03 Aurora Headlights problem

[ur2cdanger]

I got my first car last week. 03 Aurora. My driving lights are very dim and I can barely see the road when I drive at night. I can see properly only if I turn my brights ( high beam ) on. Also, I get "Headlamps suggested" on the DIC always even if its bright outside. Does this have anything to do with headlights being very dim ? Also, I am trying to change the headlight and see if the headlights are any problem according to the manual. The manual says

"Use a large screw driver by the outside mount to separate the lamp assembly from the outboard snap mounting pin." Can anyone explain this with a picture or something ? This is my first ever work on a car and I am not able to this one. Thank you.

[tigger]

Here's a pic of the back of the headlight assembly. That ball end stud on the far right snaps into a mount on the vehicle. After you remove the 2(two) 10mm bolts, you can use a screwdriver between the assembly and the vehicle to sort of "pry" it out. It's not difficult, I don't even use a screwdriver, just pull it straight out.

[Paulaurora]

if you get "Headlamps suggested that means your head lights are not on you might be on at all
make sure switch set to auto.

[ur2cdanger]

I changed the driving lights to new bulbs which is as suggested in the manual. I also checked the previous bulbs and they seem to be fine. But the light is still dim and very difficult to drive in dark. Is this normal or some other issue ? 

[awehlage]

Are the lenses on the headlights clean and clear?

Are you referring to the DRLs being dim (high beam location) or low beam (halogen projectors)?

[ur2cdanger]

Which lenses are you referring to you here ?


If you look at this picture, I am referring to the center one. Those turn on when my driving lights are on. It is very dim.

[plato442]

Those turn in as my driving lights too, as you can set it on the controls attached to the stearing wheel to the left. But make sure that the Auto option is turned on

[ur2cdanger]

But my issue is they are too dim ( dull ) to see anything properly during night. I just put a new bulb ( Sylvania 9006 ) there.

[plato442]

Are your headlight lenses cloudy?

[sall]

Still not sure you even have the headlamps on? Headlamps suggested would mean they are not on. If it suggests that during the day then ambient light sensor problem is likely.

Have you ever had a vehicle that had halogen or HID projectors? I think this may be the case and you don't have the comfort of a bunch of light bleeding above your cutoff and light filling your foreground.

Otherwise perhaps your lenses need restored or the projectors are toast. Peeling material from cheap HID kit or something from previous owner. Who knows.

[Paulaurora]

post a picture with lights on.

[ur2cdanger]

This is during both night and day.I guess the night pictures do not reveal anything.

[sall]

Have you ever had a vehicle with projectors before?

[ur2cdanger]

No. This is my first ever vehicle. Am I doing something wrong with the lights ? Can anyone please explain what am I doing wrong ?

[awehlage]

Could have many problems: burnt bowls on the projector causing dim output, low voltage going to the bulbs causing dim output, headlight lens dirty, etc.

Post a picture of your lights shining on a wall from 25ft at night. That will be the best picture to post for some good feedback.

[Paulaurora]

I don't see any issue my guess the lens is dirty. you can put front fog lights as well will improve visibility. But had same issue on my car as well when I had dirty lens but it didn't look like it was and now its even better thanks to awehlage for putting better projectors for me

[synthesis]

Are they aimed right?

[genedjr]

Actually, I believe they are aimed up.  The first picture is very bright and you are standing above the line of sight.  I also suggest going somewhere at night and point at a high concrete wall that is a solid color (like the side of wal-mart).  At 25 feet see if the lights are angled up.  Post a picture of that.  It will help us understand alot more.

...gene

[synthesis]

Yep. They definitely look aimed up.

Do you have the level-ride suspension in the back, and if so is it working properly?
Your rear-end may be sitting low, causing your lights to shine up at an angle.