ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum

ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: mfoster442 on December 27, 2008, 04:28:13 PM

Title: dim headlights
Post by: mfoster442 on December 27, 2008, 04:28:13 PM

greetings.

The headlights on my 2002 Vitara (2.0L, no mods except Boondox lif) seem very dim.  is this a function of the bulbs I'm using, or is there just only so much power the system can put out?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

Title: Re: dim headlights
Post by: Jeremiah on December 27, 2008, 05:54:45 PM

My gen 1 (1996) is the same way. I'm wondering if the bulbs are just nearing the end of their life or something?

Title: Re: dim headlights
Post by: Armour on December 28, 2008, 02:16:53 PM

I would check alternator output or bad/ corroded powers and grounds for the headlights!

Title: Re: dim headlights
Post by: Davyboy on December 28, 2008, 10:47:01 PM

From what I understand, halogen bulbs get dimmer and dimmer over time.  I have Sylvania Silverstar Ultras in my truck, and they do a really great job. 

Title: Re: dim headlights
Post by: Roguevalleyblue on December 29, 2008, 10:15:04 AM

Quote from: mfoster442 on December 27, 2008, 04:28:13 PM

greetings.

The headlights on my 2002 Vitara (2.0L, no mods except Boondox lif) seem very dim.  is this a function of the bulbs I'm using, or is there just only so much power the system can put out?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

I have had success with using plastic polish on the housings, and I have adjusted my beams higher than factory.  Oncoming traffic has not complained so far.  But no load on hitch.  25-50 dollar pairs of bulbs are much brighter, esp the white light as opposed to xenon or ?????.  I have noticed a shorter life span with the newer lamps.

Pat

Title: Re: dim headlights
Post by: Jeremiah on December 29, 2008, 10:46:55 AM

I've been looking at "Hella" lamps. They have "driving" and "fog" lamps - what's the difference?
http://www.amazon.com/Hella-HLA-H13750601-Model-Driving-Lamp/dp/B0002M9TQW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1230576322&sr=1-2 (http://www.amazon.com/Hella-HLA-H13750601-Model-Driving-Lamp/dp/B0002M9TQW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1230576322&sr=1-2)
http://www.amazon.com/Hella-HLA-H13750611-Model-500-Lamp/dp/B0002M9TRG/ref=pd_bxgy_auto_img_c (http://www.amazon.com/Hella-HLA-H13750611-Model-500-Lamp/dp/B0002M9TRG/ref=pd_bxgy_auto_img_c)

Title: Re: dim headlights
Post by: olija on December 29, 2008, 04:40:05 PM

I got some Silverstar XT's in both my Sidekick and Vitara. They are both VERY good in terms of brightness.

Title: Re: dim headlights
Post by: Armour on December 29, 2008, 04:56:43 PM

Quote from: Jeremiah on December 29, 2008, 10:46:55 AM

I've been looking at "Hella" lamps. They have "driving" and "fog" lamps - what's the difference?
[url]http://www.amazon.com/Hella-HLA-H13750601-Model-Driving-Lamp/dp/B0002M9TQW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1230576322&sr=1-2[/url] ([url]http://www.amazon.com/Hella-HLA-H13750601-Model-Driving-Lamp/dp/B0002M9TQW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1230576322&sr=1-2[/url])
[url]http://www.amazon.com/Hella-HLA-H13750611-Model-500-Lamp/dp/B0002M9TRG/ref=pd_bxgy_auto_img_c[/url] ([url]http://www.amazon.com/Hella-HLA-H13750611-Model-500-Lamp/dp/B0002M9TRG/ref=pd_bxgy_auto_img_c[/url])

The difference is in the distance and pattern of the light! A driving light will shine further with a narrow pattern! Typically around 30 degrees. Where as a fog will shine wider with a 60 degree pattern. Fog lights usually run a bit lower wattage also!

Title: Re: dim headlights
Post by: mfoster442 on December 30, 2008, 09:48:26 PM

I'll try some new bulbs, polish the oxidation/cloudiness off the covers and check the connections.  I'm glad to hear that it seems there's no flaw in the design or that the system is just weak.

Thanks for all the suggestions.