Classic problem. Halogen headlights beam appears kinda dim, even after replacing HB4s with some quality stuff. I looked into the hole, and the pyramid shaped reflector (bounce back reflector?) is very matte, satin and gray (at least in camera), but not glossy at all.


This is what my HB4 bulb sees

Is this normal, or should I clean it up? Cotton swap with some iso alcohol?

Thanks.

 

That is normal for the inside of the cap. You can see the rest of it is nice and shiny. This cap is used to reduce glare, so it blocks the light, not reflects it. What triggered you to consider a problem here? Our eyesight does get worse at night as we age, and as the newer cars around us get brighter lights, our old ones look dimmer and dimmer in comparison.

 

It does look dim in comparison, but not only to me. For instance high beams look fine and dandy. Bright and all. I saw somewhere a video where a dude adressed that problem with an inner reflector. That got me thinking. I though it's an electrical problem, but every other light is just fine. Yes, they get dimmer when I start an engine, but all old cars do that. Does cleaning reflectors do much of a difference? I don't want to buy xenons.

UPDATE: Checked voltage in bulb connector 14,41.

 

I'm just not really sure what you can do without taking the entire headlight apart. How's it look from the front?

 

I tried resanding and buffing it. Badly, but it's better than before. It looks fine I guess.

 

If you are having lighting issues, it may be the plastic lens of the headlight itself. My car is light that. I have xenons and the outer lens is hazy. After I polished them they got better, but the lens is clouded on the inside. I have no choice but to buy brand new lights in the future

 

Sucks man. Well. Good luck.