dim headlights

DirtySCREW

DirtySCREW

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What would cause dim headlights if I've polished the lens with a kit and replaced the bulbs 1 year ago?
Lenses don't look bad...might do them again just for kicks and giggles.
Any ideas?
Lenses are original and 10 years old.....
Battery is new.
Read something about checking the ground wire as lights might not be getting the right voltage....
It's a Toyota if it matters.....
@Mike Overlay

DS
 
High beams are fine.....it's the low beams that are dim.

DS
 
Bulbs dim over time. However PIAA extreme are some of the best you can buy. Order them on amazon. Low beams so bright i dont use my high beams

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Lol mine work

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What brand bulbs? I've seen some like silver star dim out as they wear over time.
 
Most vehicles benefit from upsized ground wires and cleaning up THE ground, wherever it is. If it's not something dumb like a burnt socket/pigtail, frequently caused by poor grounds. Also some use ground splices/packs for the corner that are prone to poor continuity. In the absence of relays the switch or connector may be getting cooked also.
 
I have a set of PIAA dogs that are about three years old and have shifted significantly in color (from yellow to a hazy orange). I suspect they're getting ready to go out. My PIAA low beams usually last a year, but they're on at the same time as the fogs.

High beams from PIAA are still going strong at 3 years.
 
Clean and check the sockets and connections for best conductivity. Remember to wear gloves so you don’t contaminate the bulbs, sockets or connections with oil from your skin. If you have a multimeter handy you might want to double check the voltages you’re getting at the connectors.

One kinda strange question ... does the light intensity vary as the engines RPM’s vary (brighter at higher revs ... dimmer at lower)?
 
Finally received, and installed, my Morimoto LED headlights. These have actual LED projector lenses inside the housing, instead of the cheapo's installing a light source in an uncontrolled housing (scattering light everywhere but where it is supposed to be). Cut offs are nice and sharp.

Two low beam LED projectors, one high beam LED projector, one solid state LED day time running light (on when the headlights are on) and also serves as a sequential amber turn signal, LED amber marker lights on the sides. Otherwise the housing is completely black when off.

83062919_198806647911166_5497213802761945088_o.jpg
 
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Forgot to update you guys. .....

Seems it was the alternator!
Wife told me the battery light came on while she was driving to work one day. I knew the battery was good cause it was just replaced under warranty.
So I went and got her car and had it tested and yep...bad alternator.
Long story short, after an alternator replacement, her lights are much brighter! Like they use to be. I'm guessing it was going out and not producing the voltage the lights needed.

DS
 
A sure sign of an alterator starting to go out is when all seems good - battery charging, gauges read OK, etc - during the day but lights browning out at night. When the brushes are just about worn out, they are still making contact but not good enough I guess.
 
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