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Help: headlamps super dim - it's hard to see at night
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2022 4:52 pm
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.
Re: Help: headlamps super dim - it's hard to see at night
Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2022 5:21 pm
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.
Re: Help: headlamps super dim - it's hard to see at night
Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2022 7:55 am
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.
Re: Help: headlamps super dim - it's hard to see at night
Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2022 1:41 pm
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.
Re: Help: headlamps super dim - it's hard to see at night
Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2022 4:41 pm
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.
Re: Help: headlamps super dim - it's hard to see at night
Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2022 9:48 am
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.