Headlight Question -- 2000 TL
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Headlight Question -- 2000 TL
First of all, I'm new here. I just signed up, because every time I Google something with my TL, AcuraZine shows up before anything else. Haha. But it seems like a great community, plenty of knowledgeable individuals, it seems. Could be wrong, but I hope not.
Alright, so when I bought the car a few weeks ago, I noticed that both headlight assemblies have a problem. The inner lens over the low beam bulb is yellow, and the top is literally melted. Because of that fact, my low beams are terribly dull and as the driver, it almost feels as if I'm driving without my headlights on at all. The brights, however, I feel like I can see forever away.
My first question: has anyone else had that problem (or similar) with the headlight assemblies? If so, is there a known cause, or is it likely just age?
With that being said, I'm looking at getting new assemblies. I found a pair for $127 online. No problem. The installation, I have that covered as well. When I do get them, I plan to get new bulbs as well -- replace everything at a single point in time. Makes sense to me. I can find the HID bulbs on Amazon for between $37 and $67 each, depending on the brand.
My next question is: Are the high beams the same type of bulb?
I ask because when I look on AutoZone's Web site, or use the little computer screen at Wal-Mart that tells me which products fit, they say Silverstar 9005 for the brights, which are much cheaper. However, the product details for the low beam HID bulbs state that their application is "low beam and high beam". So what's the deal with that?
Alright, so when I bought the car a few weeks ago, I noticed that both headlight assemblies have a problem. The inner lens over the low beam bulb is yellow, and the top is literally melted. Because of that fact, my low beams are terribly dull and as the driver, it almost feels as if I'm driving without my headlights on at all. The brights, however, I feel like I can see forever away.
My first question: has anyone else had that problem (or similar) with the headlight assemblies? If so, is there a known cause, or is it likely just age?
With that being said, I'm looking at getting new assemblies. I found a pair for $127 online. No problem. The installation, I have that covered as well. When I do get them, I plan to get new bulbs as well -- replace everything at a single point in time. Makes sense to me. I can find the HID bulbs on Amazon for between $37 and $67 each, depending on the brand.
My next question is: Are the high beams the same type of bulb?
I ask because when I look on AutoZone's Web site, or use the little computer screen at Wal-Mart that tells me which products fit, they say Silverstar 9005 for the brights, which are much cheaper. However, the product details for the low beam HID bulbs state that their application is "low beam and high beam". So what's the deal with that?
#2
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
use this guide as your lighting bible.
https://www.sylvania.com/en-us/appli...s/lrgmain.aspx
Low beam = D2r
High beam = 9005
only the 3rd gen TL came with Bi-xenon projectors.
this means; one bulb does both low and high beams.
the projector has a little solenoid or shield. when you activate the high beams, this shield lowers and you get more light
https://www.sylvania.com/en-us/appli...s/lrgmain.aspx
Low beam = D2r
High beam = 9005
only the 3rd gen TL came with Bi-xenon projectors.
this means; one bulb does both low and high beams.
the projector has a little solenoid or shield. when you activate the high beams, this shield lowers and you get more light
Last edited by justnspace; 05-02-2014 at 08:43 AM.
The following users liked this post:
binary_10essee (05-02-2014)
#3
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks, justnspace. I'm still curious about the melted lens over the low beam bulbs. It's not much of an issue, as I don't have a need to drive at night too often anyhow. Plus, I'll be taking care of it fairly soon. But I'd like to know if anyone else has seen it?
#4
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Thanks, justnspace. I'm still curious about the melted lens over the low beam bulbs. It's not much of an issue, as I don't have a need to drive at night too often anyhow. Plus, I'll be taking care of it fairly soon. But I'd like to know if anyone else has seen it?
except, i am pretty good at spotting, looking, and inspecting things.
could you take a pic of it and upload it to a photo sharing website like, photobucket and then share the the pic here?
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
Driver's Side - http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/...pseb89035c.jpg
Passenger's Side - http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/...ps17cb9d4f.jpg
If you look closely at the top of the Passenger's Side photo, you can see the melted area. The driver's side isn't quite as yellow, but still melted at the top. The passenger's side light is the one that's really dim.
Passenger's Side - http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/...ps17cb9d4f.jpg
If you look closely at the top of the Passenger's Side photo, you can see the melted area. The driver's side isn't quite as yellow, but still melted at the top. The passenger's side light is the one that's really dim.
#7
Senior Moderator
I havent ever seen that on a 2nd gen. Usually its the outside cover that gets discolored. I would replace the headlights and bulbs like you mentioned and carry on. Oh, also I would check out http://www.theretrofitsource.com/ for bulbs. You pay a little more but they are quality bulbs and they have great customer service.
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#8
Instructor
Thread Starter
I havent ever seen that on a 2nd gen. Usually its the outside cover that gets discolored. I would replace the headlights and bulbs like you mentioned and carry on. Oh, also I would check out http://www.theretrofitsource.com/ for bulbs. You pay a little more but they are quality bulbs and they have great customer service.
#9
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
the only time ive seen a 3G TL headlight burn like that in your pictures is when people replace the factory 35 watt ballast with a 55watt ballast.
the bulb generates TOO much heat and melts the plastic housing.
the one thing ive seen on these 2G TL's is the ballast not being water proof enough and it usually dies.
im interested in seeing if your ballast was ever changed.
the bulb generates TOO much heat and melts the plastic housing.
the one thing ive seen on these 2G TL's is the ballast not being water proof enough and it usually dies.
im interested in seeing if your ballast was ever changed.
#12
Instructor
#13
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thank you all for the input. I'll have it looked at by the shop. When I find out more, I may update this post. But seeing as how it'll be a little while, I may just make a new post altogether and let everyone know.
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