Dim headlights
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Dim headlights
Hey all, 1998 Explorer Sport, 4.0L OHV, 4x4. I had the driver side headlight blow out on me this weekend, or so I thought, so I bought some new ones. Well, right before I replaced them, the headlight came back but was very dim, and so was the other headlight. Flipped on the high beams and the driving lights stayed on, which is not how it used to do. So i figured that since the headlights were having issues, it could be a byproduct. I went on and replaced the bulbs, and there isn't much of a difference, and the DRL's stay on when the high beams are on. The DRL's are also brighter than the headlights are. I've checked all the fuses, haven't messed with any relays yet, but I was wondering if anybody has seen this, and knows whats going on. Thanks in advance.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Ok, first things first. The stock headlight wiring is inadequate. You should buy a headlight relay harness. This takes the stress off the headlight switch, which otherwise tends to overheat and fail. This also makes the headlights brighter. So in terms of brightness and reduced wear and tear on other more expensive parts, it is a win win situation.
Second off, how clear are your lenses. If the lenses have fogged excessively, they will inhibit too much of the light passing through them. You can purchase polishing kits to address the issue.
Second off, how clear are your lenses. If the lenses have fogged excessively, they will inhibit too much of the light passing through them. You can purchase polishing kits to address the issue.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Are your headlight lenses fogged up. Explores, mustangs and etc in the 90s and some post 90s get very dull and can be polished. I've polished some before with some flitz polish and it helped a lot to get rid of the haze from scratches and weathering. The polishing doesn't doesn't last that long though. Permatex also sells a polishing kit. New Fords have crystal clear lenses on them and don't haze up like the old ones.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
lenses are nice and clear, I put them on less than a year ago with the clear corner lenses, you can see it in the pictures. Never heard of the relay wiring harness, where can you find them and how much? I'm not wanting to put much into it, I'm a broke college kid and just trying to get this thing to pass inspection this month, and be able to drive at night, lol.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Ok, well, out of frustration I went out and bought another bulb, different brand, and popped it in there and it's brighter than the other bulb, my driving lights are still on when high beams are on, so a little confused about that, but it looks like I got a bad set of bulbs, now I get to take care of that, but any thoughts as to why the driving lights are on when highbeams are on? They never have been before i blew that bulb out.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BrdNV82
2004 - 2008 F150
2
May 25, 2015 12:32 AM
BrdNV82
2009 - 2014 F150
3
May 24, 2015 05:28 PM
