Dim dipped headlights

[rodt]

1998 MGF.

The dipped beam output is pathetic although the main beam is OK, if not exactly stunning.

I have mobility issues in both hands which make investigating the issue difficult.

I thought I should just try some new bulbs but there seems to be some doubt as to which type of bulb I should fit. Europarts and Halford each offer H4 or something very small with a wire attached. Any ideas please?

[Charless]

Do a search in the archives about 'dim headlights' - the subject has been heavily covered for many years. A bulb won't fix degraded reflectors which is a well known problem and most likely yours. The bulb should be H1 for your OEM fit.

[Rob Bell]

As Charles says - it's likely the reflector that has oxidised - see http://mgf.ultimatemg.com/group2/lighti ... lights.htm

New re-manufactured headlamps are available, or you can get your existing ones re-silvered (I think Dual Metalising are still going?)

[Mikeadman]

Has anyone yet fitted Canbus headlamp bulbs to a TF, considering options?

Cheers

Mike

[talkingcars]

Aren't canbus headlight bulbs for car that have canbus diagnostic systems so have no advantage in a car that doesn't have canbus diagnostics?

[Mikeadman]

From what I have read you can fit them to gain much improved lighting & are far brighter than anything else on the market!
Don't think the diagnostics matter at all but will investigate.

Cheers

Mike

[mgtfnut]

Has anyone yet fitted Canbus headlamp bulbs to a TF, considering options?

Cheers

Mike

I don't think there are such things as CANBUS bulbs. Bulbs fitted to CANBUS wired vehicles are identical to "old fashioned" electrical system vehicles. CANBUS is a micro signalling system reducing wiring weight/ cost etc and is similar to broadband signal distribution via household mains wiring systems.
You can't beat an old Lucas dim headlight

[Rob Bell]

You can't beat an old Lucas dim headlight

You can: with a big stick!

[Rob Bell]

(PS MGF head lights are (were) manufactured by Valeo - /pedant mode)

[Reckless Rat]

Assuming that the reflectors are OK, Osram nightbreaker bulbs are the best. Don't buy cheapo stuff on the bay of E - you get what you pay for.

[Rob Bell]

Given that the MoT rules on aftermarket HIDs have been tightened up, Osram bulbs or similar are going to be the best way forward

[mgtfnut]

You can't beat an old Lucas dim headlight

You can: with a big stick!

As an aside, my Suzuki SJ413 has proper dim dipped lighting - a neat little box with electronic voltage dropping in a finned ali control box with a sensor from the oil pressure switch, very Japanese.

Dimmed dip seemed to be an UK initiative which was "squashed" by the EU, then DRL came along from the EU with front only lighting which became obligatory in 2011/12. The dimmed dip UK version was better as tail lights were lit as well.
I've by-passed the dim dipped control now, and replaced the ageing original reflectors with Wipac Quadoptic units and heavier wiring and relays to give a more modern lighting output.

[Rob Bell]

Very interesting!

On the running light conundrum, I am still contemplating re-purposing the front fogs on mine for this - but they may be mounted a little too low?

[mgtfnut]

Very interesting!

On the running light conundrum, I am still contemplating re-purposing the front fogs on mine for this - but they may be mounted a little too low?

Just between ourselves, I've just done this with low wattage bulbs and a relay.

Not necessary, but TF side lights are pin pricks, and positioning seems ok. Modern LED DRLs have aggressively bright outputs which I feel are OTT for their use, probably a fashion statement