Headlight still not emitting the same amount of light
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: DMV
Headlight still not emitting the same amount of light
Couple years ago i had an accident that involved my passenger side headlight to be replaced. Here's the whole story
https://my350z.com/forum/exterior-and-interior/572836-one-headlight-is-not-as-bright-as-the-other.html
People assumed it was the bulb that was the problem when i assumed it was the headlight changed. Immediately changed both my headlight and the bulbs back to oem and it was worst.
Later on, i changed to aftermarket HID kit and the brightness double compare to my 08 oem stock HID, which is terrible by the way. However i still have issues with the passenger side not emitting the same amount of light as my driver side. Here are some pics
https://my350z.com/forum/exterior-and-interior/572836-one-headlight-is-not-as-bright-as-the-other.html
People assumed it was the bulb that was the problem when i assumed it was the headlight changed. Immediately changed both my headlight and the bulbs back to oem and it was worst.
Later on, i changed to aftermarket HID kit and the brightness double compare to my 08 oem stock HID, which is terrible by the way. However i still have issues with the passenger side not emitting the same amount of light as my driver side. Here are some pics
First, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the OEM HID headlight bulbs and ballast, so I have no clue why you would switch those pieces to anything aftermarket. So, let's eliminate that issue by putting back the OEM ballsats and bulbs, if possible. Hopefully, you didn't hack up any of the original wiring during the install. If you did, I can't help you, because who knows what you did? If you can install back to OEM, and still have the problem, do this:
The best (only) way to solve this issue is by parts substitution. First, swap the bulbs left<>right. If the problem moves, it's the bulb. If not, switch the ballasts left<>right. If the problem moves, it's the ballast. If not, and this will seem odd, switch the entire light assembly left<>right. Of course, you can't bolt the lights to the car, but you may be able to see a brightness difference. If the problem follows the light assembly, that's it. Perhaps there's corrosion or damage inside the projector assembly? Or the bulb holder is damaged in some way? Do this with the bumper removed (a 10-minute task) to make the troubleshooting easy.
EDIT: Are you sure this isn't a simple aiming issue? Looking at the lights projected on the garage door, they look about the same, because they're so close to the door. But, when you project the beam down the road, if the right light was aimed very low, it could look like what you're showing in the other pics. Check this first.
The best (only) way to solve this issue is by parts substitution. First, swap the bulbs left<>right. If the problem moves, it's the bulb. If not, switch the ballasts left<>right. If the problem moves, it's the ballast. If not, and this will seem odd, switch the entire light assembly left<>right. Of course, you can't bolt the lights to the car, but you may be able to see a brightness difference. If the problem follows the light assembly, that's it. Perhaps there's corrosion or damage inside the projector assembly? Or the bulb holder is damaged in some way? Do this with the bumper removed (a 10-minute task) to make the troubleshooting easy.
EDIT: Are you sure this isn't a simple aiming issue? Looking at the lights projected on the garage door, they look about the same, because they're so close to the door. But, when you project the beam down the road, if the right light was aimed very low, it could look like what you're showing in the other pics. Check this first.
Last edited by dcains; Aug 9, 2014 at 04:28 AM.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 255
Likes: 1
From: DMV
First, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the OEM HID headlight bulbs and ballast, so I have no clue why you would switch those pieces to anything aftermarket. So, let's eliminate that issue by putting back the OEM ballsats and bulbs, if possible. Hopefully, you didn't hack up any of the original wiring during the install. If you did, I can't help you, because who knows what you did? If you can install back to OEM, and still have the problem, do this:
The best (only) way to solve this issue is by parts substitution. First, swap the bulbs left<>right. If the problem moves, it's the bulb. If not, switch the ballasts left<>right. If the problem moves, it's the ballast. If not, and this will seem odd, switch the entire light assembly left<>right. Of course, you can't bolt the lights to the car, but you may be able to see a brightness difference. If the problem follows the light assembly, that's it. Perhaps there's corrosion or damage inside the projector assembly? Or the bulb holder is damaged in some way? Do this with the bumper removed (a 10-minute task) to make the troubleshooting easy.
EDIT: Are you sure this isn't a simple aiming issue? Looking at the lights projected on the garage door, they look about the same, because they're so close to the door. But, when you project the beam down the road, if the right light was aimed very low, it could look like what you're showing in the other pics. Check this first.
The best (only) way to solve this issue is by parts substitution. First, swap the bulbs left<>right. If the problem moves, it's the bulb. If not, switch the ballasts left<>right. If the problem moves, it's the ballast. If not, and this will seem odd, switch the entire light assembly left<>right. Of course, you can't bolt the lights to the car, but you may be able to see a brightness difference. If the problem follows the light assembly, that's it. Perhaps there's corrosion or damage inside the projector assembly? Or the bulb holder is damaged in some way? Do this with the bumper removed (a 10-minute task) to make the troubleshooting easy.
EDIT: Are you sure this isn't a simple aiming issue? Looking at the lights projected on the garage door, they look about the same, because they're so close to the door. But, when you project the beam down the road, if the right light was aimed very low, it could look like what you're showing in the other pics. Check this first.
I did not however swap the wiring to see the difference. So i will check on that and the adjustment on the bulb. I let you know what happens if it resolve my issue.
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 66
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From: North Carolina
if anyone is still having this problem all you need to do is buy a long phillips screw driver if you don't already have one, and stick it in the slot right above, behind your headlight. all you're basically doing is adjusting the headlight so it shines higher.
i believe theres a couple DIY guides on how to adjust your headlights, if not PM me. i'd be more than happy to explain how.
i believe theres a couple DIY guides on how to adjust your headlights, if not PM me. i'd be more than happy to explain how.
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MY350Z.COM
MY350Z.COM
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From: ZdayZ
if anyone is still having this problem all you need to do is buy a long phillips screw driver if you don't already have one, and stick it in the slot right above, behind your headlight. all you're basically doing is adjusting the headlight so it shines higher.
i believe theres a couple DIY guides on how to adjust your headlights, if not PM me. i'd be more than happy to explain how.
i believe theres a couple DIY guides on how to adjust your headlights, if not PM me. i'd be more than happy to explain how.
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