What's wrong with my headlights? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

VAbdul · 07-30-2012, 11:27 PM

Are factory RS headlights supposed to be a little weaker than other HIDs? I've seen a couple threads about this but mine seem to be a little too dim.

My RS HIDs are not very strong when it comes to lighting up the road, they look bright when I stand infront of the car, but I can only see up to 20 feet in front of the car, my 98 Camry's regular headlights light up the road a whole lot better.

I thought it was because I had replaced my HID bulbs (D1S) with Phillips Aftermarket bulbs and I assumed they were not strong enough and possibly counterfeit, but I just got my OSRAM (OEM) D1S bulb and it's the same brightness as my Phillips bulb.

How do I troubleshoot the ballast? Do I need to adjust the direction of the headlights despite never having changed it? (Or simply because I replaced my bulbs)?

2SSRS@Gen5diy · 07-30-2012, 11:54 PM

Did you lower the car and not adjust the height of the lights ?

usafboy · 07-31-2012, 06:32 AM

did you change the output of your HIDs? the higher kelvin rating you go the less light your lights will produce so you won't see as far. ppl mainly do this for looks, not function

VAbdul · 07-31-2012, 11:26 AM

I didn't change the output, I kept it at 4300K, I didn't lower the car either. When I park the car infront of a wall, the light is not a stright line --- ---. I'll readjust them and update this thread, I'll check with a friend of mine with his RS headlights to see the difference in person.

07-30-2012, 11:27 PM	#1
VAbdul Drives: '10 Camaro SS Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: State College, PA Posts: 128	What's wrong with my headlights? Are factory RS headlights supposed to be a little weaker than other HIDs? I've seen a couple threads about this but mine seem to be a little too dim. My RS HIDs are not very strong when it comes to lighting up the road, they look bright when I stand infront of the car, but I can only see up to 20 feet in front of the car, my 98 Camry's regular headlights light up the road a whole lot better. I thought it was because I had replaced my HID bulbs (D1S) with Phillips Aftermarket bulbs and I assumed they were not strong enough and possibly counterfeit, but I just got my OSRAM (OEM) D1S bulb and it's the same brightness as my Phillips bulb. How do I troubleshoot the ballast? Do I need to adjust the direction of the headlights despite never having changed it? (Or simply because I replaced my bulbs)? __________________ Me on Twitter.

07-31-2012, 06:32 AM	#3
usafboy Drives: 2010 Silver SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 882	did you change the output of your HIDs? the higher kelvin rating you go the less light your lights will produce so you won't see as far. ppl mainly do this for looks, not function __________________ 2010 Silver Ice Metallic Camaro SS/RS LS3 Mods...so far: resonator/muffler delete, tinted everything, '13 shift knob/boot, bowtie delete, PFADT sway bars, CAI intake, Hurst short shifter, JBA cat deletes, BMR trailing arms/outer bushings/steering rack bushing, Bo White ported TB. Rhino79 Dyno tuned...405 HP/399 TQ

07-31-2012, 11:26 AM	#4
VAbdul Drives: '10 Camaro SS Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: State College, PA Posts: 128	I didn't change the output, I kept it at 4300K, I didn't lower the car either. When I park the car infront of a wall, the light is not a stright line --- ---. I'll readjust them and update this thread, I'll check with a friend of mine with his RS headlights to see the difference in person. __________________ Me on Twitter.

07-30-2012, 11:54 PM	#2
2SSRS@Gen5diy Drives: 2014 Z/28 #82+#192, 18ZLE 66Nova Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: By the lake in AZ Posts: 15,719 View My Garage	Did you lower the car and not adjust the height of the lights ?