Johnny G Pipe

Another week, another problem..

My car just failed her MOT, as nearside headlight is producing insufficient light in the incorrect pattern..or something like that.

Looking at the car, the n/s lamp is a little less bright. Taking it apart, can't find anything wrong: both lamps aren't particularly dirty inside, and both have the same amount of gravel rash on the front..

From how rusted on the lamp was (MORE covert rust to worry about ), the bulb hasn't been changed in a lonnnnggg time.
I'm going to stick silverstars in and hope for the best - any other suggestions?

Red rooster

Sounds like you may have a voltage problem at that light. Connect a multimeter from battery ground to the back of the light connector with the lights on . Compare what you get to what volts are on the battery.More than about 1 volt difference and you have a volt drop in the system.Check the ground connection on the connector the same way.

The blades in the connectors can go bad through heat generated by a bad contact.The next step back is the light switch.
See how you go.
Geoff

Christer

I guess its better to have 1 dim light instead of 2...? Hope that helps?

DarrylH

If the new lamps don't fix it, have a good look at the connectors into which the lamps seat - mine had fifteen years worth of accumulated corrosion and heat stress which just had to be reducing the voltage. I cleaned 'em up as best I could with contact cleaner and a tiny file and while I have nothing objective, it couldn't hurt...

Johnny G Pipe

Ha! They're both dim, just one's dimmer..

Its just the excuse I've been looking for to get a multimeter..and some high performance bulbs. I got the super-extra high performance halfords branded ones (that's all they had) - I suspect I will be disappointed. I'll report back.

This is what I get for taking the car to a Volvo garage for the MOT..if the lights ain't VOLVO bright, they're not happy. Tsk..

Sten

Johnny,
You may have to change the whole thing if it's not an earth/connection problem, the silvering on the reflectors goes 'off' with age and the result is a beam that won't focus properly, hence the incorrect pattern. It depends on how fussy the MoT man is feeling. Having said that, the headlights are so poor anyway you need all the help you can get!
Barry

Greg_L

I bet you'll be fine with the new bulbs Johnny, i changed mine not long after i got the car, and it made a pretty big difference.

C4Russ

Have you switched sides on the two bulbs you have? See if the dimness stays with the bulb or with the car. I'd do this first

Johnny G Pipe

Just to update - the new bulbs were all it needed to pass

There was no current drop, reflector was healthy - just a tired bulb and connectors I think.

Haven't been out in the dark to see how the new bulbs feel yet.

Lorenfb

As mentioned, before any conclusions or parts switching, measure the bulbs' voltages!

Rushjob

The Halfords own brand bulbs came out very well in the recent Auto Express test - I've had them in both the car & the bike for about 2 years now & they are excellent.......

TrojanDDS

Reviving this thread so I don't need to start a new one. I just got a new set of bulbs and not sure if my old set had this issue but my drivers side is much brighter than my passenger side. I made sure that the connections in the bulb housing are not corroded so not sure whats causing this? Say there is less voltage coming to my passenger side, will this affect my new LED lights from John Audette that are coming in? I would assume that if theres not enough voltage to the passenger side the LED wont light up?

spartansix

What is the voltage difference left to right?
Same issue with both high and low beams?

TrojanDDS

unfortunately i do not know, I should see if I can borrow someones voltmeter.