Weak? Headlights on '94 Civic

Our '94 Civic EX headlights shine about half the distance as our '98 Rodeo.
I have replaced the lamps with the latest Sylvania halogens but still cannot
see any better at night.

I know part of the problem is my 41-year old eyes, but does anyone know of
some good replacement lamps or headlights for this vehicle?

Thanks.

 

I added a pair of Sylvania Xenarc 1010 auxiliary low beams to my '94
Civic. These are true HID lights and DOT compliant. Works really well.
See http://www.sylvania.com/xenarc/prodinfo.htm

 

I know the HID replacement was suggested. However - they're rather
expensive and might not be easy to install. The cheapest legal
option would be a Sylvania XtraVision bulb, which should come in
the 9006 capsule that your car takes. It produces about 20% more
light than a standard 9006, and it uses the same 55W. Are these
the ones you installed?

<http://www.sylvania.com/auto/xtravis.htm>

BTW - even a new ordinary replacement bulb will likely be brighter
than one that's been used extensively.

 

Just a few clarifications. The '94 Civic takes 9003 bulbs, not 9006 (in
the US model at least). I replaced my stock 9003 with 9003XV and saw
some improvement. Just stay away from 9003ST (SilverStar). Twice the
price of XV for the same exact light output and much shorter rated life.

The Xenarc lights I mounted do not replace the stock headlights, they
are mounted in addition to the regular headlights, much like fog lights
are. And yes, quite a bit of work is involved. For one, the generic
brackets that come with the Xenracs wouldn't do on my Civic.

 

DOT compliant? I don't think so. Where the Xenarcs replace a sealed beam
they apparently conform to FMVSS; where they are added as an auxiliary
lamp, the DOT is not involved - individual states have rules which regulate
their legal use and mounting.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

That may just illustrate how stupid the U.S. headlamp beam aiming
regulations are: truck/SUV headlamp aim is based on beam angle and not the
distance the beam reaches... and the mount height is effectively
unregulated. This is why all us car drivers are always being blinded by
SUVs etc. BTW it also explains why so many SUV drivers use their foglamps
all the time - the stupid beam regulation, with high mount, leaves a "black
hole" right in front of the vehicle.

My eyes have a few years on yours and I don't have a problem with the use
of a good xenon doped halogen bulb like the Sylvania Xtravisions or Philips
Hi-Visibility. You might start by checking the voltage at the bulb
connector with the lights on and the engine running. Then check the lens
and the reflector to see if either is damaged.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??

 

I would suggest a check of the light pattern and adjust as necessary.

CaptainKrunch

 

I would have to look at the lamp itself as it was 2-3 years ago. I will
check out the Sylvania XtraVision though.

Thanks!

 

Will do - thanks, George!

me??

 

Been there, done that, at least the Honda dealer has twice indicated they
were aimed properly. I would aim them higher but it appears that a special
tool is required.

 

Oh - as was mentioned elsewhere in this thread, the 1993 Civic takes
a 9003 capsule. Sylvania claims their XtraVision 9003 is 30% brighter
than a standard halogen 9003.

Sorry - every car in my family has bought since 1990 has used a
9006 capsule. I didn't think Honda used anything else.

 

You should see the aiming system on a '95 Integra. There's a spring
indicator for left/right aim, and a bubble level for vertical aim.
Adjustment is done with a #2 Phillips screwdriver turning a crown
screw. It's extremely easy to adjust.

 

I have the same problem with my 1997 Accord SE. I haven't yet replaced the
bulbs, but they are not as distant as my 2001 Focus ZX3. I am going to replace
mine with a 4,200 (degree) color-temp light. Those are very very bright, and
can be illegal in some states, but as dim as my headlights are, I think it
should be ok for my car. You should exercise caution if you go this route.

J Hebert

 

Headlights on that Civic are really weak. Don't blame the problem on your eyes.

On my 92, I aim the headlights low. I then use high beam.

I'm envious of the drivers that drive BMW 5 series and Honda S2K. Their
headlights are very good.