Notices
Lighting A place to ask questions about HIDs & other Lexus lights
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Whats wrong with this cut off?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 21, 2008 | 12:32 AM
  #1  
Mr Jokster's Avatar
Mr Jokster
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,466
Likes: 91
From: California
Default Whats wrong with this cut off?

Ok, these are suppose to be projectors off an LS, however I'm not too impressed with their output, but thats not my problem. Here are some pics, the first picture is of the right projector has a nice cutoff, but tapers and does its own thing as it moves away from the car (to the right) I thought the cut off was suppose to be clean throughout the peripheral? The second picture is of the LEFT headlight and well it speaks for itself? why the heck is it all distorted like that? The LAST picture are of both. I'm waiting on a set of ugly used headlights I ordered so I can remove these and take my time on figuring this out. An OTHER important question.... WERE THESE PROJECTORS INSTALLED BACKWARDS? (left on right, right on left) I know once I get into them, I'll probably find out whats going on, but I thought I'd ask the experienced on here what to look for just in case I over look some thing... thanks:






I expected this




But got this?




now I understand that I can fabricate that metal cutoff to eliminate that dip, but that still doesn't explain the left one being so distorted! Thanks again for any insight.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2008 | 12:44 AM
  #2  
Caoboy's Avatar
Caoboy
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,519
Likes: 1
From: CA
Default

It looks like they aren't properly aimed, and need to be rotated parallel to the ground. Picture of the headlights? (off preferably)

Maybe they aren't LS430's? Do you have the LS430 shrouds and everything?

Also, what HID bulb are you using?
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2008 | 12:45 AM
  #3  
Spyder78's Avatar
Spyder78
Lexus Champion
CL Folding 25,000
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,388
Likes: 10
From: NY
Default

looks like someone might have screwed around with the projectors, tried to modify them. They are misaligned and look to be improperly installed. It is known that if the projectors are sitting too far back in the gs housing it will cutoff the width as well.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2008 | 01:01 AM
  #4  
Kaydee's Avatar
Kaydee
Hacked CL to become a Mod
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,713
Likes: 9
From: Vancouver >> Hong Kong
Default

Hey same problem as you...I think it's the cutoff shield that is somewhat bent/moved closer towards the bulb...pretty annoying, but I lived with it. I haven't heard any sort of remedy
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2008 | 01:01 AM
  #5  
Mr Jokster's Avatar
Mr Jokster
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,466
Likes: 91
From: California
Default

Well first off, the bulb is cheap one until the new ones come in this weekend. But even with the philips that came with them, I had the same problem with them. As for being the 430's, well I got the whole assemble off a member on here. Yea, they came with the shrouds. Heres a pic. Oh yea, what am I suppose to rotate? the whole projector assembly? thanks






Reply
Old Nov 21, 2008 | 01:04 AM
  #6  
Mr Jokster's Avatar
Mr Jokster
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,466
Likes: 91
From: California
Default

Hmmm... good point on them sitting too far back.. Yea, I can tell that an unexperienced person did the retro. I've done a few, but for some reason I decided to trust what was done.. shame on me! LoL.. I'll just take them all apart and redue them all over again from scratch. (unless the halos prohibit that...) and yea, i'll double check the distance of the bulb to the metal plate.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2008 | 01:10 AM
  #7  
Caoboy's Avatar
Caoboy
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,519
Likes: 1
From: CA
Default

Hit up member JnC on either here or HIDplanet.com/forums. He's done quite a few.
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2008 | 08:31 PM
  #8  
Mr Jokster's Avatar
Mr Jokster
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,466
Likes: 91
From: California
Default Wow!

Well, today I got the set of 4 HID's for the projectors and highs... So I installed them and MAN! I guess the 2 prior sets of bulbs I was using were bad! Kind of weird! Anyways, got a GREAT cutoff now! and some AWESOME output! They need just a little bit of adjusting (left to right) but other than that, they look great! Sorry to Lexus for doubting the LS projector!
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

 Brett Foote
story-7

GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

 Brett Foote
Old Nov 26, 2008 | 05:56 AM
  #9  
passnu2's Avatar
passnu2
Lexus Champion
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
iTrader: (33)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13,966
Likes: 14
From: .....
Default

^ Post us some pics please
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2008 | 08:07 AM
  #10  
Mr Jokster's Avatar
Mr Jokster
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,466
Likes: 91
From: California
Default

Gonna have to wait... something happened a bulb blew out! guess thats what happens when you use cheap bulbs. it took the connector with it to the ballast! anyways, its raining like crazy too, so yea gonna have to wait till it lets up.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2008 | 12:09 PM
  #11  
Kaydee's Avatar
Kaydee
Hacked CL to become a Mod
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,713
Likes: 9
From: Vancouver >> Hong Kong
Default

forgot...When I changed to an aftermarket bulb, the problem is a bit better but not completely gone...but the problem with that is that the output sucks...so I switched them back to the 85122+ and lived with it
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2008 | 12:55 PM
  #12  
PHML's Avatar
PHML
Master Thread Closer!!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (33)
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,859
Likes: 12
From: Waipahu, Waikele, HI
Default

At first, I was thinking that the ground wire on the HID bulb was the culprit.....facing up (at 12 o'clock) or facing down (at 6 o'clock). The ground wire can cause distortion. In projectors, i believe it should be facing down in the unit.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2008 | 01:21 PM
  #13  
emoshun's Avatar
emoshun
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,370
Likes: 1
From: Cali
Default

Jokster you have PM!
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2008 | 06:14 PM
  #14  
Mr Jokster's Avatar
Mr Jokster
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,466
Likes: 91
From: California
Default

Originally Posted by PHML
At first, I was thinking that the ground wire on the HID bulb was the culprit.....facing up (at 12 o'clock) or facing down (at 6 o'clock). The ground wire can cause distortion. In projectors, i believe it should be facing down in the unit.

I found out that the bulb was no completely flush with the "hole" it goes into. When I went to switch out the bad one with the original one that was though to be bad, I decided to examine it a bit more to see why it was so bad (cause it was doing it again) and come to find out that even though the bulb was staying in, it wasnt pressed all the way in. It kind of looks like the back of the projector has a small clip for the bulb to snap in to (before and in addition to the wishbone holder) so I pushed in and heard and saw a snap and the cut off was beautiful! Right now I'm using the 85122+ and I HATE the yellow look! So I'm just going to get yet another pair of the 6000k's..


can anyone tell me what the difference between the Phillips and the aftermarket hid? DOES it have better out put, or is it just better quality and lasts longer? I hate to have to pay so much just to have it last longer
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2008 | 06:54 PM
  #15  
Kaydee's Avatar
Kaydee
Hacked CL to become a Mod
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 6,713
Likes: 9
From: Vancouver >> Hong Kong
Default

try the 85123...I'm not 100% sure but I think they are 5000k...Maybe emoshun can clarify
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:20 AM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE