My wife has a 2014 XB. The low beam headlights are incredibly dim. I put some LEDs in and it didn't really help. I put silverstar ultras in. Slightly better but still not great.

We live in the Pacific Northwest in Portland. It's dark early, and we drive a lot in the mountains...

Im debating on having her run the high beams and adjusting the lights down so she doesn't ____ everyone on the road off.

Any tips besides that?

Thank you.

 

1. Measure voltage at bulb-sockets. Volts = ???

I used to sell headlight upgrade kit for Porsches. Here’s before & after comparison with exact same 55w power consumption.

 

Has the plastic on the headlights become sunburnt?

If so, this might work for you, if you are comfy taking the bumper off etc.
The joy of plastic lenses

 

Would be nice to get some headlights made from actual glass!!!

There's also acetone vapour method of clearing up lenses. Anyone tried it?




Actual procedure may be more complex.

 

I have not seen that method, looks toxic. Illegal in California???
Acetone being nasty stuff... what does it do to the surrounding paintwork??

I see kits sell for $20-30 on amazon, at that price it may be worth a try

 

Should be OK with 2-part catalysed paint. Lacquer? Maybe not.

Probably banned in CA and not allowed to ship those kits in.

Does seem quite toxic, eh? And dangerous! Boiling acetone to get its vapours... I can imaging the vapours creeping across garage floor and encountring an ignition-source..., like your hot-water heater pilot light!!! >BOOM<!!!!

 

I have a 2012 that are also dim. Look inside the headlight, does the rear of the projector housing look dark/black?