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Everything You Need To Know About HID Igniters

Over the past 5 years, there have been many changes to Morimoto XB HID systems. With those changes came a few compatibility issues. We will cover which igniters work with each ballast. That way, whether you are trying to use up some spare parts or have a warranty issue, you know exactly what components you need to have a reliable HID system.

1. We will start with the “Orange Bracket” XB35 and XB55. These were sold in 2015 and 2016 and are easily identifiable by their bright orange bracket. If yours does not have a bracket, check the serial number on the holographic sticker. The first 2 numbers following XB indicate the year it was built. If you see XB15 or XB16 it is safe to assume you have an and Orange Bracket ballast.

 

XB35 Orange Bracket:

XB55 Orange Bracket:

These ballasts are only compatible with the following igniters:

Orange AMP igniter. Identifiable by the orange grommet and orange thread on the cable.

 

Orange D2S igniter. Identifiable by the orange D2S connecter, grommet, and thread on the cable.

 

Those are the only igniters that will work reliably with your “Orange Bracket” XB35 and XB55 ballasts.

 

2. The next ballast we will cover is the “Silver Bracket” XB35 and XB55. These ballasts were sold between late 2016 and 2018. They are easily identified by their silver bracket. If you do not have the bracket, check the serial number etched into the back of the case. It will start with QC the next two numbers indicate the year it was built. If you find QC16xxxxxxxx, QC17xxxxxxxx, or QC18xxxxxxxx, it is safe to assume you have a Silver Bracket ballast.

 

 

 

XB35 Silver Bracket:

 

XB55 Silver Bracket:

 

 

These ballasts are only compatible with the following igniters:

Black AMP igniter. Identifiable by the black and grey wires, and grey grommets.

 

 

Black D2S igniter. Identifiable by the black and grey wire wrap, Black D2S connector, and grey grommets.

Those are the only igniters that will work reliably with your “Silver Bracket” XB35 and XB55 ballasts.

 

  1. The next ballast we will cover is the initial release of XB35 2.0 and XB55 2.0. These ballasts were sold between late 2018 and 2020. They are easily identified by their unique styled case, chip window and serial numbers etched into the case under a QR code. It will start with two numbers indicating the year it was built. Example: 18xxxxxxxx, 19xxxxxxxxx, or 20xxxxxxxxx.

 

XB35 2.0:

XB55 2.0:

.0:

These ballasts are only compatible with the following igniters:

 

Black AMP igniter. Identifiable by the black and grey wire wrap and grey grommets.

Black D2S igniter. Identifiable by the black and grey wire wrap, black D2S connector, and grey grommets.

 

Those are the only igniters that will work reliably with your “Silver Bracket” XB35 and XB55 ballasts.

 

4. In early 2020 Morimoto introduced an update to the XB35 2.0. Along with many optimized internal components, they added additional igniter compatibility. These updated ballasts can only be identified with the etched “VDR” logo on the back of the case. A serial number will be present, but is not a reliable way to identify this ballast.

 

The XB35/2.0 VDR:

These ballasts are compatible with any of the previously listed Morimoto igniters.

 

Orange AMP igniter:

 

Orange D2S igniter:

 

Black AMP Igniter:

 

Black D2S Igniter:

 

2 wire AMP Igniter:

5. Profile Powerhouse. Introduced in 2015, the unique dual wattage ballast called the Profile Powerhouse was introduced to the market, although this is not a Morimoto ballast, it does shares compatibility with the Orange Bracket XB35 and XB55.

 

Profile Powerhouse Ballasts: 

 

These ballasts are only compatible with the following igniters:

Orange AMP igniter:

 

Orange D2S igniter:

 

 

Because this ballast is still in production, there is an “Orange” AMP igniter available however the orange D2S igniters are no longer produced. If you want to use these ballasts with a D2S or D2R bulb you will need AMP to D2S conversion harnesses.

 

AMP to D2S harnesses:

Straight:

 

90 degree:

 

Whether you are reusing older components, or have a failed part you need to warranty out or replace you can now ensure you have a reliable HID system! If you have any questions about what parts you may need, feel free to email us. We're happy to help! Support@TheRetrofitSource.com