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Stock headlight wiring for low/high beams. How many Volts when car running?
I am Wonder if my headlights are the proper brightness in my 2004 EX. People say to use a voltmeter to check the volts at the exposed wires at the bulbs. I can't find the volt meter, so I was hoping someone can check theirs for me to see what the stock wires are delivering to the bulbs. I read 13 Volts is good and if it's below that upgrading the wires could be beneficial.
Re: Stock headlight wiring for low/high beams. How many Volts when car running?
Originally Posted by xRiCeBoYx
should be the same voltage as system voltage, ~13V ± ~1V (~11.9-14.2 is a typical range you should expect).
You should only need to upgrade the wiring if you want to run high wattage bulbs (e.g. 100W bulbs; standard is like 55-65W).
I read a lot of cars stock wiring isn't enough to give it the full voltage to the bulbs. Daniel Stern recommended measuring it and upgrading wires when they don't deliver 13V. Then when you use the high beams they can drop further if the wire gauge isn't enough.
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Re: Stock headlight wiring for low/high beams. How many Volts when car running?
The wiring is fine. Go ahead and rewire your car on the advice of some random youtuber if you want to though. You can buy a cheap multimeter for under $20 if you want to check the voltage at the bulb sockets.
Re: Stock headlight wiring for low/high beams. How many Volts when car running?
Cloudy headlight assemblies really kill light output. If yours are like that, use a restoration kit. You will only get so much from halogen bulbs and reflector headlights.
Re: Stock headlight wiring for low/high beams. How many Volts when car running?
Originally Posted by BrotatoChip
Cloudy headlight assemblies really kill light output. If yours are like that, use a restoration kit. You will only get so much from halogen bulbs and reflector headlights.
I had Walmart clean them and am using 9012 as the primary low beams. I think they can use a little more voltage then 9006
Re: Stock headlight wiring for low/high beams. How many Volts when car running?
Originally Posted by BrotatoChip
You could try better bulbs, like the Sylvania Ultra. Keep in mind, they won't last anywhere near as long as a standard bulb.
9012 are around 1500 lumens where 9006 are only 1000ish for only a few more watts of power. The life of the bulbs are about the same comparing standard ones with the same filaments.
Re: Stock headlight wiring for low/high beams. How many Volts when car running?
No, I'm talking about the "level" of bulb.
Sylvania basic:
Sylvania Ultra which claims to put more light down road as well as improve clarity.
Back of the Ultra package. Sorry for low res picture, it's what I found online. Note the ~230 hour lifetime rating.
Re: Stock headlight wiring for low/high beams. How many Volts when car running?
Originally Posted by BrotatoChip
No, I'm talking about the "level" of bulb.
Sylvania basic:
Sylvania Ultra which claims to put more light down road as well as improve clarity.
Back of the Ultra package. Sorry for low res picture, it's what I found online. Note the ~230 hour lifetime rating.
Yeah that is one option. If you just use 9012s they are brighter with the identical beam pattern and a longer lifespan for the bulbs. Best of both worlds 🙂
