So yesterday I installed my Pilot HID's in my truck, didnt do anything out of the ordinary, simply took out the headlights, installed bulbs, mounted ballasts, plugged everything in and reassembled. After I had everything back together I started the truck up, backed it out of the garage and all of the sudden the message center flashed "Reduced Engine Power". The truck started missing horribly, it would still drive but it sounded terrible. So I shut it off, disconnected the battery, and left it unhooked for about a minute. Then reconnected it and started it back up. The truck ran fine, and has continued to do so since. I dont know why just putting headlight bulbs in would cause that. Has anyone else had any issues like this?

 

my guess is that the PCM was not expecting the initial spark drawn from the ballasts kicking on, and thought something was wrong with the alternator or something else. now that it's used to the extra bump in power it doesn't freak out. i'm really not sure though. that is very interesting

 

I had the same thing happen to my truck after i installed pilot hids in my lows, highs, and fogs, but it did not happen right away it was a few weeks after the install, it freaked me out felt like the truck would only go 2mph with the pedal on the floor and flashed reduced engine power. I turned the truck off and waited a few minutes called a friend to get a ride and by the time i got off the phone i fired the truck up and it ran fine with no reduced engine power, this was around 2 years ago and have not had it happen since then. knock on wood.

 

Well I am glad to know that it has happened to someone besides me. I figured it was something to do with the PCM, its amazing what one simple little thing will cause to happen.

 

You need to get the harness where it will draw the power from the battery and not from the stock wiring. Whoever you bought your HIDs from should have one for sale. Also, if you are starting it and only one will fire this will fix that problem.

 

9005/9006 HID harness

 

Check your grounds. Make sure they are clean and tight.