Morimoto Headlight Issue

EZT · 10-08-2023, 09:11 AM

A little background:

I've had Morimoto's since 2020 and within a year my driver's side headlight required replacement as the low/high beams flickered out, and ultimately never came back on. Morimoto's warranty has come in clutch as long as I provided original purchase order; which was easy to pull from my Z1 history. Replacement was sent, swapped in, and sent back the defective. Problem solved.

Fast forward to 2023. My Z was in the body shop from tussling with a racoon in late 2022. Upon receiving my Z a few days later my passenger side headlight began experiencing the same issue. Morimoto has been great and quick at sending a replacement. However, I'm now in September and on my third passenger head light. Nissan installed one during the summer, and the latest installed by my local body shop as well.

Morimoto has been great and told me the lights were defective. Although, I'm awaiting feedback for the current one installed. I find it increasingly hard to believe that I continue to receive a defective light.

I'm asking the community if anyone has had a similar issue or if there's any trouble shooting I could do myself. I briefly read some inconsistencies with installing the additional turn signal connector (If I'm not mistaken). I'm beginning to think my aging Z may have an electrical culprit somewhere.

I am attaching a few videos displaying the lows/highs not functioning and the blinker flashing white instead of amber.

https://imgur.com/1jaHJzG
https://imgur.com/HMn0M9D
https://imgur.com/FbfvPQw
https://imgur.com/67Nuwhp

I love the look of these as well as light output versus my old OEM. However, I really just want them to function as described. I have no ill will towards Morimoto they've been great at replying and sending a replacement, but I just want my headlights to work.

Any insight or help is appreciated!

ZoomZ · 10-10-2023, 03:34 PM

Well, If Morimoto has admitted to manufacturing defect, there isn't really much to do as far as Troubleshooting.

If they came back and said it was due intall issues or vehicle malfuntion, then you'd have something to work with.

Sh*t happens, manufacturers often have bad batches or a crap product all together. Sometimes by accident or soemtimes just poor manufacturing/quality control issues. (to save money)

Take Kia and Hyundai engines for example. Poor manufactuirng and quality control resulted from metal shavings not being cleaned off machined engine blocks. Engines would seize under ownership.

Just make sure your connections are tight. No wires chafing. Switches, fuses and relays are in good condition. You installed correctly accoring to Morimoto instructions

EZT · 10-10-2023, 05:44 PM

They’ve asked me to hook up the passenger side on the driver side to see if the issue replicates. Planning on trying that this weekend and going over all the connections one good time.

Tractionless · 10-16-2023, 03:07 PM

Sounds like they have a known defect they're not fixing. In addition, I'm seeing Mori's lenses already clouding around the Z forums as well!!

Similar situation with my wife's car, known engine defects so they warranty it for life but replace it with another defective engine (i.e. refuse the spend the money to fix the issue for good) so it will only happen again in time.

NorthStyle · 10-18-2023, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tractionless

Sounds like they have a known defect they're not fixing. In addition, I'm seeing Mori's lenses already clouding around the Z forums as well!!

Similar situation with my wife's car, known engine defects so they warranty it for life but replace it with another defective engine (i.e. refuse the spend the money to fix the issue for good) so it will only happen again in time.

I wanted the headlights, but I've seen so many issues with them that I gave up; and purchasing them used is pretty much throwing money away since Morimoto won't honor the warranty if you're not the original purchaser.

As for the headlight lenses, I believe they stopped producing them.

Tractionless · 10-22-2023, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorthStyle

I wanted the headlights, but I've seen so many issues with them that I gave up; and purchasing them used is pretty much throwing money away since Morimoto won't honor the warranty if you're not the original purchaser.

As for the headlight lenses, I believe they stopped producing them.

Glad I got the lenses when I did as they're definitely much better than the OE's that had the notorious spider web type cracking on the inside. My Z isn't a daily, is garage kept, UV inhibitor applied upon installation, and I wax them at every wash. Fingers crossed.

EZT · 10-22-2023, 08:01 PM

UPDATE 10/22

Finally had some time to plug both headlights into opposite sides. Quickly confirmed that I did indeed receive another faulty headlight. My drivers side works just fine when plugged into the passenger side; this eliminates my worry that perhaps I had an internal issue.

The passenger side once hooked up into the drivers side will turn on, but if you jiggle the connector it immediately starts flickering all over the place. DRL, low beams, and high beams. Guess just a lot of bad luck.

Tractionless · 10-29-2023, 08:51 PM

I'd be hesitant to run those more than a few blocks from the house at night for fear of failure.

EZT · 10-29-2023, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tractionless

Sounds like Morimoto is junk and they refuse to fix it. I'd be hesitant to run those more than a few block from the house at night for fear of failure.

Yeah I’m pretty unhappy they cannot simply me a confirmed functioning pair. I should have this new set soon and will replace them, and test out the connections.

ZoomZ · 10-30-2023, 03:02 PM

How are the tail lights for quality and reliability?

EZT · 11-06-2023, 06:31 PM

Update 11/6

Replacements came today via FedEx. Cut out of work early to get started. Drivers side works flawlessly. Passenger side is back to its old tricks. It’s as if the pig tail doesn’t make a solid/secure connection. Either the low/high wants to cut out or the turn signal wants to flicker off or incredibly bright. I’ve got it on my car and I’ve got a zip tie around the pigtails really tight in a half assed attempt to keep it more “connected”.

Already requested another passenger light from morimoto. Pretty sure this will be the 3rd. I really just want my lights to function.

Tractionless · 11-10-2023, 10:37 AM

Is your car side connector "bad"?

EZT · 11-11-2023, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tractionless

Is your car side connector "bad"?

So morimoto thinks it maybe the connector on my side of the car. So I bought two pigtails to splice in. However, my “zip tie” around the connectors seems to be ironically holding it secure enough. I haven’t had any issues since I put them on.

Going to continue to monitor and splice the new connector on if necessary. So far, morimoto is great on warranty and replacements.

Tractionless · 11-12-2023, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EZT

So morimoto thinks it maybe the connector on my side of the car. So I bought two pigtails to splice in. However, my “zip tie” around the connectors seems to be ironically holding it secure enough. I haven’t had any issues since I put them on.

Going to continue to monitor and splice the new connector on if necessary. So far, morimoto is great on warranty and replacements.

Beyond the connector staying plugged into the Mori unit you may also have a loose connection within the connector itself, a male pin that's getting pushed back when plugging in and/or female receptacle that is loosening. I forget if the car side connector is male or female so I noted both. Also check for corrosion.

EZT · 11-12-2023, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tractionless

Beyond the connector staying plugged into the Mori unit you may also have a loose connection within the connector itself, a male pin that's getting pushed back when plugging in and/or female receptacle that is loosening. I forget if the car side connector is male or female so I noted both. Also check for corrosion.

Thanks traction. Currently it hasn’t had any issues this entire week, and I’m still awaiting my pigtails. Corrosion I could see as I’m encroaching 250k miles.

10-08-2023, 09:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
EZT Track Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gainesville Posts: 546 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 315	Morimoto Headlight Issue A little background: I've had Morimoto's since 2020 and within a year my driver's side headlight required replacement as the low/high beams flickered out, and ultimately never came back on. Morimoto's warranty has come in clutch as long as I provided original purchase order; which was easy to pull from my Z1 history. Replacement was sent, swapped in, and sent back the defective. Problem solved. Fast forward to 2023. My Z was in the body shop from tussling with a racoon in late 2022. Upon receiving my Z a few days later my passenger side headlight began experiencing the same issue. Morimoto has been great and quick at sending a replacement. However, I'm now in September and on my third passenger head light. Nissan installed one during the summer, and the latest installed by my local body shop as well. Morimoto has been great and told me the lights were defective. Although, I'm awaiting feedback for the current one installed. I find it increasingly hard to believe that I continue to receive a defective light. I'm asking the community if anyone has had a similar issue or if there's any trouble shooting I could do myself. I briefly read some inconsistencies with installing the additional turn signal connector (If I'm not mistaken). I'm beginning to think my aging Z may have an electrical culprit somewhere. I am attaching a few videos displaying the lows/highs not functioning and the blinker flashing white instead of amber. https://imgur.com/1jaHJzG https://imgur.com/HMn0M9D https://imgur.com/FbfvPQw https://imgur.com/67Nuwhp I love the look of these as well as light output versus my old OEM. However, I really just want them to function as described. I have no ill will towards Morimoto they've been great at replying and sending a replacement, but I just want my headlights to work. Any insight or help is appreciated!

10-10-2023, 03:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
ZoomZ Track Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 760 Drives: 17' 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 40617	Well, If Morimoto has admitted to manufacturing defect, there isn't really much to do as far as Troubleshooting. If they came back and said it was due intall issues or vehicle malfuntion, then you'd have something to work with. Sh*t happens, manufacturers often have bad batches or a crap product all together. Sometimes by accident or soemtimes just poor manufacturing/quality control issues. (to save money) Take Kia and Hyundai engines for example. Poor manufactuirng and quality control resulted from metal shavings not being cleaned off machined engine blocks. Engines would seize under ownership. Just make sure your connections are tight. No wires chafing. Switches, fuses and relays are in good condition. You installed correctly accoring to Morimoto instructions __________________ “Action without vision is a nightmare.”

10-10-2023, 05:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
EZT Track Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gainesville Posts: 546 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 315	They’ve asked me to hook up the passenger side on the driver side to see if the issue replicates. Planning on trying that this weekend and going over all the connections one good time. ZoomZ likes this.

10-16-2023, 03:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tractionless A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Atlantic SE Posts: 1,323 Drives: '10 K23 ST 7AT Rep Power: 30525	Sounds like they have a known defect they're not fixing. In addition, I'm seeing Mori's lenses already clouding around the Z forums as well!! Similar situation with my wife's car, known engine defects so they warranty it for life but replace it with another defective engine (i.e. refuse the spend the money to fix the issue for good) so it will only happen again in time. ZoomZ likes this. __________________ Toys Not Tots

10-29-2023, 08:51 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tractionless A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Atlantic SE Posts: 1,323 Drives: '10 K23 ST 7AT Rep Power: 30525	I'd be hesitant to run those more than a few blocks from the house at night for fear of failure. __________________ Toys Not Tots Last edited by Tractionless; 11-19-2023 at 12:11 PM.

10-22-2023, 08:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
EZT Track Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gainesville Posts: 546 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 315	UPDATE 10/22 Finally had some time to plug both headlights into opposite sides. Quickly confirmed that I did indeed receive another faulty headlight. My drivers side works just fine when plugged into the passenger side; this eliminates my worry that perhaps I had an internal issue. The passenger side once hooked up into the drivers side will turn on, but if you jiggle the connector it immediately starts flickering all over the place. DRL, low beams, and high beams. Guess just a lot of bad luck.

10-30-2023, 03:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
ZoomZ Track Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 760 Drives: 17' 370Z Nismo Rep Power: 40617	How are the tail lights for quality and reliability? __________________ “Action without vision is a nightmare.”

11-06-2023, 06:31 PM	#11 (permalink)
EZT Track Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Gainesville Posts: 546 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 315	Update 11/6 Replacements came today via FedEx. Cut out of work early to get started. Drivers side works flawlessly. Passenger side is back to its old tricks. It’s as if the pig tail doesn’t make a solid/secure connection. Either the low/high wants to cut out or the turn signal wants to flicker off or incredibly bright. I’ve got it on my car and I’ve got a zip tie around the pigtails really tight in a half assed attempt to keep it more “connected”. Already requested another passenger light from morimoto. Pretty sure this will be the 3rd. I really just want my lights to function.

11-10-2023, 10:37 AM	#12 (permalink)
Tractionless A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Atlantic SE Posts: 1,323 Drives: '10 K23 ST 7AT Rep Power: 30525	Is your car side connector "bad"? __________________ Toys Not Tots

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