Very weak RS HID light output

[MrTeacher]

I've had the same problem with my HID headlights in my 2010 2LT/RS. I also bought several different replacement bulbs from Diode Dynamics, Oracle, and Gen5Diy with the same results. At this point, I'm actually looking into replacing my RS Halo HIDs with halogen-based headlights and then buying better bulbs. The headlights I have are bright enough for people to see me, but they don't throw the light very far, and that's connected to the design of the light and how much power the bulbs have. Unfortunately, they are only 35 watts, and there really isn't anything else to do as I see it right now.

Anyone know if I can just buy non-RS headlights and replace what I currently have with them?

[spadz93]

Originally Posted by MrTeacher

I've had the same problem with my HID headlights in my 2010 2LT/RS. I also bought several different replacement bulbs from Diode Dynamics, Oracle, and Gen5Diy with the same results. At this point, I'm actually looking into replacing my RS Halo HIDs with halogen-based headlights and then buying better bulbs. The headlights I have are bright enough for people to see me, but they don't throw the light very far, and that's connected to the design of the light and how much power the bulbs have. Unfortunately, they are only 35 watts, and there really isn't anything else to do as I see it right now.

Anyone know if I can just buy non-RS headlights and replace what I currently have with them?

For me, the halos add enough personality for me to justify keeping them. I can't imagine that nobody on here has had this issue and wasn't able to fix it. Maybe the amperage on my alternator isn't as it should be? does anyone have a normal-operating amperage rating I could compare against?

[shibbs]

I still think that the housing itself is defective/dirty - not the HID capsules.

I know my headlights are a Godsend. They're insanely bright and the cutoff is perfect. I wouldn't get rid of them for anything.

I think you should pick up a new set of headlight housings. That's gotta be your only fix at the moment. And I don't mean aftermarket housings - in my experience they're not built quite to the quality of OEM. Your best bet would be to find a set of housings from a totaled car. They do pop up for sale here now and again.

[spadz93]

Originally Posted by shibbs

I still think that the housing itself is defective/dirty - not the HID capsules.

I know my headlights are a Godsend. They're insanely bright and the cutoff is perfect. I wouldn't get rid of them for anything.

I think you should pick up a new set of headlight housings. That's gotta be your only fix at the moment. And I don't mean aftermarket housings - in my experience they're not built quite to the quality of OEM. Your best bet would be to find a set of housings from a totaled car. They do pop up for sale here now and again.

If that's what it boils down to, then I guess i could bite that bullet. Just seems weird that nobody else has had this issue. I have caught my volt meter down by 12/11 when the car was running, so my alt could be doing bad from when I had a coolant/PS leak that got it wet.

[MrTeacher]

I love the halos too, but I need to get more light output asap- it's scary to drive at night. I'm hoping I can just change them out with non-RS eagle eyes... Then I get halos and halogens.

[2SSRS@Gen5diy]

Originally Posted by spadz93

For me, the halos add enough personality for me to justify keeping them. I can't imagine that nobody on here has had this issue and wasn't able to fix it. Maybe the amperage on my alternator isn't as it should be? does anyone have a normal-operating amperage rating I could compare against?

When you lights first start they will draw 5.5 amps per light, hope that helps.

[STONE SS]

I have the same problem. Just ordered PIAA bulbs and hoping for the best. It's seriously driving me nuts. I see cars with non-HID bulbs that are brighter than mine and they are new diode dynamics bulbs.

[Kcchiefscraig]

I just came from non RS lights to rs hid lights and the HID are way brighter and reach further than the halogen bulbs. I did upgrade the hid bulbs with a set of 6k from gen5!

[ronss]

i have a 2010 had the same problem i found out that the bulbs were a little lose not completely tight in the housing they were on but weak i reinstalled them the right way and boom bright lights im not saying thats your problem but try it

[STONE SS]

Originally Posted by ronss

i have a 2010 had the same problem i found out that the bulbs were a little lose not completely tight in the housing they were on but weak i reinstalled them the right way and boom bright lights im not saying thats your problem but try it

Can you validate which direction the connector is facing? Mine are facing down which I believe to be correct.

[jrod241]

I know this is an old thread but my 2010 has the same issue.super dim lights. Replaced the bulbs, new battery. Did the OP figure out the issue?

[spadz93]

Originally Posted by jrod241

I know this is an old thread but my 2010 has the same issue.super dim lights. Replaced the bulbs, new battery. Did the OP figure out the issue?

Yeah I bought a new car Nah, the plating inside the projectors on the headlights are prone to fading/deteriorating, causing lower light output. That's what I've read on a few occasions. New headlights would probably fix it, or new projectors.

[96SS10SS]

Originally Posted by jrod241

I know this is an old thread but my 2010 has the same issue.super dim lights. Replaced the bulbs, new battery. Did the OP figure out the issue?

Check out my posts on this thread:
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...=491102&page=2

The reflective coating on the reflectors can burn off with the stock setup which makes the lights barely bright enough to drive at night...which is a huge safety issue. If there was a state inspection category where they checked light output I would have failed. I put up with it for a while while I researched it and just didn’t drive as much at night. However once daylight saving time ended I was driving home in the dark daily and it was bad. I posted some photos of my experience in the thread above. I bought new assemblies (made by TYC) from RockAuto and just put everything in yesterday. HUGE improvement. Worth the $770 I paid but very frustrating to have to replace entire headlights for that reason. Bulbs and ballasts I can understand but not internal plastic parts. I contacted Chevrolet about it just to see what they might do about it. I assume it will go nowhere outside of warranty.

Side note: I had BMW replace my 2000 328Ci subframe well out of warranty (9 year old car with over 120,000 miles) for a known defect (eventual class action for those who were told mods caused the problem and had to pay out of pocket) but I don’t know if the Camaro headlight defect is well known enough to even get a response other than “I’ve never heard of/seen this happen before” from a dealer. I’m still pursuing a remedy because it’s unacceptable.

[jrod241]

Lol, well I just got this car. Not ready for a new one!
That sucks....
Maybe I will pull them and inspect the housings. I can shell-out 600-800 for new housings though