Help: headlamps super dim - it's hard to see at night

General Chat about the Mk1 QashQai
Post Reply
deadmou5ie
Posts: 4
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2022 4:41 pm
Qashqai Model: Mk.2 Qashqai - J11 (2013–2017)

Post by deadmou5ie »

HI Guys,

I just bought a 2014 QQ in a great state. Super happy with it.
Buuuuut...
When I took it for a drive at night, I realised I can barely see on the highway! The headlights are super dim (both "working").
Of course I adjusted the level, but that did not change anything about the fact that both are super dim.

Would it be just a case of buying new globes from a good brand (e.g. OSRAM)?
This is my next step, but I wanted to ask in the forum in case there is anything I am missing.

I never had such an issue before, even in much older cars.

Please advice.

Squashy2
Posts: 315
Joined: Mon May 03, 2021 4:40 pm
Qashqai Model: Mk.2 Qashqai Facelift - J11b (2017–2021)

Post by Squashy2 »

This has indeed been posted many times on the Forum and most if not all owners do the upgrade.
I went from the factory fitted bulbs to Osram Night Breakers +150.
The difference that it made was night and day, excuse the pun.
And when I was looking to swap, Halfrauds had a 'BOGOF' deal which was nice. I would highly recommend this upgrade.
2018 Acenta 1.2 DIG-T in Gunmetal grey.
Uniroyal Rain expert 5
Bonnet lifting struts

Previous QQ 2007 1.6 petrol Acenta (102K miles)
User avatar
gloucester
Posts: 5173
Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2016 7:04 am
Location: Gloucestershire, England
Qashqai Model: Mk.2 Qashqai - J11 (2013–2017)

Post by gloucester »

Welcome to this forum.

If they're "super dim" that suggests a problem somewhere.

My Qashqai had LEDs but in previous cars I used the Osrams.
(2015 Nissan Qashqai Tekna DIG-T 1.2 sold 15/6/18) ~ 2018 Suzuki Ignis SZ5 - 2018 Yamaha MT-07 ~ (2024 Volvo EX30 ordered)
User avatar
calnorth
Posts: 2719
Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2019 2:01 pm
Qashqai Model: Mk.2 Qashqai Facelift - J11b (2017–2021)

Post by calnorth »

Super Dim sounds like a fault. Get the voltages checked at the bulb sockets. Should be more than 12v

"vintage" cars may have earthing (ground) troubles due to corrosion.
Mk2 Qashqai Facelift - J11b (2017–and onward)
1.6 Dig-T N-Connecta
Deleted User 10757

Post by Deleted User 10757 »

Are they super dim , or just plain sh*te compared to your previous car.?

Incandescent bulbs in the Qashqai are notoriously poor.( halogen )
I made sure my replacement car had factory fit LED and they are brilliant.

When I contacted Nissan , along with the poor air con , weedy horn etc etc , I was told that the car met MINIMUN DESIGN INTENT.
Squashy2
Posts: 315
Joined: Mon May 03, 2021 4:40 pm
Qashqai Model: Mk.2 Qashqai Facelift - J11b (2017–2021)

Post by Squashy2 »

As Buffy previously said, the Original Halogen bulbs can be pretty much useless. I upgraded the bulbs on the J10 when we had it, when I changed the J11's bulbs the ones that came out were Philips, may have been original to the car or a set that the previous owner had replaced?
Either way they were dreadful at night, almost dare I say dangerous especially when it was dark and raining.
The Osrams are fantastic, however I do get the odd flash from incoming traffic thinking that I have full beam on.
Personally I haven't driven a car with LED's, well not at night at least. The last courtesy car from Nissan was a J11 but only had it during the day.
2018 Acenta 1.2 DIG-T in Gunmetal grey.
Uniroyal Rain expert 5
Bonnet lifting struts

Previous QQ 2007 1.6 petrol Acenta (102K miles)
Post Reply