Headlights too dim, what to do?
#1
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Headlights too dim, what to do?
Comparing to other cars headlights on my 2007 SC430 are way too dim. I think there are several possibilities: a). they are just dimmer (in comparison to others) to begin with; b). weaker alternator; c). HID bulbs are too old. Can you SC owners chime in and tell me if its due to a)? I know its unlikely to be b) as voltages seem to be fine. If its c), which HID bulbs would be best for brightness and quality? Thanks much.
#2
Replaced my 08 with the ones in my signature. White light low beams. Not yellow.
much better
much better
#6
My OEM HID bulbs on my 2005 were 4300k which were a little yellowish. Hated the look so switched to Phillips 6000k and got a nice clear white light. Usually a blue-ish look is associated with higher than 6000k. But you lose out a bit on illumination with blue light at night. Makes the car look cool though. If you are on the OEM bulbs, I recommend switching to 6000k.
#7
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#8
Lexus Champion
Usually HID will emit a pinkish hue towards the end of life. theretrofitsource.com is a great website to get a replacement and they have a decent selection of genuine bulbs to choose from. I personally prefer higher lumen count more important than color output (it still matters, however) so I would recommend 5k bulbs. Also, are you headlight lenses hazy?
#9
Here is what I installed
yes you have to pull the bumper out zone.
Osram 66440CBI Xenarc CBI D4S Light.
yes you have to pull the bumper out zone.
#10
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I think my lense are pretty clear but a little yellowish. Is this Osram brighter than OEM Toshiba? I would prefer a brighter bulb to higher color temperature. Is there any consensus here that installing low beam bulbs would require removing the bumper?
#11
Sc430 more important than bulb
Until it blows, the bulb changes aren't going to matter halfway near as much as the low factory cut off point. In states like mine (MA) any upward adjustment is going to be readjusted to pass the safety inspection. All I can say is I was driving in rain from Montreal, and couldn't believe how low the cut off line is. I had the high beams on almost constantly-that's only adding wimpy halogen!
In rurual Lincoln, I passed a jogger in full reflective gear..the low beam was running out at his heels!!
I don't know if there's a sweet spot on the aiming board to recommend,(or number of screw turns to adjust low beams), but I consider this low aiming just as crappy as all the US DOT tested cars shown on their ficeo not being able to see a deer at 200ft!!
In rurual Lincoln, I passed a jogger in full reflective gear..the low beam was running out at his heels!!
I don't know if there's a sweet spot on the aiming board to recommend,(or number of screw turns to adjust low beams), but I consider this low aiming just as crappy as all the US DOT tested cars shown on their ficeo not being able to see a deer at 200ft!!
#12
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I agree that the low beam height should probably be adjusted on these cars and the adjustment is not very intuitive . Here is what I do that I find helpful: park the car 20ft away from a wall and put a small ladder against the wall so that you can see easily very small movement of the light beam. On SC430 it takes about 20 turns to move the beam only about one inch at 20ft.
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