Dim dipped headlights
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Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
Dim dipped headlights
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?
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
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Re: Dim dipped headlights
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
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Re: Dim dipped headlights
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?)
New re-manufactured headlamps are available, or you can get your existing ones re-silvered (I think Dual Metalising are still going?)
-
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Re: Dim dipped headlights
Has anyone yet fitted Canbus headlamp bulbs to a TF, considering options?
Cheers
Mike
Cheers
Mike
- talkingcars
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Re: Dim dipped headlights
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?
Home to black Alfa 159 3.2 V6 Q4, blue MGZR160, green MGF VVC and grey MGF 1.8i, and red MG Maestro T16.
MGF chatting on the Register and at http://www.the-t-bar.com
MGF chatting on the Register and at http://www.the-t-bar.com
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Re: Dim dipped headlights
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
Don't think the diagnostics matter at all but will investigate.
Cheers
Mike
- mgtfnut
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Re: Dim dipped headlights
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
Jerry
MG TF 135 - 100k
Suzuki SJ 413 - 309k
Skoda Yeti SE 110 4x4 - 131k
MG TF 135 - 100k
Suzuki SJ 413 - 309k
Skoda Yeti SE 110 4x4 - 131k
- Rob Bell
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Re: Dim dipped headlights
You can: with a big stick!
- Rob Bell
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Re: Dim dipped headlights
(PS MGF head lights are (were) manufactured by Valeo - /pedant mode)
- Reckless Rat
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Re: Dim dipped headlights
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
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Re: Dim dipped headlights
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
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Re: Dim dipped headlights
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.
Jerry
MG TF 135 - 100k
Suzuki SJ 413 - 309k
Skoda Yeti SE 110 4x4 - 131k
MG TF 135 - 100k
Suzuki SJ 413 - 309k
Skoda Yeti SE 110 4x4 - 131k
- Rob Bell
- Committee Member
- Posts: 14425
- Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 2:36 pm
- MGF Register Region: South East
- Model of Car: MGF 1.8i + MGF Shed!
Re: Dim dipped headlights
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?
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
- Posts: 788
- Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:22 pm
- MGF Register Region: South Wales
- Model of Car: TF 135
- Location: Dinas Powys
Re: Dim dipped headlights
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
Jerry
MG TF 135 - 100k
Suzuki SJ 413 - 309k
Skoda Yeti SE 110 4x4 - 131k
MG TF 135 - 100k
Suzuki SJ 413 - 309k
Skoda Yeti SE 110 4x4 - 131k