Why is passenger low-beam brighter?

[The_Blur]

I'm installing new bulbs and my passenger bulb is significantly brighter. Originally, my stock passenger bulb was brighter, and I thought the headlights needed replacement anyway, but here is a brighter replacement bulb.

The first pic is this morning with stock bulbs.



The second pic is right now with Sylvania XtraVision replacement bulbs.



Help!

[strych9]

Bad ground on the LH (driver's) headlight. Check the connector first, then work your way back.

OR

Are you getting proper intensity change high beam vs low beam? Could be some resistance in the circuit.

[The_Blur]

I'm pretty mediocre with wiring. If it's a bad ground, what do I do?

[Diode Dynamics]

Did you replace one of the bulbs at a different time?

As a rule of thumb you should always replace bulbs at the same time, otherwise one side ends up brighter than the other.

Nick C.

[strych9]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

I'm pretty mediocre with wiring. If it's a bad ground, what do I do?

Most ground problems originate at the connector terminal. With the lights on, kind of pull the connector partially backwards and then reseat it. If the intensity changes at all, get a replacement connector pigtail from your local parts joint, cut off the old and crimp on the new.

If it doesn't change, make a temp ground wire straight to a known good ground nearby under the hood, and back probe the connector on the ground pin while the light is on. See if it changes then. If so, make a new ground location for a permanent fix, and use a new pigtail when you do it.

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by strych9

Most ground problems originate at the connector terminal. With the lights on, kind of pull the connector partially backwards and then reseat it. If the intensity changes at all, get a replacement connector pigtail from your local parts joint, cut off the old and crimp on the new.

If it doesn't change, make a temp ground wire straight to a known good ground nearby under the hood, and back probe the connector on the ground pin while the light is on. See if it changes then. If so, make a new ground location for a permanent fix, and use a new pigtail when you do it.

It appears to stay the same brightness when partially inserted, so it must be damaged elsewhere. I don't have the equipment to do the rest of the steps, so I'm going to need a buddy in Pensacola. I'll provide the beer.

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by Diode Dynamics

Did you replace one of the bulbs at a different time?

As a rule of thumb you should always replace bulbs at the same time, otherwise one side ends up brighter than the other.

Nick C.

I'm replacing both as we speak. I know better than to mismatch my bulbs, but I appreciate the help troubleshooting.

[strych9]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

It appears to stay the same brightness when partially inserted, so it must be damaged elsewhere. I don't have the equipment to do the rest of the steps, so I'm going to need a buddy in Pensacola. I'll provide the beer.

Happy to assist you if you fly me in!

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by strych9

Happy to assist you if you fly me in!

I'm a little early in flight training to give you a lift.

[Diode Dynamics]

Originally Posted by The_Blur

I'm replacing both as we speak. I know better than to mismatch my bulbs, but I appreciate the help troubleshooting.

Nick C.

[45thCamaro]

Is it possible that one light is aiming up an the other straight or down?

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by 45thCamaro

Is it possible that one light is aiming up an the other straight or down?

That's a good thought, but adjustment does not help. I damn-near blinded myself getting in from of both bulbs, but one is definitely more blinding than the other.