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-   -   Headlights Dim ? (https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29337)

bigdog 02-10-2024 07:43 PM

Headlights Dim ?
 
My headlights appear very dim. Even when I put on high beams.
I replaced my battery last Oct. which was purchased and installed by my local
mechanic. The car electronic there are no issues with battery charging.

FYI, vehicle us a 2016 F-150 XLT V6 Eco-Boost engine, with 48k miles.

Thoughts on what's going on here ?

Thanks !

John Mercier 02-10-2024 08:18 PM

I would skip the warning lights and have the battery and alternator checked.

tummyman 02-10-2024 08:57 PM

Have you had your eyes checked recently for cataracts????? Long shot, but it may be a contributor.

fatlazyless 02-10-2024 09:31 PM

For 26.88 the Walmart tire lube centers in Plymouth or Tilton, appointment needed, will clean and restore both sun damaged headlight lens, or you can get a Sylvania headlight restoration kit for $21.75 and do-it-yourself.

Poor Richard 02-10-2024 10:52 PM

If the headlight switch has an automatic on feature, try moving the switch to manually on and see if that changes anything.

Have the bulbs been replaced at any point in time and if so, are you certain they were exact replacements with regards to wattage?

Are the lenses getting hazy?

ApS 02-11-2024 05:38 AM

Headlight Circuitry...
 
My headlights got dim together, but the reason would be obvious when showing to a viewer.

Over time, the reflective material inside has been flaking off. (There's a very thin layer collecting on the inside-bottom). I look at the situation as my counterbalancing the over-bright headlights of approaching cars.

:cool:

That said, I think it's your headlight switch circuitry that's gone bad.

:look:

The Real BigGuy 02-11-2024 07:29 AM

If both lights dimmed at the same time it points to an electrical issue. The chances of two bulbs going bad at the exact same time is extremely remote. When I had the issue 15 - 20 yrs ago it was something to do with alternator circuitry


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Biggd 02-11-2024 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog (Post 391176)
My headlights appear very dim. Even when I put on high beams.
I replaced my battery last Oct. which was purchased and installed by my local
mechanic. The car electronic there are no issues with battery charging.

FYI, vehicle us a 2016 F-150 XLT V6 Eco-Boost engine, with 48k miles.

Thoughts on what's going on here ?

Thanks !

Usually when lights are working but dim it's a bad ground connection somewhere. If it's just the headlights, then it's probably under the hood. I'm a retired auto mechanic of 50 years.

bigdog 02-11-2024 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy (Post 391189)
If both lights dimmed at the same time it points to an electrical issue. The chances of two bulbs going bad at the exact same time is extremely remote. When I had the issue 15 - 20 yrs ago it was something to do with alternator circuitry


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

If I recall, he last time I had AAA come to jump-start my vehicle,
they indicated that the Alternator was working OK, and that battery was the problem. The tool they used to perform this check looked like a battery pack ?

Is this the same type of system check they do in a shop ?
I suspect the shop used more sophisticated equipment ?

Another thought, could this be a fuse related issue, not getting proper ground?

Thoughts ?

Resident 2B 02-11-2024 10:40 PM

Halogen bulbs dim over time, so I suspect it is the bulbs. I have a 2011 SUV and I just replaced my dimming bulbs with LEDs. Wow, what a difference. I have a battery and charging system checking device and all tested OK.

I hope this helps.

R2B

VitaBene 02-13-2024 08:53 AM

Are you reading 13.8 VDC or so when running?

VitaBene 02-13-2024 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog (Post 391212)
If I recall, he last time I had AAA come to jump-start my vehicle,
they indicated that the Alternator was working OK, and that battery was the problem. The tool they used to perform this check looked like a battery pack ?

Is this the same type of system check they do in a shop ?
I suspect the shop used more sophisticated equipment ?

Another thought, could this be a fuse related issue, not getting proper ground?

Thoughts ?

They likely load tested the battery but I wonder if they tested the alternator output as well. a new battery can mask an alternator problem.

KPW 02-20-2024 08:29 PM

Lens
 
Are the lens clear?

bigdog 02-21-2024 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPW (Post 391430)
Are the lens clear?


Both Lens appear to be clear !

retired 02-22-2024 12:07 PM

Mechanic
 
I would take it to Neil's Laconia Auto on south main street, Laconia. He will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it.

songkrai 02-28-2024 09:53 PM

Well.
What was the solution ?

bigdog 03-01-2024 07:20 PM

Haven't taken to repair shop yet. Will report back after that review.


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