Newly Installed HID- Light Beam Pointing wrong direction

[PK470]

I barely finished the Low Beam HID lights install on my LX. I got the TRS kit ($150) that included the bulbs, ballast and relays. I didn’t modify my projector at all.

The install was pretty straightforward and successful. The looks and light intensity output as compared to OEM Halogen lights is unbelievable. I love it.

However, I noticed that the beam direction is sky high- Literally. I mean, during normal driving, I can see my light beam on adjacent trees and pretty much any object to the side and higher level to my focus on the road.

I also realized that the bulbs only go one way on the headlight assembly. Is this common after the install of HID lights? Is there something I am missing?

What do I need to do in order to have light beam direction to focus on the road and not on other objects?

As always, your input is much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[petrotk40]

park about 20' from a wall and take a pic of the light pattern. It will be easier to diagnose.

 

[2000UZJ]

You need to aim your lights correctly, like petrotk40 said. As for the HID bulb seating, the return wire goes on the bottom, the LX housing has tight tolerance for bulbs, it may take a few tries to get it seated correctly.

 

[staggrlee]

You didn't install it upside down did you? It's a stupid question I know, but having the bi-xenon cutoff shield below the bulb is a bit counter intuitive to me since it's clipping the top portion of the output. I had mine in upside down on my first test-fit.

 

[PADDO]

As mentioned, a photo of your light pattern on a wall/light colored surface would be good. If the pattern is way off you most likely haven't seated the bulb(s) correctly (pretty easy to do). If its just a bit off you'll need to crank the headlight alignment adjusters to get it in spec. If its the rectangular spots of light that now are visible well above the low beam horizontal cut off line then that's the normal "squirrel finder" result of upgrading with OEM projectors (numerous threads on this). Quick check for LB vertical alignment - park with headlights 10ft from a wall/garage door, with vehicle level measure the height from the LB projectors' center to ground (I recall my stock LX with 285/60s is approx. 36 inches), mark this height on the wall with long horizontal strip of tape or whatever is convenient. This is your cut off datum. Now find your vehicles centre line (grill emblem) and mark this point on the tape. Your LB light pattern and cut off should be about 0.8 inches below your cut off datum (36" ?) with the main light spots and step ups equidistant from your vehicles center line. The 0.8" (22mm) at 10ft ( approx. 3m) spec extrapolates (roughly) out to a 2 inch drop at 25ft if you have sufficient space. To adjust height I made a key out of a paint can opener (the sort they throw in with paint purchase from the big box stores) just cut the flattened concave business end off and the rectangular shaft is a good fit into the adjustment knobs internal keyway. If adjustment is necessary use a marker to scribe a reference point on each adjustment knob if you need to go back. It takes a good 3 or 4 turns to see any meaningful change in height. PS has easy access, DS you'll need to release the battery hold down and tilt the battery back so you can get access to the adjustment knob. Main thing is not to blind oncoming traffic and if you have your LB aimed 2 inches below the projectors center height at 25 feet you're good to go.

 

[petrotk40]

You didn't install it upside down did you? It's a stupid question I know, but having the bi-xenon cutoff shield below the bulb is a bit counter intuitive to me since it's clipping the top portion of the output. I had mine in upside down on my first test-fit.

I don't think he installed a new projector so this shouldn't be the issue.

 

[PK470]

Here are the pictures of the Light output. The car is approximately 20-25 feet away from the wall.

The HID low beam are the only lights that are on.

What do you think about the three ‘individual lights’ above the regular main beam?

I suppose what I am trying to describe as the focus on adjacent objects to the side and at a higher elevation is caused by these ‘individual lights’. Especially when the object is far away from the car. Makes sense?

 

[hoser]

This is why.

 

[petrotk40]

ye ol' squirrel finder! it's so street signs will reflect back at you.

 

[2000UZJ]

Yes, I would recommend a clear lens swap and blocking the squirrel finders. This will sharpen up the cutoff as well as help evenly distribute the light on the ground. The link below provides information and pictures needed to do the swap.


https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/543532-lx470-projector-tsx-r-lens-swap.html

 

[PK470]

Squirrel finder? Lol. Very interesting. Well, this makes perfect sense.

2000UZJ,
Since I have already done the HID install, what’s your take on me attempting this task? Is it just the same amount of time/effort involved?

Also, is the whole headlight assembly cover glued/adhered to the actual headlight? Does it come off easily or it will require some baking to loosen up the glue?

I definitely want to get rid of ‘em Squirrel finder. They are bugging the living crap out of me..

 

[2000UZJ]

2000UZJ,
Since I have already done the HID install, what’s your take on me attempting this task? Is it just the same amount of time/effort involved?

Also, is the whole headlight assembly cover glued/adhered to the actual headlight? Does it come off easily or it will require some baking to loosen up the glue?

I definitely want to get rid of ‘em Squirrel finder. They are bugging the living crap out of me..

you will need to bake the headlight and remove all the components inside, once you remove the shroud and lens retainer you will need two 1mm (or one 2mm spacer, though hard to come by) spacer and a TSX-R clear lens. Cover the holes with either JB Weld, Loctite PL, or aluminum tape. Each have about the same life span which is roughly 2-3 years in that type of application.

Feel free to PM me with any specifics. I will be glad to help,

Nick