Dim Headlights - Auto Sparkies in Sydney - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

bennyh · 04-08-2003, 20:29

Hi,

The headlights on my 83 XE are very dim. I've put in some new halogen globes thinking that would help, but it really hasn't made that much difference.

Read somewhere that older cars do not use relays, and, as the switches for things like lights deteriorate, it can reduce the power actually getting where it should be. As a solution, a realy can be fitted to get round the problem of old switches, restoring full power back to where it needs to go.

Can anyone recommend a good Auto Sparky in or near Sydney?

Cheers Lads.

MADNC_8 · 04-13-2003, 06:04

are the reflectors still nice and chrome?? i suggest you look at this because its not the globes that make nice bright light its the condition of the reflectors

ebxr8240 · 04-13-2003, 06:37

Check your earths / connections. Relays are real easy to fit..

bennyh · 04-13-2003, 18:15

Checked the earths the other day - needed a bit of a clean with a wire brush, bit still hasn't really madt that much of a difference.

I'll check the reflectors tonight. I might just go down a wreckers and get some new headlight units, as it would probably be easier and not much more expensive than getting just the reflectors..

Will let you know how I get on - thanks for you suggestions so far.....

bennyh

Aussie Pete · 04-13-2003, 21:16

It's not just earths etc, it's what voltage you actually have at the globes. You need to check this using a voltmeter. From memory, if you consider 100% light is at 14.1V, that drops to something as low as 60% at 11-12V. Makes a huge difference.

MADNC_8 · 04-14-2003, 03:44

why not take the reflectors out be careful taking the clips off!!!! and take em to an electroplating place they should be able to re chrome them a wrecker would charge a fortune for complete headlights

bennyh · 04-14-2003, 21:24

Phoned a wrecker - $40 a pop..........