Headlight Beam Pattern

[peedy17]

Hi all,

My 2007 XC90 has failed its MOT due to the beam pattern being no existent and he's saying they are way too dull.

He has advised i replace the units. Does this sound correct?

I'm looking on VIDA and i have two options, Height adjustable and no adjustable.

How do i know which type i have?

Thanks

[Clan]

Originally Posted by peedy17

Hi all,

My 2007 XC90 has failed its MOT due to the beam pattern being no existent and he's saying they are way too dull.

He has advised i replace the units. Does this sound correct?

I'm looking on VIDA and i have two options, Height adjustable and no adjustable.

How do i know which type i have?

Thanks

Height adjustable as you have a adjustment device by the light switch don't you??

Is the poor light output due to faded Perspex lens ? They can be polished back.. can you see where you are going in the dark ? There is no defined light output measuring device for MOT it is just the tester's opinion and he will advise on it. Are the reflectors still shiny? Are you using volvo long life H7 bulbs ?
What is to say any different units you buy will be better ?

[peedy17]

Originally Posted by Clan

Height adjustable as you have a adjustment device by the light switch don't you??

I'm not sure I do but i will check

Is the poor light output due to faded Perspex lens ? They can be polished back.. can you see where you are going in the dark ? There is no defined light output measuring device for MOT it is just the tester's opinion and he will advise on it. Are the reflectors still shiny? Are you using volvo long life H7 bulbs ?
What is to say any different units you buy will be better ?

I've polished the lens and refinished. Night driving is real bad as they are so dim. I changed them for cheaper bulbs, maybe try genuine ones. He was saying the beam pattern is the issue.

[Tannaton]

Never heard of this before - if the front lenses are clear.

Do you have Halogen or HID lights? If HID it may be that you have the wrong bulbs - check the ones you have against whats in the handbook (i.e. if you have "R" bulbs in projector housings where "S" are required).

[peedy17]

I have HID lamps. Would a knackered, cheap bulb cause issues with the pattern?

[peedy17]

Originally Posted by Clan

Height adjustable as you have a adjustment device by the light switch don't you??

You mean here? It was my understanding that height adjustable was a manual adjustment on the headlight itself

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by peedy17

You mean here? It was my understanding that height adjustable was a manual adjustment on the headlight itself

You've just answered the question above - you have HID lamps (the thumbwheel to the right is the dimmer for the instrument lighting). You would only have a separate height adjuster for halogen lamps.

[peedy17]

Perfect, thank you.
I also see on VIDA there's options for active gas discharge and gas discharge headlights

[peedy17]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

If HID it may be that you have the wrong bulbs - check the ones you have against whats in the handbook (i.e. if you have "R" bulbs in projector housings where "S" are required).

Just Check Haynes and it states 35 D2R bulbs, i Installed D1S bulbs. Don't know where i Got that they should be D1S from though. Could this be the cause?

Edit: Looking at VIDA it states D1S

[peedy17]

I've whipped the headlight out today.
I can see the little reflector that the hid lamp sits in is all blackened. I'm guessing this should be shiny and reflective? Can I just clean It up?