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dim headlights

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Offline mfoster442

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dim headlights
« 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.
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2002 Vitara
235/70/R16 Cooper Discoverer S/Ts
Stock engine and running gear
Boondox Spacers
Pro-Comp Shocks Strut extenders Camber bolts
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Offline Jeremiah

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Re: dim headlights
« Reply #1 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?
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'96 4 door kick: 29" Pep-Boys M/T, 1.5" OME
'83 SJ410: 31" Toyo M/T, SPOA, 1.3L
'08 Yamaha FZ6
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Offline Armour

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Re: dim headlights
« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2008, 02:16:53 PM »
I would check alternator output or bad/ corroded powers and grounds for the headlights!
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89 Sidekick. 33's.  Lincoln Locker,4.24 T Case, 5.13 gears. Warn M8000 winch.
96 Tracker. 39.5's Locked 44's front and rear, 6.5 t case, 4.10 gears.
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Offline Davyboy

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Re: dim headlights
« Reply #3 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. 
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1999 Grand Vitara w/CALMINI Suspension and RRO Body Lift, 31" Goodyear MTR tires, Skidplates, 5.12 Diffs with a Lock-Right in the rear.
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Offline Roguevalleyblue

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Re: dim headlights
« Reply #4 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
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Offline Jeremiah

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Re: dim headlights
« Reply #5 on: December 29, 2008, 10:46:55 AM »
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'96 4 door kick: 29" Pep-Boys M/T, 1.5" OME
'83 SJ410: 31" Toyo M/T, SPOA, 1.3L
'08 Yamaha FZ6
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Offline olija

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Re: dim headlights
« Reply #6 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.
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97 Sidekick 4door 5 speed, 1.5 spacer lift, 2" body lift, CJ rims, locked rear, 31's, 4:1 low <SOLD>
01 Vitara 2.0L 5 speed, 2.5" Calmini lift, 2" body lift, Sidekick rims, locked rear, 31's, 4:1 low, 5.13 diffs <SOLD>
03 XL7 2.7 5 speed, 4.5" AE lift with OME springs, 2" AE body lift, 5.13 diffs, 3:1 low, 235/80R17 BFG AT's on Ultra 17x8 with 1" spacers, skid plates, Balmer Fab front bumper
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Offline Armour

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Re: dim headlights
« Reply #7 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?
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

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!
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89 Sidekick. 33's.  Lincoln Locker,4.24 T Case, 5.13 gears. Warn M8000 winch.
96 Tracker. 39.5's Locked 44's front and rear, 6.5 t case, 4.10 gears.
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Offline mfoster442

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Re: dim headlights
« Reply #8 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.
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2002 Vitara
235/70/R16 Cooper Discoverer S/Ts
Stock engine and running gear
Boondox Spacers
Pro-Comp Shocks Strut extenders Camber bolts
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