SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Headlight level

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Old 09-13-02, 11:41 AM
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LexusSC430
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Default Headlight level

Have any of you guys had your headlight levels adjusted by Lexus, I swear it seems as if the lights shine about a foot or two too low. Im sure it is a matter of milimeters on the actual headlights though. I also know its to not offend the other drives, but it always seems as if the shine on the road too much and not down it enough. Let me know what you guys think.
Old 09-13-02, 04:17 PM
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1NICESC430
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I've been amazed at the distinct demarcation between the light and dark areas of the headlight's low beam. The line seems to always cut perfectly across the hood of oncoming cars on two-laners. On the other hand, I can NEVER get enough high-beam light.

I also like the huge amount of light they throw to the sides of the road where your eyes usually are scanning.

My previous car was an Acura CL - I needed a white cane to find my way with the lights on THAT car. I suppose that's why I'm so pleased with the SC lights.
Old 09-13-02, 04:59 PM
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wwest
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Default Brightness

My only bad experiences have been with teh LS series, absolutely horrible low beam and high beam coverage, 90, 91, 92, 95, and 98. I haven't driven an LS with HID but let me tell you taht the GS I had with HID was a wonder, as is the HIDs on my current lexus, an 01 AWD RX.

But even that I working on a way to convert it to bi-level, move the HIDs upward by about 1 to 2 degrees when the HBs are switched on.
Old 09-13-02, 07:24 PM
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TOPLEXS
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Cool

The lights on SC 430's have an automatic leveling system. It should do a little dance when you first turn them on, as they initially level out. Then as you drive down the road they should constantly adjust for the angle of the road. This is not only to give you the benefit of the illumination, but also to avoid dazzeling oncoming drivers.
These light are the best I have ever experienced.
Old 09-14-02, 10:56 AM
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pot_head
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The only headlight that i can think of that may be better than the sc's is the S2000's which also has a very sudden cutoff point. My friend has a s2000 and we would meet up at parking lots and when our headlights are on in pitch dark, i think the S2000's headlights look better. The S2000's lights are a bit brighter(or whiter) and does shine a bit higher. In any case, im really satisfied with the Sc's headlights.
Old 09-14-02, 11:30 AM
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LexusSC430
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I am not at all complaining about the lights. The are pretty wondeful. The onyl problem is that on side streets at night the lights dont shine far enough down the road. The light up the sides, front ground...just not far enough.
Old 09-15-02, 08:58 PM
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Originally posted by LexusSC430
I am not at all complaining about the lights. The are pretty wondeful. The only problem is that on side streets at night the lights don't shine far enough down the road. They light up the sides, front ground...just not far enough.
What he said.
I agree.
Old 09-17-02, 12:35 AM
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ceboyd
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Default politically incorrect....

i GET THE feeling that if we were to have the lights 'auto level' just a bit higher, then we'd blind a lot of oncoming traffic... but you know what? I am blinded every time a big 4x4 dodge truck is in the other oncoming lane at night because of the height so why not us too?

I vote to figure out a way to get them to 'auto level' just a bit higher!
Old 09-23-02, 10:17 AM
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FYI

Yes you have autoleveling but, the initial setting must be manually done. The car still must be told first what is level. It can be adjusted up or down like normal headlight.
Old 09-25-02, 07:08 PM
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Originally posted by DevildogIS300
FYI
Yes you have autoleveling but, the initial setting must be manually done. The car still must be told first what is level. It can be adjusted up or down like normal headlight.
Thanks DevilDog. Do you know if turning the screwdriver clockwise is up or down? The manual gives no clue.

Also, starting to ponder just what "autoleveling" is. I thought if I manually adjusted them, it would autolevel back to it's default level. Also thought this happens when people mod their car and change the standard level of the auto...

Hmmmm.
Old 10-23-02, 07:40 PM
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Default Update

Originally posted by Roofless


Thanks DevilDog. Do you know if turning the screwdriver clockwise is up or down? The manual gives no clue.
Clockwise is down on all four adjusting screws.
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