Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Jezzer]

Hi All 
My main beam headlights seem to be dimmer than I would expect, the Full Beam are very Bright an much 'whiter' - the mains seem yellow 

Is it a case of just fitting new bulbs, or could there be other issues? 

Cheers
JERRY

[sandune]

Hiya as your other post suggest-- alternator problems should be sorted .
When the charging is correct the discharge from the lights  will improve.

[Andy B]

Hi All 
My main beam headlights seem to be dimmer than I would expect, the Full Beam are very Bright an much 'whiter' - the mains seem yellow 

Is it a case of just fitting new bulbs, or could there be other issues? 

Cheers
JERRY

 :-/  :-/  :-/ Full beam IS main beam. the outer lamps are dipped, inners being main beam. What kind of dipped lamps have you? If HID then your main beam & side lights will appear to be yellow in comparison.

[Jezzer]

Thanks Sandune... figured it was connected.

Got a repacement coming, hopefully will put it right, bit dodgy this time of year though  8-)

Regards

JERRY

[Jezzer]

Sounds like I have confused everyone... 
Yes its the dipped beam (and side lights that appear weak)

Sorry if I appear ignorant but what does HID stand for?

To confirm that the Full Beam is very bright and white as are my Fog Lights?

Many thanks for the advice!
JERRY

[Entwood]

HID = High Intensity Discharge .. the bulb is a VERY powerful mini-flourescent tube for want of a better discription... the light is from an "arc" of electrons flowing through a gas. This requires a much higher voltage and the light has 2 small "problems" ... if you want to call them that. a) The light is EXTREMELY bright and can easily dazzle oncoming cars, all new cars that fit HID's must, by law, have a self levelling device to try and prevent dazzle cuased by poor loading. b) The light "pattern" from the "projector lens" is very direct and so deteriorates very quickly through "scatter" caused by dirt on the lense, again, all new fits must have a headlight washing system to allow the lenses to be cleaned whilst in motion.


Normal bulbs are simply from the filament glowing "white hot"

HTH 

[Jezzer]

Thanks for th e description, very helpful 

I am fitting a Recon Alternator hopefully that will help.
How do I find out what type of Bulbs are fitted - take them out and check type and serial numbers etc... ? i.e. H4/H5 etc...

I doubt if they are HID as mine is a 2000 on a 'W' with no headlamp washers, but I do have self leveling?
Although a 'W Reg' and registered in 2000 - it is definitely pre-face lift.

Many Thanks

JERRY

[Entwood]

Thanks for th e description, very helpful 

I am fitting a Recon Alternator hopefully that will help.
How do I find out what type of Bulbs are fitted - take them out and check type and serial numbers etc... ? i.e. H4/H5 etc...

I doubt if they are HID as mine is a 2000 on a 'W' with no headlamp washers, but I do have self leveling?
Although a 'W Reg' and registered in 2000 - it is definitely pre-face lift.

Many Thanks

JERRY

Ok .. your self levelling is suspension levelling .. not headlamp levelling .. totaly seperate systems..

If you look at your headlights and you have a "golf ball" type lens then you have "projector "lights. otherwise you have standard lights.

Projectors can be either HID or non-HID ..you then need to look at the light from inside the bonnett.. if there is a "ballast pack" and a warning about "extreme voltages" .. you have HIDs.

Given the age of the car I expect you have "ordinary" lights that have yellowed with age. They are cleanable with 1500 grit wet & dry followed by T-cut .. takes a lot of elbow grease but can be done ..