C-5 Headlights Poor?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 258
Likes: 14
From: Santa Maria Ca.
C-5 Headlights Poor?
I have a question for everybody.
I have a 2003 convertible, my headlights are terrible. It just doesn't put out enough light. It almost seems like the pattern is diffused too much; like the light is scattered instead of concentrated out front. The other thing I noticed is that when I turn on the High Beams, their focus is pointing Lower than the Low Beams. I have tried to raise the aiming point higher to where I can see decently with the high beams, but then the Low Beams are pointing way too high. I have replaced the stock bulbs with some higher powered ones, I get a little more light, but I have the same problem with the aiming.
I have checked the bulb placement; the low beams are outboard, high beams inboard and the wire colors are correct for low and high beam bulbs, per the repair manual.
Has anyone else noticed this?
Thanks,
Mike
I have a 2003 convertible, my headlights are terrible. It just doesn't put out enough light. It almost seems like the pattern is diffused too much; like the light is scattered instead of concentrated out front. The other thing I noticed is that when I turn on the High Beams, their focus is pointing Lower than the Low Beams. I have tried to raise the aiming point higher to where I can see decently with the high beams, but then the Low Beams are pointing way too high. I have replaced the stock bulbs with some higher powered ones, I get a little more light, but I have the same problem with the aiming.
I have checked the bulb placement; the low beams are outboard, high beams inboard and the wire colors are correct for low and high beam bulbs, per the repair manual.
Has anyone else noticed this?
Thanks,
Mike
Advanced
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 68
Likes: 2
From: Chagrin Falls OH
Yes, the C5 lights are terrible. I changed bulbs, raised the aim point and they are only slightly better. I changed fog light bulbs (I believe to 50W), and they are better than the headlights, so I always use them both.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
That's been one of the weak points on the C5 since it was introduced and GM never took the opportunity to address this short coming. This is a world class sports car with Cavalier lighting.
Folks may grumble over the fixed headlights on the C6, but I'm sure they will not complain about lack of lighting.
Tom
Folks may grumble over the fixed headlights on the C6, but I'm sure they will not complain about lack of lighting.
Tom
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Spartanburg, SC
It almost seems like the pattern is diffused too much
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 3
From: Round Hill, VA
I replaced my foglights with the PIAA ones....they were os bright I got pulled over for blinding a cop. Other than that they make a HUGE difference. They are way better than brights. Just make sure their aimed right.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Originally Posted by mxw1
I have a question for everybody.
I have a 2003 convertible, my headlights are terrible. It just doesn't put out enough light. It almost seems like the pattern is diffused too much; like the light is scattered instead of concentrated out front. The other thing I noticed is that when I turn on the High Beams, their focus is pointing Lower than the Low Beams. I have tried to raise the aiming point higher to where I can see decently with the high beams, but then the Low Beams are pointing way too high. I have replaced the stock bulbs with some higher powered ones, I get a little more light, but I have the same problem with the aiming.
I have checked the bulb placement; the low beams are outboard, high beams inboard and the wire colors are correct for low and high beam bulbs, per the repair manual.
Has anyone else noticed this?
Thanks,
Mike
I have a 2003 convertible, my headlights are terrible. It just doesn't put out enough light. It almost seems like the pattern is diffused too much; like the light is scattered instead of concentrated out front. The other thing I noticed is that when I turn on the High Beams, their focus is pointing Lower than the Low Beams. I have tried to raise the aiming point higher to where I can see decently with the high beams, but then the Low Beams are pointing way too high. I have replaced the stock bulbs with some higher powered ones, I get a little more light, but I have the same problem with the aiming.
I have checked the bulb placement; the low beams are outboard, high beams inboard and the wire colors are correct for low and high beam bulbs, per the repair manual.
Has anyone else noticed this?
Thanks,
Mike
I asked one of the Pratt and Miller guys who build the C5R and has a Vette of his own what his first mod was. He said the headlights!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 665
Likes: 0
From: Hendersonville NC
Our DOT standards for headlights are an abomination. An upgrade to Euro Lamps is the only cure, aside from HID's which are still about double the cost. Checkout PFYC Speedbuilt European or Daniel Stern Lighting for information and products. GM makes European housings for the C5 exports. Those and an upgraded wiring harness are all that's required to utilize H4 lamps for around $300. The H4 lamps are superior on the low beams with a brighter white and better pattern, and on high beam, you will never be out driving your lights. True Euro's don't blind on coming drivers because the light pattern is low. Our DOT standard's were designed to prevent glare to oncoming drivers and not to meet the driver's needs. Typical government dysfunction.