05 D4d - Headlight! A Definitve Answer For A Complete Novice!

[Tx2]

05 D4D T Spirit - now realising my local Yeomans Toyota dealership aren't being too honest with me.

My headlights are useless in the dark. I told them this, they checked they weren't the old holders which were prone to burning out, they weren't.

They told me they are adjusted correctly, they are.

What they obviously didn't tell me, is that other owners have a clear issue with the headlights, as do I

I am absolutely useless when it comes to car repairs etc, but surely sorting these headlights out isn't going to be too difficult for me to attempt?

However, I have no idea, from reading other threads on this matter, what the definitive, yet simple answer is.

I have no idea what H1 or H7 bulbs are, and xeon kit ????

So... can someone help me with a complete idiots guide to either :

1. Adjusting the lights so the current beam casts a bit further forward, or

2. PREFERRED! Improving the beam with new bulbs, throw of light, and making driving in the dark safer for all concerned!

I really do need some idiot help with a step by step guide.

I have managed to get the plastic cover off the top of the light, but couldn't see any further as to how to change the bulb, make adjustments etc.

Happy to even pay someone a few quid via PayPal if they can successfully help me improve the dreadful headlights!

Thank you.

[Loom]

While searching for something else I came across these:

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=88564

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=87867

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=59910, linking to http://www.hids4u.co.uk

Hope it helps.

[cablecar]

05 D4D T Spirit - now realising my local Yeomans Toyota dealership aren't being too honest with me.

My headlights are useless in the dark. I told them this, they checked they weren't the old holders which were prone to burning out, they weren't.

They told me they are adjusted correctly, they are.

What they obviously didn't tell me, is that other owners have a clear issue with the headlights, as do I

I am absolutely useless when it comes to car repairs etc, but surely sorting these headlights out isn't going to be too difficult for me to attempt?

However, I have no idea, from reading other threads on this matter, what the definitive, yet simple answer is.

I have no idea what H1 or H7 bulbs are, and xeon kit ????

So... can someone help me with a complete idiots guide to either :

1. Adjusting the lights so the current beam casts a bit further forward, or

2. PREFERRED! Improving the beam with new bulbs, throw of light, and making driving in the dark safer for all concerned!

I really do need some idiot help with a step by step guide.

I have managed to get the plastic cover off the top of the light, but couldn't see any further as to how to change the bulb, make adjustments etc.

Happy to even pay someone a few quid via PayPal if they can successfully help me improve the dreadful headlights!

Thank you.

[Beagh1958]

Dipped beams are quite awful on the Avensis especially earlier MK11 models from 03 onwards, not sure about later models ? Posting above shows company called "HIDS4U.co.uk" i have fitted a CE approved xenon kit from them to my car & it has transformed h/lights. They have a search facility which pretty much covers most cars on the road. My car has H7 bulbs, if you call them they will confirm correct bulbs for your car.

As to fitting, n/s is straight forward but o/s is a pig, you will have to loosen headlight & bumper, but do not remove bumper as some forum users may suggest to you. A bit of time & patience will fit o/s no problem.

I have no connection with this company other than having bought 2 kits for myself & my son. Also don't waste your time complaining to Toyota as it is just a bad headlamp design that projects a crap dipped beam forwards.

If you do not have time, ability or tools to carry out renewal, maybe a good local garage could carry out fitment as it really is plug & play apart from o/s bumper causing problem. If you do go for option remember to have your beams reset set incase of future problems with MOT.

[Tx2]

As to fitting, n/s is straight forward but o/s is a pig, you will have to loosen headlight & bumper, but do not remove bumper as some forum users may suggest to you. A bit of time & patience will fit o/s no problem.

If you do not have time, ability or tools to carry out renewal, maybe a good local garage could carry out fitment as it really is plug & play apart from o/s bumper causing problem. If you do go for option remember to have your beams reset set incase of future problems with MOT.

Can you enlarge on why fitting is a "pig"? I'm really completely clueless when it comes to spanners and screwdrivers! If you could indicate where I am looking on the car for the fixings which need to be loosened, it would be a huge help. Why does the bumper need loosening, does it impede removal of the light, and why only on one side?

What tools am I likely to need? I do have screwdrivers/spanners etc, but I'm not a 'car person' really, and the thought of spending £200 on a kit which I can't fit scares the bejeevers out of me.

I was also advised by HIDS4U.co.uk that the kits aren't road legal? why? What happens if I get hauled over by the old bill!

Sorry to be such a numpty with the questions!

[Beagh1958]

Quite simple really, very little room behind o/s headlamp so it is not technically different, you just have no space to get your hands in. That simple.

[Beagh1958]

Sorry. As to road legal, crossed lines i think. I was sold 35w CE approved Pro Plus kit which is road legal. CE stamp makes it legal, maybe bulb rating was to high? I have 6000k rated bulbs which give clear white light which do not project beam any further than standard bulbs, just gives clear light that allows you to see whats in front of you. Once you go over this rating then your going over the top light wise, more like fitting search lights to your car, then you will blind on coming traffic.

[Tx2]

Sorry. As to road legal, crossed lines i think. I was sold 35w CE approved Pro Plus kit which is road legal. CE stamp makes it legal, maybe bulb rating was to high? I have 6000k rated bulbs which give clear white light which do not project beam any further than standard bulbs, just gives clear light that allows you to see whats in front of you. Once you go over this rating then your going over the top light wise, more like fitting search lights to your car, then you will blind on coming traffic.

OK, that's fine. I was advised 6000k too, but maybe I misinterpreted what she meant.

Can you advise on where the screws/bolts are to do the necessary? I haven't looked yet, but how easy it is to get the original bulb out?

And thanks for your help thus far

:)

[Beagh1958]

Screws on top of h/lamp & just at back tip of bumper as it meets the wing front lower tip, just pull inner wheel liner back gently to access. You will also see black plastic mounting plate that needs to be loosened.

[Tx2]

Screws on top of h/lamp & just at back tip of bumper as it meets the wing front lower tip, just pull inner wheel liner back gently to access. You will also see black plastic mounting plate that needs to be loosened.

Thanks, I'll give it a go when the weather warms up a bit!

[Pjotr]

Firstly I assume that the lights are OK and are not suffering from the 'meltdown problems.

I agree that the lights are bad if not calibrated correctly, ask the dealer to set them at the 'higher end' (ie upper) of whats legal, this helps.

BUT what really does sort it our is getting the Philips Extreme Power, not cheap at around £30, 'Power Bulbs' on the web tend to throw in free side bulbs with them and p/p is free . Anyway these Philips really light up the road and I think u'll find that this will sort it.

[Beagh1958]

To Tx2,

In regards to headlight adjustment, you should have your lights adjusted with rotary switch set at ZERO. And lights should be set as close to break off point as possible, which mechanic sees using beem setter.

Regards, Beagh.