay out the ballasts and rings in a safe place and connect them all up.
5) Connect up one trigger.
6) Put the fuse in and give it a test.
7) If all the rings work then go ahead and complete the install.
Hope that helps.