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Headlight Problem

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Keone, Mar 5, 2009.

  1. Mar 5, 2009 #1
    Keone

    Keone Bobtail Member

    8
    0
    Feb 24, 2009
    Atlanta, Ga
    0
    I JUST started driving about two months ago so this is a newbie question as well as a technical one. The company I work for issued me a Kenworth W900 (longnose = backing fun) and it's been a pretty good truck so far. No complaints on just about anything. But the headlights are just horrible at night or in the rain. Especially in the rain when the pavement is all shiny and half the reflective dots are missing or just gone off the highway. I'm not sure how many lumens these babys are putting out, but they just don't seem bright enough to show me the road as much as I would like. They are sealed beams which I haven't seen in the automotive world since like the 80's so not sure if there are options on replacing them with something else. Fantasy time would be to be able to rig in a HID setup out of an old Lexus or Infiniti. Why is it that these trucks are many thousands of dollars and they put crap headlights in them? Well enough of my rant. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
     
    Keone, Mar 5, 2009
    Keone, Mar 5, 2009
    #1
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  3. Mar 5, 2009 #2
    pullingtrucker

    pullingtrucker Road Train Member

    1,185
    598
    Dec 21, 2008
    Fostoria, Ohio
    0
    The HID lights are not always better. I see more HID lights that are not adjusted right and blind the other drivers. Also HID lights require many more wires and controls than the "crap" headlights. I have the "crap" headlights on my 379 and have no problem with them. I barely ever use the high beams either, just on twisty two lanes once and awhile. About every 2 months I check the headlight alignment with a load on the truck. My guess is that your headlights are out of adjustment. Just remember new and imporved technology isn't always better.
     
    pullingtrucker, Mar 5, 2009
    pullingtrucker, Mar 5, 2009
    #2
  4. Mar 5, 2009 #3
    Brickhauler

    Brickhauler Medium Load Member

    411
    142
    Oct 1, 2008
    Elizabeth CO
    0
    Look for some replacement headlights called sylvaina <---spelling) silverstar they are a direct replacement and pretty bright. Also check the aim, yours might be pointed too high, if the headlights have been in there a long time there could be some corrosion on the contacts causing a lot of resistance and making the lights dimmer than they should be
     
    Brickhauler, Mar 5, 2009
    Brickhauler, Mar 5, 2009
    #3
  5. Mar 5, 2009 #4
    Keone

    Keone Bobtail Member

    8
    0
    Feb 24, 2009
    Atlanta, Ga
    0
    Thanks guys. The aim problem was suggested to me by someone else today. I might have to pull up to a wall and check that (possibly aim too high and not at the road). I never thought to check the contacts, but will do after I find some of those Silverstars. Gonna try some of those. Thanks again fellas.
     
    Keone, Mar 5, 2009
    Keone, Mar 5, 2009
    #4
  7. Mar 5, 2009 #5
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    18,756
    45,806
    Sep 18, 2006
    the road less travelled
    0
    FLD Freightliners use the same lights, it's mostly about aim, halogen bulbs will be brighter white, some lights will actually look blue white.

    If you are following a van and the back of it lights up really well as you close on low beam, the lights are aimed too high, sometimes, in fog you will see a slanted pillar pointing up at an angle, and streetlights will shut off when you go buy. If you are aimed a little too high, drivers you are overtaking will probably tell you about it.

    Mine were just repaired, the lights are now the same color and intensity, a bad ground caused a dim light on the right with both bulbs lit on low beam and one bright one on high neam.

    Shop finally got it fixed.
     
    25(2)+2, Mar 5, 2009
    25(2)+2, Mar 5, 2009
    #5
  8. Mar 18, 2009 #6
    powernut

    powernut Bobtail Member

    15
    3
    Mar 14, 2009
    Iowa
    0
    Keone, you might also want to try the GE high output lights. The best light patern I have found yet. Will light a two lane road from fence line to fence line and about 9 bucks at Walmart the price is hard to argue with.
     
    powernut, Mar 18, 2009
    powernut, Mar 18, 2009
    #6
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