Is it just me, or do the TSX's headlights suck

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-15-2004, 03:00 PM
  #1  
Instructor
Thread Starter
 
scottt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Springfield, VA
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Is it just me, or do the TSX's headlights suck

I get a TSX loaner when I bring in my '03 TL-S for service. There is a set of back (unlighted) roads I can take (lots of twists and turns) that I enjoy zipping thru while going to the dealer. It seems that the TSX's headlights have very little "throw" for lack of a better term.

I have seen several gripes on the TSX boards regarding this, but wanted some opinions from those of us with TL's who have driven TSX'es as well.

Thanks.
Old 10-15-2004, 03:29 PM
  #2  
 
dabuda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,967
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
i have the TSX for more then a year now and the headlights have always worked well. i also have fogs so i'm sure that wouldve helped

on a side note, i had a '03 TL loaner for a few days and IMO the headlights were worse then my TSX. not sure if TL and TL-S have diff headlights?
Old 10-15-2004, 03:55 PM
  #3  
Happy with my STi!
 
thsiao's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Los Angeles, California
Age: 40
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by dabuda
i have the TSX for more then a year now and the headlights have always worked well. i also have fogs so i'm sure that wouldve helped

on a side note, i had a '03 TL loaner for a few days and IMO the headlights were worse then my TSX. not sure if TL and TL-S have diff headlights?
TL-S and TL have the same headlights...
Old 10-15-2004, 03:55 PM
  #4  
Burning Brakes
 
orcaatk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Fairfax, VA
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I just brought back my loaner TSX after having to get my 00 TL's trans replaced. I noticed, like you, that the distance of the headlights are not as good as the TL's, however, they seem to be "brighter" when you light something up that's close by (ie, the bumper of the car in front of you at a stop light looks brighter with the TSX). Also, the area the TSX's light is much more defined, meaning, there's a very pronounced horizontal line of light. I'm sure that's because of the projector setup, but it's still neat to look at.

If they could design a housing/headlight combo that had the range of the TL's lights, and the definition/clarity of the TSX's lights - I would be the first in line with a check in hand.
Old 10-15-2004, 11:08 PM
  #5  
Burning Brakes
 
Vicman17's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NNE of 716
Posts: 1,010
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The 02/03 TL has a headlight system that seems to be derived from a typical halogen system. The HID bulb projects the light via a large reflector lens facing forward. It seems to give a brighter and wider field of view and light dispersion.

The TSX, the 04/05 TL and the 05 RL has a "projector" lens which seems to concentrate the light on to a certain angle of view while driving. More like a "spot" beam to a certain point before the beam disperses. It seems that this is the "wave" of newer cars and an evolution in headlight design following the likes of Mercedes and BMW who had the projectors on for a few years now.
Old 10-16-2004, 02:23 PM
  #6  
Racer
 
TLSAnthracite's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: SF, CA
Age: 40
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
it's just you.
Old 10-16-2004, 08:45 PM
  #7  
Pro
 
corey415's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: San Francisco
Age: 41
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by TLSAnthracite
it's just you.

Correct. It is proven that projectors HIDs provide greater output than reflector based HID. I believe the sharp cutoff required for projector setups makes one believe that the headlights are not as good as a reflector HID.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mlody
5G TLX (2015-2020)
85
12-04-2019 02:11 PM
rp_guy
Member Cars for Sale
9
07-16-2017 07:33 AM
rockyboy
2G RDX (2013-2018)
18
09-29-2015 12:05 AM
AmplifiedDetails
3G TL Problems & Fixes
9
09-24-2015 02:55 PM



Quick Reply: Is it just me, or do the TSX's headlights suck



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:21 PM.