Mk4 Celis repair DIY

[yum]

thanks for the quick response. i really appreciate it.

i do have a few questions.

i don't have any electrical testing equipment on hand, but does it stand to logic that if the lights power up fine with the 1st (working) VR then the power source should be ok?

second, if i reverse the polarity of the LED leads, i'm assuming you mean to switch the GND and VOUT wires from the VR? (i'm assuming if it's wrong it won't damage the LEDs. i think i recall the worse that can happen is they don't light)

and third, is it possible to run both sets of celis from one VR? that way i can splice into the GND and VOUT off the 1st VR and just run it into the lead of the other headlight?

thanks

[R32BOB]

One VR can run 3 LED's, not 4.
Reversing the polarity should not damage the LED's if you connect them briefly.(You are correct in switching GND and VOUT)

The safest way to do this would be to look at exactly how your working light is wired and duplicate it on the nonworking one. If there still is a problem, then connect the nonworking light to the wiring harness connector for the other light. If it lights up, then there is a problem not in the headlight.

You can also get an OK voltmeter at radioshack for like $10.00.

I'm always here for more questions.

Bob

[yum]

thanks. i've checked the wiring several times, even muttering out loud the different colors of the wiring.

i have talked to Bright Ideas and Craig was really cool with sending me a new one. so i hope the new just pops right in.

thanks for all your help in yet another chapter of annoyance.

[yum]

ah finally back on the road... i did manage to lose a screw for the headlight mounts must have kicked it or something. not sure. lost track since the car was in pieces for over a week. but finally back on the road and burning brightly. thanks again for saving me... again...

[BLUL8N]

I just wonder if maybe power spikes and such might help push the original VRs to fail.
Might there be some preventive measures, like e.g. an inline choke or something one could install into the wiring before installing brand new lights to lower the chances of the VRs failing in the first place, or are you pretty much 100% sure they fail for heat related reasons?

Ronald

[R32BOB]

IMO the original VR's were of a poor design. Voltage spikes should be considered in the design of any circuit with an input voltage. Hella should have had enough experience with automotive electronics, including VW, to fully understand the characteristics of our electrical systems. I think the stock VR's just fail due to a design or component issue.

My replacement VR's are still going strong after almost 6 months and a hot summer.

Bob

[yum]

Also, isn't this a problem with only us suckers... I mean early adopters? Not hearing any issues from people that have been buying the later units.

On a side note, I have yet to run into anyone else with these lights. These are more "rare" than I thought.

[Crzypdilly]

Kind of off topic but I thought it would be best to ask here since you guys seen the inside of these. I'm an American living in UK. Since the cars drive on the right side of the road here, beam pattern is a big deal. Is there a "tourist lever" in the assembly to change between LHD and RHD beam patterns? I don't want to sink a ton of money on lights if I can't use them in the US. Thanks

[yum]

the cars on are the right side in the UK? i thought they drove on the left?

at any rate, i don't think you should have a problem with these lights since they are set for this beam pattern: __/ so the upsweep is on the right side, thus not blinding oncoming traffic to your left.

i didn't look that closely as R32BOB probably has. i didn't see any switch of any kind as you're hoping for.

[R32BOB]

No way to change the beam pattern with a switch.

Bob

[turbizznatch]

What style of emitter or you using for this DIY? Lambertian, Batwing, or side-emitting? Also, do you think the Luxeon III emiter would be too bright (lamertian=80 lumens, and side-emitting=70 lumens) when compared to the Luxeon I (Lambertian=45 lumens, Batwing=20/45 lumens, and side-emitting=45 lumens). Your input would be greatly appreciated.

[R32BOB]

Hella uses the batwing emmitter pattern. I don't think too bright is a problem, but too high a current draw would be. I think the Luxeon III LED's draw more current, which would mean more heat and a different voltage regulator. Look on the futureelectronics.com web site for all the specs.

[05GolfTDINoob]

Hey guys..

I've been wanting these headlights for a VERY VERY long time...and finally..they arrive tomorrow..

My original plan was to install these and throw a drop in HID kit into it...but after reading this thread and the other Hella Celis problem thread, I'm scared...

Lets say I decide to go through with my plan to install these with an HID drop in kit...would you recommend that I do this DIY mod before any problems arise just to get it outa the way (cuz from what Ive read here..EVERYBODY's angel eyes eventually fail...whether it be a week or a few months later)...

Also, what would be the proper wiring/prep steps I should take if I were to still go through with these headlights with HID drop in kit?

I'm getting worried that these lights are going to be more trouble than anything...but at the same time...seeing the pictures of these headlights makes it so difficult to decide against these lights.

If these lights are that much trouble...I'm almost tempted to just resell these lights and buy a set of Helix Projectors (non Angel Eyes) and throw an HID drop in kit in that....much less worries without the angel eyes..

so in conclusion, could someone please tell me what I should do to minimize any chance of having to deal with this issue?

ALso, I have absolutely no experience with electrical stuff...and reading this DIY has scared the hell outa me cuz I dont think I would be able to do it...
can someone reccomend what type of person or professional would find this easy to do? I might have to find someone to do it for me..

ack...this really sucks...I want these lights to be as trouble free as possible...

[R32BOB]

Quote, originally posted by 05GolfTDINoob »

Lets say I decide to go through with my plan to install these with an HID drop in kit...would you recommend that I do this DIY mod before any problems arise just to get it outa the way (cuz from what Ive read here..EVERYBODY's angel eyes eventually fail...whether it be a week or a few months later)...

I would go ahead and do the VR upgrade as a preventive measure unless you feel lucky and enjoy removing and reinstalling the headlights.

Quote, originally posted by 05GolfTDINoob »

Also, what would be the proper wiring/prep steps I should take if I were to still go through with these headlights with HID drop in kit?

As far as the lights go, the drop in HID kit requires drilling a hole in the back cover for wire and connectors to fit through(check the directions that come with the kit).

Quote, originally posted by 05GolfTDINoob »

ALso, I have absolutely no experience with electrical stuff...and reading this DIY has scared the hell outa me cuz I dont think I would be able to do it... can someone reccomend what type of person or professional would find this easy to do? I might have to find someone to do it for me..

I'd look for a fellow dubber in your area to help you, or a stereo/electrical shop of some sort.

Good luck!
Post any other questions.
Once it's done you should be set. Mine are still 100%

Bob

[yum]

celis question: as a fellow electrical noob, i would say that the VR replacement is very easy. but my wiring/soldering/etc is fugly!!! i'd be embarrased if anyone opened my lights. heh. having said that. both mine are still burning brightly.

HID question: i got mine from TM Tuning with everything pre-installed and ready to go. i still had someone install mine for fear of messing up my expensive new lights. my driver's side HID just went kaput so i'm not sure if that will scare you away from getting them. i have been driving with the foglights to avoid the dead headlight look and they seem to light up the road sufficiently when there are other street lights.

overall personal experience: the headlights are the #1 regret i have for my car. i wish i never touched them and spent the money on something else, like a pioneer nav system. it's headache after headache with my lights but when they are working right... sweetness!!!

R32BOB, you solved the Celis ring mystery, care to take a swing at my HID problem too?

[05GolfTDINoob]

Quote, originally posted by yum »

celis question: as a fellow electrical noob, i would say that the VR replacement is very easy. but my wiring/soldering/etc is fugly!!! i'd be embarrased if anyone opened my lights. heh. having said that. both mine are still burning brightly. HID question: i got mine from TM Tuning with everything pre-installed and ready to go. i still had someone install mine for fear of messing up my expensive new lights. my driver's side HID just went kaput so i'm not sure if that will scare you away from getting them. i have been driving with the foglights to avoid the dead headlight look and they seem to light up the road sufficiently when there are other street lights. overall personal experience: the headlights are the #1 regret i have for my car. i wish i never touched them and spent the money on something else, like a pioneer nav system. it's headache after headache with my lights but when they are working right... sweetness!!! R32BOB, you solved the Celis ring mystery, care to take a swing at my HID problem too?

What type of HID drop ins did you get with the kit? it could quite possibly be that that particular bulb was a crappy one that got through QC...try seeing if there is some kind of warranty for them...

I dotn know too much about electrical stuff...as you already know..but I cant see how the headlights would cause the bulb to go...hell maybe its a crappy ballast or ignitor or both that got through QC...definitely check to see what kinda warranty you have with those...u should have at least a year..

[yum]

Quote, originally posted by 05GolfTDINoob »

What type of HID drop ins did you get with the kit? it could quite possibly be that that particular bulb was a crappy one that got through QC...try seeing if there is some kind of warranty for them...

The kit can be viewed on TM Tuning's site. I believe it is called Xion. I have another post going to get help on the issue so I won't repeat it here. I will say that TM offered to test and replace the parts under warranty and their customer service is pretty fast, especially considering they are in Germany . I'm not certain if I'm at that point yet.

Some after thoughts on the lights. I'd say that if everything worked (glitches aside) the beam pattern with the halogen housing is pretty good, but probably not as precise as the OEM set up. So if the best lighting quality is a concern, I would have gone the OEM route in hindsight. But if you like the pimp factor of the celis lights, and the beam pattern is not the biggest concern, go with these hella lights.

I did read a post of someone else having issues with the bulb not being the right fit and causing all sorts of strange beam patterns. http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2814355

So you might want to consider that as well. The kit from TM fits right, so that may be worth it to you to order from them since they did the research already.

[illcaptive]

just finished vr fix it worked great thanks guys for all your help.

[R32BOB]

Quote, originally posted by illcaptive »

just finished vr fix it worked great thanks guys for all your help.

Another satisfied customer!!

[05GolfTDINoob]

Well, I just installed my new headlights yesterday...I was hoping and praying I may get luckyand my ligts would work out!!

Odds were agaist me...and yes I lost...
the passenger side angel eyes crapped out during my first drive...

so it looks like I'll have to take on this DIY....

kinda worried though...dont wnana ruin some pimp pimp pimp lights...

I LOVE THEM!!!!! Loook absolutely AMAZING

[yum]

i can't believe with this many folks blowing the celis rings that hella has not admitted a problem. sorry, dude. the repair is easy as pie, even for a noob like me. misery loves company and i feel your pain... more than once. fix it, forget it and move on.

[05GolfTDINoob]

Problem guys,

Went to futureelectronics.com and found the VR's but they do not have the 2 wiring assemblies model VCA-87 anymore..

can these be purchased directly from i2systems.com? do they sell parts to the public or just wholesale to distributors?

Need to ge tthese soon

Thanks !

[05GolfTDINoob]

Well I called i2systems and they are able to sell me the two parts I need..

the 2 VR's and the 2 Wireing asseblines...but damn...the wireing asseblies were $10 each...ouch...

anywyas...$35 bux each for the VR's and $10 each for the Wireing harnesses...and probably $10 for shipping...

total of $100 USD...
pricey fix..ouch

[R32BOB]

Gota pay to pimp, pimp, pimp!!!

[05GolfTDINoob]

Hey are these the things crimp connectors we need? and which one is the Male and which is the female?? (im guessing the one on the right is the male??)

cuz I got a little confused at the hardware store..

http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics...5.jpg

Cuz on this posting you call them crimp connectors...

but i typed in the product item number at radio shack and these "quick disconnects" came up...

I couldnt find "spade crimp connectors" at the hardware store but I did find "spade terminals" which are the horshoe looking ones...I dont think those are the right ones are they?

just wanted clarification before I buy them..

both the parts I need for the connectors look like the ones in the radio shack site right? 2 quarter inch and 2 3/16" ones? correct?

Anyways, some clarification would be great!

Thanks in advance

Modified by 05GolfTDINoob at 4:28 PM 1-30-2007


Modified by 05GolfTDINoob at 12:32 PM 1-31-2007

[05GolfTDINoob]

anyone?

[R32BOB]

The ones in the picture are right. The one on the right is the male. You could bypass these by cutting the ones in the light's wiring off, and just joining the wires together by themselves. Using the connectors keeps the hella wiring intact as it came from the factory. It is a matter of preference. I used them since I was the first to try this, and did not know how it would work, so if I had to return them, I could.

[05GolfTDINoob]

Well...didnt think I would be able to pull this off....but with the help of R32BOB who answered a gazillion emails frome me, I got the thing to work...

and damn...its so much nicer having both sets of angel eyes work...and honestly...I think they are definitely noticably brighter as well

Thanks Bob!
Will post pics up later!

[R32BOB]

Congratulations!!!

It was my pleasure to help.

Bob

[Alaska]

Back from the dead.

Have the lamps for 2 months now. Installed a Drop in HID kit last week. Last night noticed passenger side HALO's were half as bright like they are dieing. Driverside looks fine. I believe I have the "newer" version of the VR (slim green rectangle). I'll have to look into replacing the VR with this DIY and let you guys know.

Anyways Thanks to the OP for taking the time to figure this out and share it with the rest of us!

[R32BOB]

That is the same VR mine came with. Mine conversion is still going strong since last June! Let me know if you have any questions.
Bob

[sleepygti28]

BOB - you've helped quite a few 'texers here but you're nowhere to be found at local GTGs. you should come out to some man.

btw i saw you on Montgomery Village Ave one day, i'm pretty sure it was you.

[vdubbin0.]

Bump ^^^^^

Got my Celis and did the VR fix before i put them in my R.

Thanks for the DIY

[ECS Tuning]

We are proud to offer a plug and play solution:

ECS Celis Wiring Harness Repair Kit

ECS Tuning shows true dedication to the VW brand by developing this repair/upgrade harness for the Hella Celius headlights. This harness developed by ECS, repairs/replaces the problematic resistor assembly in the Hella Celis lights that caused premature "burn outs" on the angle eyes. ECS has tested these in all type of of conditions & done a extremely grueling 672 hour run test. One harness per headlight

[Flashover]

Has anyone used the ECS Celis Wiring Harness Repair Kit? If so how is it working out for you?