Headlights Dim

[Jpmando1]

I've got a thread under new member showing left rear damage to 2006 hurricane 31 foot

Next problem Headlights are so dim( underpowered, not bright) As to be able usage to me Low and high beams work All over her functionality seems intact Starts fine, generator , interior lights Refrigerator working, heater working

What am I missing? Too dark m to drive safely,

[16ACE27]

If CHASSIS battery voltage and output from the alternator is good (14.1 to 14.6 VDC) then measure voltage across the headlamp (with it on). You may have a poor ground connection which is dropping some voltage and lowering current.

[Jpmando1]

How to access headlight?

[Jpmando1]

I'm trying to do this to see if I can get any better light-really dim Would clean the lens backside
Four winds hurricane 2006
Any suggestions?

[Chateau_Nomad]

Early to mid 2000s produced some polycarb headlight lenses which had little UV protection. There's still examples on the road today with dull yellowed headlamp lenses. I had a 2003 Honda Pilot which was the poster child.

The damage is on the outside, so no need to remove the lens. Many YouTube videos out there demonstrate various techniques for restoration. There's even kits for that now.

[Lt Keefer]

Try polishing the lenses with Brasso. It removes the oxidation and is cheap enough to do every six months. An 8 oz bottle will last you for years and costs less than 10 bucks.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Jpmando1

I'm trying to do this to see if I can get any better light-really dim Would clean the lens backside
Four winds hurricane 2006
Any suggestions?

Did you test the headlamps electrically?

[Jpmando1]

Not been able to test How to access them? Front panel?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Jpmando1

Not been able to test How to access them? Front panel?

I don't know what you are calling a "front panel"

You have a hood that opens.
You have a large open area from underneath that allows access to the backside of the entire front lower cap area, including the backside of, and wiring to; the headlights.

[ducksface]

Based on your recent questions;
You really really need to spend three hours of labor from a reliable mechanic and have the vehicle put back into a state of drivability.

[paulwadley]

I would start by looking at the grounds for a loose connection for the headlights to be dim. Open the front hood and on the driver side there are at least two grounds to the frame that you can easily reach to check and make sure they are tight. Those two grounds have a tendency to get loose.

Paul

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by paulwadley

I would start by looking at the grounds for a loose connection for the headlights to be dim. Open the front hood and on the driver side there are at least two grounds to the frame that you can easily reach to check and make sure they are tight. Those two grounds have a tendency to get loose.

Paul

If she doesn't know what a ground is:
Would you suggest a pro for this?
She has gone from our guess at a ground to now asking about polishing headlights lenses because maybe that's the problem.

DIY isn't for everyone and we seem to often miss the cue/clue

[paulwadley]

How about a backyard mechanic from the neighborhood.


Paul

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by ducksface

If she doesn't know what a ground is:
Would you suggest a pro for this?
She has gone from our guess at a ground to now asking about polishing headlights lenses because maybe that's the problem.

DIY isn't for everyone and we seem to often miss the cue.

Yeah, it's hard to judge the DIY ability of a new poster.
We usually give the Benefit of the Doubt assuming they have some basic vehicle DIY experience even if not on a MH. But when questions aren't answered; or answered incorrectly, or advice is ignored, or a thread abandoned in favor of asking the same or different question in a new thread, we should get the sense that we are dealing with a brand new DIYer; but that can take many posts to nail down.