2003 Accord headlights - do they suck?
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
From: Weeki Wachee FL
2003 Accord headlights - do they suck?
I just bought an 03 Accord and the low beam headlights are barely better than a flashlight! Hi beams are fine.
The car has stock type Depo lights with no fogging or other issues. I assume the bulbs are standard stock bulbs, the person I bought it from wouldn't be modifying anything.
I searched the forum for Depo lights and everyone says good things about them. So do the original headlights suck too? They seem to be aimed OK, since the high beams point where they belong, but the low beams just do not project at all. I didn't measure how far I can see, but on a road with no streetlights, I don't think I'd want to go over 30MPH!
It looks like there is a special tool needed to adjust the aim. Can I get one without spending a fortune? Where?
I'd appreciate any advice you have.
thanks
kevin
The car has stock type Depo lights with no fogging or other issues. I assume the bulbs are standard stock bulbs, the person I bought it from wouldn't be modifying anything.
I searched the forum for Depo lights and everyone says good things about them. So do the original headlights suck too? They seem to be aimed OK, since the high beams point where they belong, but the low beams just do not project at all. I didn't measure how far I can see, but on a road with no streetlights, I don't think I'd want to go over 30MPH!
It looks like there is a special tool needed to adjust the aim. Can I get one without spending a fortune? Where?
I'd appreciate any advice you have.
thanks
kevin
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7,099
From: United States
Have you tried changing the bulbs. Honda had a service bulletin regarding certain bulbs:
Honda TSB 08-010
If the bulbs dim with the engine running, it may be due to the the Electronic Load Detector (ELD) having faulty solder joints. But, that doesn't sound like what you're describing.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...89381419,d.cGU
Honda TSB 08-010
If the bulbs dim with the engine running, it may be due to the the Electronic Load Detector (ELD) having faulty solder joints. But, that doesn't sound like what you're describing.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...89381419,d.cGU
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,398
From: Wisconsin
I used to have a 2003 (4-door LX) and the headlights were OK. I don't remember having any real trouble with the aiming screws - just a long screwdriver & try to get some view of where you're going with it.
You say the outer lens is OK without fogging? How about the reflector? Bad plating on the reflector? Or is it mirror-like the way it should be?
I just read the TSB that Redbull linked. That makes sense if some bulbs have their filaments placed incorrectly. I guess my car didn't have that problem...?
You say the outer lens is OK without fogging? How about the reflector? Bad plating on the reflector? Or is it mirror-like the way it should be?
I just read the TSB that Redbull linked. That makes sense if some bulbs have their filaments placed incorrectly. I guess my car didn't have that problem...?
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
From: Weeki Wachee FL
Thanks guys!
Last time I bought Depo lights, they came with bulbs, so I'm assuming these lights did too, and after 12 years the bulbs are probably not factory anyway. But I'll look.
The lenses and reflectors are in new condition.
I looked up how to adjust the headlights and I'll check that too.
Maybe it's just me.
If nothing else, I'll try the HIR upgrade. How to Modify HIR bulb bases
Last time I bought Depo lights, they came with bulbs, so I'm assuming these lights did too, and after 12 years the bulbs are probably not factory anyway. But I'll look.
The lenses and reflectors are in new condition.
I looked up how to adjust the headlights and I'll check that too.
Maybe it's just me.
If nothing else, I'll try the HIR upgrade. How to Modify HIR bulb bases
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post