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Dimmest headlights I've ever had

42K views 152 replies 67 participants last post by  michiganadam 
#1 ·
Hello all,

My new 2010 Wrangler has the dimmest headlights I've ever seen.
My wife has a Toyota minivan and the headlights (not HIDs) totally blow away the Jeep.
I don't want to convert to HIDs (at least while it is still under warranty).
I was wondering if anyone knows if it is the reflector design, or just cheap oem bulbs.
If it is the bulbs, what are your recommendations for a replacement with the same wattage as oem - don't want to overheat anything - esspecially that integrated control unit thingy.

Thanks.

Steve
 
#4 ·
I might just measure the voltage to the lights later today if I get a chance because this is my pet peeve area...

I installed identical Phillips Visionplus +50 H13 bulbs into my 2007 MINI Cooper and my 2008 Jeep JK on the same day; these are Eurospec bulbs with about 30% more lumen output than the stock Phillips bulbs.
When I light up the headlights on both vehicles, there is a dramatic difference. You can see the road in wonderful detail in front of the MINI; you want to stop the Jeep and make sure the lights are on...

So, is the Jeep choking the voltage to the lights? Or is the reflector just of poor design? Or is it the shape and/or materials used in the dome-shaped parabolic front of the headlight itself?

Checking the voltage is the last thing I'm going to do before cracking open the piggybank and getting a for-real HID kit:
suvlights.com OSRAM Sylvania XENARC HID Sealed Beam X6024 (7" Round) Upgrade Kit HID headlight

If you want the zippiest H13 that you can buy with the most lumen output in the most effective color temperature, try the Phillips +80 bulb:
suvlights.com PHILIPS- Xtreme Power XP +80%! - (Clear)- H4/9003, H7, 9006/HB4, 9007/HB5, & 900
 
#36 ·
#7 ·
#6 ·
^^^ How ironic, I was gonna post about the awful headlights as well. Boy, the stock headlights are terrible. I agree w/the above post, I have to use the fog lights just to get some semblance of lighting for the JK...

The high beams aren't much better either.

I'll monitor this thread to see if someone has a reasonable (financial) fix for this issue/problem.

Best,

BB
 
#9 ·
I've purchased No-Name Flashlights at the Dollar Tree, that give off more light than our JK's. Sad, when you think about the $20K+ people spend on these vehicles. You'd think Fiat/Chrysler could at least provide a better lighting system, wouldn't you?


Until they do a Recall or TSB on our Headlights, I'm looking at one of these two options, in the interim:

SilverStar Bulbs (Link)

Delta H4 Headlight Kit (Link)

Cheers!

BB
 
#13 ·
#11 ·
Is this because of the lights being simple round headlights or because the bulbs just suck? I can't complain; this is my first new vehicle and it is still much better lighting than the previous were. That said, I don't have foglights either.
 
#14 ·
#16 ·
i just got some silverstars for xmas and they are much better than stock.
for the price they are definitely worth it.
 
#19 ·
I must not have stock bulbs in my 09 4dr. I live where there are no street lights and plenty of hills and my headlights are good, as are my stock fog lights. I had to re-adjust after lifting because they were too high and blinding people. Strange. Would be interested to know if Hilldweller or anyone else finds low voltage at the lamps.
 
#20 ·
hilldweller-
not many people can afford to pay $200 for a headlight upgrade, especially if you are a collage student or have a family,
so maybe paying $50 and and getting the silverstars which really is a he** of alot better than stock is just what some people need.
spend the money saved on something better for the jeep.
 
#23 ·
Maybe I got the odd one (and I will have to dig up a build date) - but my '10 has really good low beams and exceptional high beams which actually reach close to the 100 watt high beam in my old Harley - quite unscientifically parking them next to each other and aiming down a country lane.
The JK lights are much better than my old Dodge truck, better than a Ford Super Duty that I was able to compare with.
Strange. I don't know a thing about light output, etc. Must be some reason my "stock" work better than other's "stock" -
 
#27 ·
Illegal, unsafe, etc.
Most people don't get caught but, if you do, the fine is $10,000.
You can't run HID in a housing that's not designed for it.
There are HID kits that are full conversion but they're over $500 per light.
 
#30 ·
yeah i have skimmed through that article before and i knew it would be brought up,
but here is the thing, the sliverstars put out a much clearer light than stock, even if it is not brighter, it is better on the eyes. Out here in the country, being able to tell the difference between a mailbox on the side of the road and a deer on the side of the road a couple hundred yards in front of you is the difference between life or death, of you or the jeep...
so sometimes having the light just a little bit clearer is all that is necessary, and why not do it with the least amount of money and installation time and just get the silverstars.
 
#31 ·
Hilldweller, I am not questioning the articles you posted nor do I want to debate the science of lighting with you. Per my earlier post, I am saying that in MY experience with the bulbs I have selected, they light the road significantly better than the OEM bulbs. If the color is 'fooling' me into thinking the road looks brighter and I can see further, then wow... I am a happy fool.
 
#32 ·
As long as you're happy.

But trust me. There is a reason that they're illegal in 99% of all other countries on this planet.

This is a great forum to learn about lighting.
Automotive - CandlePowerForums
Some of the members work in the industry. I only work in a support capacity for test and measurement equipment that the industry uses.
 
#105 ·
(Hilldweller) "As long as you're happy.

But trust me. There is a reason that they're illegal in 99% of all other countries on this planet."

No offense, who cares about Japan, Australia, or any of the other 99% of the countries. No Offense again, but you should read back at your posts. You actually tell people who are helping others or happy with what they have that they are wrong. The poster summed it up perfect,"Im a happy fool".

We are from all background and financial means. You justify by stating the the law numerous times. Aren't we all here to help? A buddy of mine posted, you more or less said he was wrong. He never puts the jeep on the road, legal doesn't matter on a farm. I guess your intensity is passion, that's great. But man, maybe I'm wrong, just go back through and re-read your posts. Especially the hair pulling out part, Ill bet that guy felt great because he wasn't doing it your way.

I hope your not upset with me, many of us feel the same. I'm sure I'm knocked off your Xmas list but its ok.
 
#33 ·
I just installed the delta xenon lights & they're much better than stock. They come with a 2nd bulb for daylight running lights. The harness for the DRLs has to be obtained directly from delta, but when you do that notice there's a an upgrade LED option for the DRLs. Just an fyi.....I've ordered it and will update when it's installed.
 
#35 ·
Phillips +80 bulbs and a wire harness w/relays from Rallylights. That should be under $100.
Any of the H4 reflector & bulb conversions are a step better though.
 
#37 ·
I just pre-ordered the IPF 920H4 JK Headlights from Northridge4X4. They're due to ship the end of the month. Will post results once they're installed. Just a lil' fed up with the poor OEM headlights. We have to drive to work up here in the Great White North in the dark so anything better than OEM is a bonus! Price wasn't too bad either and they're Plug & Play!

Northridge4x4 Jeep Parts: Headlights
 
#99 ·
I just pre-ordered the IPF 920H4 JK Headlights from Northridge4X4. They're due to ship the end of the month.
Northridge4x4 Jeep Parts: Headlights
The BUG EYES are gone!





Apologize for the pics, cell phone.

Total install time 20 mins (-8 deg C). Kit was complete and as described. Instructions on JK forum were great.

Advantages: Plug & Play
Disadvantages: Not a cheap upgrade, $169.95
Performance: Will have to see tonight when it's dark.
Supplier: NorthRidge 4X4. Didn't tell me item had shipped and the package sat in the UPS store for 3 weeks. Duh! Other than poor communications they were ok as a dealer.

Standby.....
 
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