headlight brightness

[candymancan]

One thing that iritates me on my 90 are the headlights.. They are nice and clear being glass.. but they are sooo dim.. The 20$ fog lights i installed (since mine were cut and removed when i bought it) are wayy brighter then the crappy headlights and these fogs are basic 55w bulbs nothing fancy..

Could it be so dim because these are the original headlights and the bulbs are just really old ?? I cant even really see when driving really unless i turn the fogs on and the fogs overpower the headlights

[Curly]

Backprobe the headlight connection with the lights on, engine running. Now compare that voltage to the battery voltage when running. It should be less than .5 volts difference. If more than that, you have a wiring problem or a bad headlight switch (common)

[candymancan]

ok ill do that thanks

[Nikkormat]

After you've done that. Buy some Wagner Britelight headlights.

[candymancan]

Well they say Wagner or wagoneer i believe. I havent checked the voltage yet because i was lazy today. But if its good im going to assume is the 27 year old light bulbs. I know lights get dimmer over time

[Tatsadasayago]

Most times, it's the ground lug off the headlamp harness that is the culprit. Take the screws out, buff the paint and corrosion off, re-install and seal with paint.
9/10 that solves the problem.

[Renodemona]

Also install some relays. Someone on here sells a really well done kit (non-paid spokesperson) that helped my lights out greatly! Plus my switch doesn't get all hot when the lights are on. Safety bonus!

[letank]

Also install some relays. Someone on here sells a really well done kit (non-paid spokesperson) that helped my lights out greatly! Plus my switch doesn't get all hot when the lights are on. Safety bonus!

X2 from a very satisfied customer, the kit is a real improvement, and very nicely made. Check the vendors section either here or the mothership.

[j10jim]

Serehill sells them.

[candymancan]

relay, are you talking about wiring a relay from the switch to the battery then directly to the lights, vs having the lights running directly from the switch ?

[csuengr]

Also install some relays. Someone on here sells a really well done kit (non-paid spokesperson) that helped my lights out greatly! Plus my switch doesn't get all hot when the lights are on. Safety bonus!

I won/traded for one of those kits in Ouray. It was made so poorly that I sent it back. My headlights would have definitely failed had installed it.