Body Electrical System

Headlamp Description and Operation

4steps
~24min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 4

HIDDEN Headlamp

  1. Lamp
    1. Xenon Gas Elements: Xenon gas provides the initial reaction for rapid illumination. Molybdenum electrode: anode arcing. Metal halide salts: color-forming component
    2. Lighting Principle: When xenon gas and metal halide salt are discharged through the molybdenum anode in the capsule, it emits light.
  2. Igniter: The igniter (A) is an electromagnetic converter that receives current from the ballast and additional voltage to light the arc light source in any environment.
  3. Ballast
    1. The ballast (A) supplies an instantaneous high-voltage pulse to the igniter electrode to initiate discharge in the source.
    2. The ballast provides stable power to the bulb and igniter during initiation and normal arc operation.
  4. Stability
    1. Vibration resistant, since there is no filament.
    2. Does not operate if polarity is reversed.
    3. Does not operate if input voltage is not within the range of 10-16 V.
    4. Does not operate if the circuit is shorted.
    5. Does not operate if the bulb is burned out.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Cadenza VG Owner's Manual quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.