Calgary Jeep Association

Author Topic: Headlamps  (Read 1915 times)

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Offline Shift.91

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Headlamps
« on: February 20, 2013, 08:25:37 AM »
So I was looking for a replacement light for my TJ because one wasn't working, so I bought this pair of the "halo" black style headlamps. The seller said they fit vehicles with 7" sealed beam headlights (replacement for 6012, 6014, 6015, 6017 & 6024). They are not a sealed beam style, they have a bulb which I'm not sure on the type. But it has the same connector as the sealed beam one.

 So heres my issue, I installed them, and they are very dim. I mean VERY dim. even on high beam, I can barely see 5 feet in front of me, and thats if its pitch black outside. So I'm wondering if its an issue with the bulb? Or because its not the sealed beam does the Jeep just not like it. Anyone have any ideas? or any other option for me?

If you copy and paste this number: 130829891266 into eBay.ca it will bring up the lights that I bought.

Would this be a better option? 230927068488 <--  copy and paste into eBay.ca
« Last Edit: February 20, 2013, 08:27:44 AM by Shift.91 »
~Graham~
~'97 TJ~
~587.216.4499~

Black on black on black on black on... Grey?

Offline LLYJ

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Re: Headlamps
« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2013, 08:41:47 AM »
I am no electrical guru but I do see some things that raise some questions

Did you test the malfunctioning side to see if it works OK with a stock lamp before installing the ebay lamps ?

The Ebay post seems to emphatically point out that the kit does not come with instructions, and strongly reccomends installation by a professional - those are a couple red flags in ebay-land - they certainly suggest that more is required than the "plug'n play"  approach you have taken.  comparitively, LED taillamps sell on Ebay dirt-cheap without mentioning that a ballast needs to be installed to get proper function.

Also red flags are that it doesn't say anything about working to OEM spec and says empahically that all sales are final (manufacturer defect excluded)

hopefully someone who knows what kind of lights those actually are, and can tell you what step, or parts your missing.

Ebay is good for somethings but always remember that expression - "If it looks to good to be true, it probably isn't"
« Last Edit: February 20, 2013, 08:45:42 AM by LLYJ »
51 Willys CJ3A - V6, SM420, T18, D44/27 lockers
93 YJ, starting to see light at the end of the carport
98 ZJ, 5.2l - DD with too many go go gadgets
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Offline binare

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Re: Re: Headlamps
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2013, 08:53:19 AM »
I wouldn't call lack of directions on these a red flag, it's no different then installing any other headlight. The problem I see is that they are black! What good is a reflector painted to absorb light rather then reflect it? Sell these on beyond.ca and get some proper housings and lamps, it's nothing to cheap out on, a good set of ipf housings and Phillips bulbs will run ya about 150 bucks. Stay away from the piaa ultra whites, overpriced garbage, check reviews on lamps before you waste 70 bucks on em.

Offline Shift.91

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Re: Headlamps
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2013, 09:00:53 AM »
Yeah, I did test the malfunctioning side with another light and it did work. So no problem there.

I can still get a full refund for them, so I'm not worried but would just like to see if I can get them to work anyways. There is no ballast required, they aren't LED or HID bulbs. I think they say "professional installation required" because there is two other circuits for the halos that would need to be wired.
I'm an electrical technician with Ford, so I don't think I have made a rookie mistake, but anything is possible.  ::). I'm mostly just was wondering if this is Jeep thing maybe? There doesn't seem to be any corrosion anywhere, or issues with the Jeep system seeing as the original lights were still bright. Maybe it is because of the black housing? I've had previous black housings that worked just fine, but they were also the projector style lens. Hmm, something to think about too.

I've also emailed the seller and asked if he know whats going on. But I don't have much hope in that regard.
~Graham~
~'97 TJ~
~587.216.4499~

Black on black on black on black on... Grey?

Offline Shift.91

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Re: Headlamps
« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2013, 09:03:08 AM »
Ha Binare, both thinking the same thing about the black housing! lol. So maybe the second number I have there, I'll have to try. That's a clear housing with reflector and H4 conversion.

Or these: 300842164428
« Last Edit: February 20, 2013, 09:08:24 AM by Shift.91 »
~Graham~
~'97 TJ~
~587.216.4499~

Black on black on black on black on... Grey?

Offline binare

  • That CB Yapper
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Re: Re: Headlamps
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2013, 09:29:53 AM »
Your only saving about 20 bucks by the time you pay for shipping n crap, just go to Modern and pick up IPF920H housings. These are pretty popular, never heard any complaints about em.

Your probably crap bulbs as well, the point in the conversion isn't really the housings as much as it is the ability to run high end bulbs. Building a proper harness will make a massive difference as well. My harness did more for me then the new lamps and housings alone. If you wanna see my setup shoot me a pm.

Offline Shift.91

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Re: Headlamps
« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2013, 09:34:10 AM »
That's true, I'd have to pay return shipping. Well alright, they are listed on Kijiji then. Whats Modern?
~Graham~
~'97 TJ~
~587.216.4499~

Black on black on black on black on... Grey?

Offline binare

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Re: Re: Re: Headlamps
« Reply #7 on: February 20, 2013, 09:43:38 AM »
That's true, I'd have to pay return shipping. Well alright, they are listed on Kijiji then. Whats Modern?

Modern Motors on Blackfoot Trail. Please don't buy those god awful piaa extremes they sell, seriously look at Phillips, more light for less money. Checkout the tuner forums, they have a fetish for lamps it seems.

Offline tubby

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Re: Re: Headlamps
« Reply #8 on: February 20, 2013, 10:16:10 AM »
Sell these on beyond.ca

 Had coffee come out my nose and all over the keyboard.

Man that's some funny crap
Lockers
Cuz ya can't kick arse with only one leg

Offline XJSteve

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Re: Headlamps
« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2013, 10:09:27 PM »
I run an XJ with many mods. The single best mod I ever did was upgrade to the IPF headlights. Not sure if the XJ/TJ headlights are as bad as the OEM XJ but if they are close, ANY upgrade will make a huge difference. The only issue with the IPF is that they are glass (better light) so one has been bitten by a rock. Having said that, I've been running the broken light for maybe 2 years without a problem.
'99 XJ 5.5 " Rubicon Express, 33" tires, AW4, 4.0, ARB bumpers front/rear, Warn 9000 lb winch, Rockhard rollbar, Optimal yellow top, Cobra CB, bushwacker flares, Safari snorkel; saving-up for a 3" body lift

Offline Bill

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Re: Headlamps
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2013, 09:22:50 AM »
Your only saving about 20 bucks by the time you pay for shipping n crap, just go to Modern and pick up IPF920H housings.

-----
I agree. Support the local shops. Drives me nuts listening to guys talking about saving $15.00 on ebay then complaining about the lack of support. Me, I go to the net to research then I go buy it in a local store. There is a lot of value supporting the local retailer.
Chimney Sweep, Wood Stove Installer & Inspector

Offline binare

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Re: Re: Re: Headlamps
« Reply #11 on: February 23, 2013, 01:29:41 PM »
Your only saving about 20 bucks by the time you pay for shipping n crap, just go to Modern and pick up IPF920H housings.

-----
I agree. Support the local shops. Drives me nuts listening to guys talking about saving $15.00 on ebay then complaining about the lack of support. Me, I go to the net to research then I go buy it in a local store. There is a lot of value supporting the local retailer.

I only support the local guys if they support me, by not raping me and dragging my wallet through the coals. Ain't nothing wrong with anybody paying what the rest of the world pays for something. Now let's hear the typical rants of supporting local shops from the eastern hypocrites who abandoned their local economy in favor of ours out here in the west.