4200 Xenon headlight swap over
- Thread starter paul328
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Zep
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Both types of headlamp have a projector, so it’s not possible to determine what sort of bulb is fitted without removing covers which, as we know, isn’t allowed. So, providing the manual levelling is working, and the beam pattern is correct, it will pass.
To fit self levelling you would need the level sensors (front and rear) a bracket on the rear tie rod that isn’t fitted on non-xenon car and the control unit, plus the xenon headlamps as the levelling motors are different. The wiring loom for xenon is fitted to all cars and not connected where not fitted. I thought about upgrading my GS, but that way madness lies.
If you have a non-xenon car, fit an aftermarket H1 kit and you will be fine. Something like https://www.hids4u.co.uk/H1-HIDS4U-Stealth-55W-Xenon-HID-Conversion-Kit.html
To fit self levelling you would need the level sensors (front and rear) a bracket on the rear tie rod that isn’t fitted on non-xenon car and the control unit, plus the xenon headlamps as the levelling motors are different. The wiring loom for xenon is fitted to all cars and not connected where not fitted. I thought about upgrading my GS, but that way madness lies.
If you have a non-xenon car, fit an aftermarket H1 kit and you will be fine. Something like https://www.hids4u.co.uk/H1-HIDS4U-Stealth-55W-Xenon-HID-Conversion-Kit.html
paul328
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I didn't realise it had manual levelling? it is 2004 GT. I didn't see any manual levelling slider?
safrane
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So thinking about what you want to achieve;
If you use the factory light units you will have to ditch both auto levelling and manual adjustment via the thumb wheel in the car.
Factory units will fall to their lowest setting due to no signal from the sensors in the front and rear suspension arms. As such you will need to use the beam adjusters at the back of the light and probably put it at its highest setting to compensate for the 'fail safe'.
Unfortunately you will also loose the systems for levelling the headlights to adjust for load as these use a manual thumb wheel next to the main light connected to the leveling motors at the back of the light unit. Are the manual and auto adjuster the same system utilising the same motor but a different input system??? I don't know. Unless someone wants to try... but an expensive way to prove the point.
I would suggest you buy an after market kit and try that for size and output, if it gives you enough light they you will have saved a fair bit and its reversible if you find the extra light is not worth the effort.
If you use the factory light units you will have to ditch both auto levelling and manual adjustment via the thumb wheel in the car.
Factory units will fall to their lowest setting due to no signal from the sensors in the front and rear suspension arms. As such you will need to use the beam adjusters at the back of the light and probably put it at its highest setting to compensate for the 'fail safe'.
Unfortunately you will also loose the systems for levelling the headlights to adjust for load as these use a manual thumb wheel next to the main light connected to the leveling motors at the back of the light unit. Are the manual and auto adjuster the same system utilising the same motor but a different input system??? I don't know. Unless someone wants to try... but an expensive way to prove the point.
I would suggest you buy an after market kit and try that for size and output, if it gives you enough light they you will have saved a fair bit and its reversible if you find the extra light is not worth the effort.
Zep
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They aren’t, the xenon lamps use a different part of the loom with extra connections.
paul328
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lol
You were quite right. I had forgotten about that. Too many cars too few braincells left...
Afternoon All
Two points that have become MoT law as from Feb 1 this year, with an amendment from Mar 22. NO alternative lighting on post 1986 cars is allowed, only manufacturer fitted. And front tyres on cars and bikes must be under ten years old.
www.gov.uk
God bless the Govmint
Two points that have become MoT law as from Feb 1 this year, with an amendment from Mar 22. NO alternative lighting on post 1986 cars is allowed, only manufacturer fitted. And front tyres on cars and bikes must be under ten years old.
MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles - 5. Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension - Guidance - GOV.UK
Axle, wheel bearing, wheel and tyres, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and suspension (including springs, shock absorbers, and suspension arms and joints) rules and inspection for car and passenger vehicle MOT tests.
God bless the Govmint
Zep
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Afternoon All
Two points that have become MoT law as from Feb 1 this year, with an amendment from Mar 22. NO alternative lighting on post 1986 cars is allowed, only manufacturer fitted. And front tyres on cars and bikes must be under ten years old.
MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles - 5. Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension - Guidance - GOV.UK
Axle, wheel bearing, wheel and tyres, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and suspension (including springs, shock absorbers, and suspension arms and joints) rules and inspection for car and passenger vehicle MOT tests.
God bless the Govmint
On the headlamps it’s more of a clarification, to make it easier for the tester. The big problem with HID conversions is where they are used with standard reflector headlamps, where the use of a powerful bulb ruins the beam pattern and dazzles oncoming cars. For projectors this isn’t an issue and is unenforceable as covers can’t be removed to check.
As for tyres, this I think it is fair to say is perfectly sensible and is comforting to know.