Topic: XJ Headlights (Read 14297 times)

Jeepthang · « **on:** May 06, 2009, 05:57:21 PM »

I realise that XJ headlights are crap and that the XJ electrics are sensitive to change but are there any replacement headlight bulbs that I can use that are going to make things brighter but not screw the electrics up? I don't want to spend loads on upgrading but as my headlights are currently disconnected (for a completely seperate reason) I thought I might as well stick upgraded bulbs in them (if they exist) before I reconnect them back up.

tim_aka_tim · « **Reply #1 on:** May 06, 2009, 06:33:45 PM »

You could try some blue tinted bulbs, they're expensive though. Remember that the UK
maximum legal on-road rating is 55 watts :wink:

Panic mechanic! · « **Reply #2 on:** May 06, 2009, 06:39:32 PM »

the other option is to wire your headlamps to work direct from a battery feed via relays that could improve output .
Personally my xj's lights are fine and well up on output just a case of making sure everything is working as it should.

momos · « **Reply #3 on:** May 06, 2009, 06:41:30 PM »

ewww i don`t know if its a country bumkin thing but all the young lads who have nova`s, sorry punto/clio`s have those little blue lights, oh and taxis
I`m not sure i likes em, they are usually followed by a gapping exaust the size of a 2l coke bottle... :-?

Panic mechanic! · « **Reply #4 on:** May 06, 2009, 06:43:41 PM »

and they are illegal.

momos · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2009, 06:45:50 PM »

no way, i think these must be different to the ones Tim`s suggesting then, they are like little neon blue lights, even on screen wash jets, very off putting...

Panic mechanic! · « **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2009, 06:48:28 PM »

tims , talking about a different type, they are a cheap copy of a very expensive setup, think they are called xenon bulbs, the ones you are on about are led's and very bright and annoying.

Mike Pavelin · « **Reply #7 on:** May 06, 2009, 07:17:11 PM »

Get some Phillips Vision Plus. More light but the same wattage. Mansfield sell them or try your local accessory store.

gazjeep · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2009, 07:29:23 PM »

Like the Doc says

Jeepthang · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 2009, 07:31:44 PM »

Quote from: "Mike Pavelin"

Get some Phillips Vision Plus. More light but the same wattage. Mansfield sell them or try your local accessory store.

Cheers Mike, I'll get some of those.

Thanks for all the other suggestions but I really don't want to muck around with the electrics at the mo. Just wanted some some "quick fix" replacement bulbs.

gordy · « **Reply #10 on:** May 06, 2009, 07:55:51 PM »

Philips X-treme Power. I got some and these are bright.

Jonny Jeep · « **Reply #11 on:** May 06, 2009, 08:25:55 PM »

I've fitted some Osram Nightbreaker bulbs recently when one of my Extreme White PIAA bulbs went. Too expensive to replace the PIAA at UK prices. Paid about £12 off ebay inc. postage. Still 55/60W but not quite as bright or white as the PIAAs were.

Seller has Philips Extreme too...
http://http://shop.ebay.co.uk/merchant/brighterbulbs_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZ

PtP · « **Reply #12 on:** May 06, 2009, 08:40:44 PM »

Have a look on ebay at the "H4 HID KITS".

I have factory fitted HIDs on another car and the light output is well worth it!

They also only run at 35watts which might put less strain on the dodgy standard XJ wiring.

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trks ... Categories

scrw · « **Reply #13 on:** May 06, 2009, 10:12:54 PM »

retro fitted HIDs are not MOT legal. A mate is an MOT tester and they look out for them, fine as auxx lighting but not headlights unless factory units

Mike Pavelin · « **Reply #14 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:07:11 AM »

Quote from: "scrw"

retro fitted HIDs are not MOT legal. A mate is an MOT tester and they look out for them, fine as auxx lighting but not headlights unless factory units

There is nothing in the MoT test that dictates this as long as they operate correctly, are a matched pair, are substantially white and are correctly aimed.

scrw · « **Reply #15 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:55:43 AM »

HIDs need to have self levelers, they are fail if they don't, will ask the exact reason why they fail. It was also covered in some auto mag last year also.

Mike Pavelin · « **Reply #16 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:50:49 PM »

Self levellers are not part of the test either, just so long as the aim is correct.

scrw · « **Reply #17 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:08:10 PM »

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/drs/hidheadlamps

gov says no.

".....In summary it is not permitted to convert an existing halogen headlamp unit for use with HID bulbs. The entire headlamp unit must be replaced with one designed and approved for use with HID bulbs and it must be installed in accordance with the rules stated above.

If you require any further information regarding the regulations covered by this fact sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:

Transport Technology and Standards 6
Department for Transport
Zone 2/04
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR

Telephone: 020 7944 2078
Fax: 020 7944 2196
Email: TTS.enquiries@dft.gsi.gov.uk "

tim_aka_tim · « **Reply #18 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:16:51 PM »

The law, the government and VOSA seldom seem to agree.

Mike Pavelin · « **Reply #19 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:25:24 PM »

That's nothing to do with the MoT test. As long as the beam pattern and aim are correct it cannot fail. A tester must not fail a vehicle on anything other than reasons for rejection laid down in the tester's manual. The MoT test does not seek to enforce UK or Euro construction and use or type approval regs.

Perhaps you'd like to see the manual........ http://www.motuk.com/mot_manual/1-2.asp#14

scrw · « **Reply #20 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:43:12 PM »

My tester mate has failed them on pattern as they do not create the correct pattern in a halogen light housing, all reto fitted HIDs he has tested so far failed the pattern test

Mike Pavelin · « **Reply #21 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:52:50 PM »

That's fine as it's within the scope of the test, but if the pattern was correct it cannot fail no matter what any other govt. department says about HiD conversions.

scrw · « **Reply #22 on:** May 07, 2009, 07:57:48 PM »

Yep, but get pulled by the fuzz and you will get a ticket for it :roll:

same hymn sheet etc

Mike Pavelin · « **Reply #23 on:** May 07, 2009, 08:21:43 PM »

Quote from: "scrw"

Yep, but get pulled by the fuzz and you will get a ticket for it

Isn't that police brutality? :mrgreen:

Dave69 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 07, 2009, 08:27:42 PM »

upgrade the loom...

http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoHeadlightLoom.htm

if you want the HID conversion then you need the hi-low type with the ballast resistor.

this is one example of a motorcycle fitment. As for legality as long as the beam doesn't dazzle other drivers and the beam lights up the correct area on the chart then it isn't an mot failure.

http://www.extreme-lighting.co.uk/hid-c ... n-kit.html

most HID kits are for use in additon to main beam or fog lights etc. If your not sure about the legality of the kit being bout ask the seller for confirmation

Author Topic: XJ Headlights (Read 14297 times)

Jeepthang

Panic mechanic!

momos

Panic mechanic!

momos

Panic mechanic!

Mike Pavelin

Jeepthang

gordy

scrw

Mike Pavelin

scrw

Mike Pavelin

scrw

Mike Pavelin

scrw

Mike Pavelin

scrw

Mike Pavelin