Headlight bulbs
Discussion
300bhp/ton said:
While I agree with the principle, the reality is, there is a huge variation in halogen bulbs, so this single light source moves about from bulb to bulb anyway.
The filaments in conventional bulbs have to be located quite accurately for this reason. One of the ways that the high output bulbs get more light out is to tighten down on the tolerance of the filament position.However it's not just the location of the light source that is important, it's the shape. A big LED or a bunch of smaller LEDs is nothing like the same shape as a filament, so will not focus correctly no matter how well located.
Mr2Mike said:
The filaments in conventional bulbs have to be located quite accurately for this reason. One of the ways that the high output bulbs get more light out is to tighten down on the tolerance of the filament position.
However it's not just the location of the light source that is important, it's the shape. A big LED or a bunch of smaller LEDs is nothing like the same shape as a filament, so will not focus correctly no matter how well located.
I don't disagree with the rational. However from first hand experience I can attest that an LED can indeed focus perfectly well in a halogen reflector.However it's not just the location of the light source that is important, it's the shape. A big LED or a bunch of smaller LEDs is nothing like the same shape as a filament, so will not focus correctly no matter how well located.
And not just car headlamps, but spot/flood lights and torches.
In once instance the LED bulb actually focused better than the original H4 halogen did. Cleaner cut off and a much more even beam.
Mr2Mike said:
If you have H7's then there are separate bulbs for main and dip, in which case it's a no-brainer; fit standard or long life bulbs for dip/DRL and higher performance ones for main beam.
Unfortunately it's the dip beams that need improving. Most of my driving is on country B roads, with worn out road markings and poorly defined edges. It can be a struggle to see the road properly with the glare from oncoming headlights.300bhp/ton said:
How about a rewire? I suspect it wouldn't be that difficult to wire the DLR circuit into the side light, or even a separate DLR light (even if it's just a bulb). And return the headlights to normal use?
But it might be harder than it sounds on a modern car.
There are some ok LED bulbs and/or HIDs, but you need to know what to look for. And then test it out and assess if it's suitable or not.
Did you try the link I posted?
I had a read through the post that you linked to, and the units being discussed there looked fine, so decent LEDs are out there at a reasonable price. The Amazon supplier link throws up a warning on my tablet, so I'll look again later on my computer.But it might be harder than it sounds on a modern car.
There are some ok LED bulbs and/or HIDs, but you need to know what to look for. And then test it out and assess if it's suitable or not.
Did you try the link I posted?
My initial thoughts were that it would be best to disable the DRLs, but I couldn't find a way to do it. As well as reducing bulb life, it's annoying that the dip beams come on as soon as I press the start button to turn on the hands free or satnav (keyless start).
There doesn't appear to be a specific DRL fuse or relay, so I guess the body control module or whatever is programmed to turn the lights on with the ignition? I can't find any info on reprogramming.
Strangely, I can turn off the DRLs if I switch to sidelights when driving.
I'm not sure it would be possible to rewire without some drastic modifications
OP,
Is it A new shape galaxy with projector headlamps for dipped beam?
If so I recommend getting a LED kit, works in the same way as a HID kit but much better, I had one in a fiesta ST and it provided a great beam pattern with sharp cut off, no dazzle etc.
You may get people saying you need headlight washers and self leaving, but that's over a certain light output and plenty of new cars have xenon and led bulbs without washers and self level ( corsa vxr for example)
http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/h7-50w-cree-led-headl...
Is it A new shape galaxy with projector headlamps for dipped beam?
If so I recommend getting a LED kit, works in the same way as a HID kit but much better, I had one in a fiesta ST and it provided a great beam pattern with sharp cut off, no dazzle etc.
You may get people saying you need headlight washers and self leaving, but that's over a certain light output and plenty of new cars have xenon and led bulbs without washers and self level ( corsa vxr for example)
http://www.hids-direct.co.uk/h7-50w-cree-led-headl...
No, it's one of the last of the old shape.
Since the Galaxy is mostly a Mondeo, I've tried searching for info on Mondeo DRLs. It seems like the DRLs are controlled by the Generic Electronics Module, and are PWM switched 90%, so about 11.5v. I wonder if LED lamps would work properly on PWM?
Since the Galaxy is mostly a Mondeo, I've tried searching for info on Mondeo DRLs. It seems like the DRLs are controlled by the Generic Electronics Module, and are PWM switched 90%, so about 11.5v. I wonder if LED lamps would work properly on PWM?
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