Dude....Are The Hi Beams On.?? Or do I Need An Eye Exam.??

[Viet Nam Vette]

I did a search but not to much info on the below.

I was out last night on the back roads headen for a friends house. I was cruzen at about 50 MPH. It was dark out and kind of misty and there were no street lights. I notieced that when I put the High Beams on ... that they were not that good. The really didn't project that far and weren't that bright.

Now this doesn't mean I traden in my rig or I'm gonna flame The HUMMER boys at the plant..it's just my way of saying ..WTF..?? Is there a fix or an up grade that I can install.

Didn't see anything in the search..

Short of adding roof lamps ..whats available aftermarket to add to the lighting system.

Get-ER-Done...:dancingbanana:

[gr8hntr]

i thought the same thing
then i installed Sylvania Silverstar
it a brighter and whiter light

[Viet Nam Vette]

i thought the same thing
then i installed Sylvania Silverstar
it a brighter and whiter light

Was there a big diff ..in brightness..??

[nychot]

I did a search but not to much info on the below.

I was out last night on the back roads headen for a friends house. I was cruzen at about 50 MPH. It was dark out and kind of misty and there were no street lights. I notieced that when I put the High Beams on ... that they were not that good. The really didn't project that far and weren't that bright.

Now this doesn't mean I traden in my rig or I'm gonna flame The HUMMER boys at the plant..it's just my way of saying ..WTF..?? Is there a fix or an up grade that I can install.

Didn't see anything in the search..

Short of adding roof lamps ..whats available aftermarket to add to the lighting system.

Get-ER-Done...:dancingbanana:

i agree. brights are weird. i've never encountered anything like this. my initial feeling was they were not set properly. they are definitely not bright. seem to make a dull wide arc ABOVE the road. i am about to hut 300 miles on my 07 lux and will take it in to the dealer when i get a chance.:( :(

[Viet Nam Vette]

i agree. brights are weird. i've never encountered anything like this. my initial feeling was they were not set properly. they are definitely not bright. seem to make a dull wide arc ABOVE the road. i am about to hut 300 miles on my 07 lux and will take it in to the dealer when i get a chance.:( :(

Yeah...well at least I'm not the only one who noticed it. I just turned 560 miles on mine...Now it's pedal to the medal..5 Year 100K...What me worry??

I'll check out those silver stars..:D

[DDWH]

Yeah...well at least I'm not the only one who noticed it. I just turned 560 miles on mine...Now it's pedal to the medal..5 Year 100K...What me worry??

I'll check out those silver stars..:D

much brighter, check ebay for the deal!:beerchug:

[nychot]

Yeah...well at least I'm not the only one who noticed it. I just turned 560 miles on mine...Now it's pedal to the medal..5 Year 100K...What me worry??

I'll check out those silver stars..:D

it's something the dealer should deal with under warranty. brights should be bright. its a safety issue. probably just needs an adjustment. the regular lights and driving lights are brighter han the brights at night.:lame:

[Viet Nam Vette]

much brighter, check ebay for the deal!:beerchug:

Better pricing then The Pep Girls Stores Or Retreat Auto Parts stores..??

[gr8hntr]

they made a noticeable difference

[Viet Nam Vette]

it's something the dealer should deal with under warranty. brights should be bright. its a safety issue. probably just needs an adjustment. the regular lights and driving lights are brighter han the brights at night.:lame:

They are aimed correctly that's not the problem. When you have the lower fog lighs on and hit the brights ....the fog lamps go off. They do cover the road nicely but just don't seem bright enough.

[DDWH]

Better pricing then The Pep Girls Stores Or Retreat Auto Parts stores..??

yeah like half price or less, no tax, usually cheap shipping....just check and see and be patient.

[lennyrebel]

You guys need to do the driving light jumper wire trick. It keeps driving lights on with low and hi beams and fills in the dark spot in front of truck. Then I changed headlights for NOKYA 9007 Bulbs which are 110 watt and 7000 K as opposed to original 70 watt 4000 K. I did driving lights as well to PIAA XTREME White 3157. Headlamps are ARTIC WHITE. Anyway biggest improvement is from jumper wire trick. 5 minute job for jump wire trick in under hood fuse box. It has been on the forum a couple times in last month. Regards lennyrebel

[nychot]

it's something the dealer should deal with under warranty. brights should be bright. its a safety issue. probably just needs an adjustment. the regular lights and driving lights are brighter han the brights at night.:lame:

i found the following posting by HUCK bb62

Your lights are not adjusted properly. Save yourself a ton of money and effort and adjust your lamps up. They WON'T cause people to flash you because they're pointed at the ground! One and a half to two full turns counter clockwise. They adjusters are the cadnium plated torx bolts inside the recesses right up front under the hood. Too easy, too cheap.

I drive 45 miles in the mountains every night. At first, I was very disappointed, now, they're just fine. In fact, they're very good. Mine are a little high because of the hills, I need them that way.:beerchug:
___

[nychot]

You guys need to do the driving light jumper wire trick. It keeps driving lights on with low and hi beams and fills in the dark spot in front of truck. Then I changed headlights for NOKYA 9007 Bulbs which are 110 watt and 7000 K as opposed to original 70 watt 4000 K. I did driving lights as well to PIAA XTREME White 3157. Headlamps are ARTIC WHITE. Anyway biggest improvement is from jumper wire trick. 5 minute job for jump wire trick in under hood fuse box. It has been on the forum a couple times in last month. Regards lennyrebel

i did a search and couldn't find the fix to which you refer?????? could you tell us how to do it. i have an '07. tia!

[3Hummer]

I have the same problem with my brights there like not brights. Im not kidding i think some peoples normal lights are brighter than the h3's brights im gonna take it into the dealer though maybe they can adjust it or something.

[lennyrebel]

i did a search and couldn't find the fix to which you refer?????? could you tell us how to do it. i have an '07. tia!
Put " DRL's on with headlights" in search box. There are 3 pages of good stuff there. It"s the best tip I've found so far. If I had enough comp. skills I'd do the link trick. Regards The Rebel

[DRTYFN]

i thought the same thing
then i installed Sylvania Silverstar
it a brighter and whiter light
Silverstars are great. But check out the new Ultras!
http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProducts/AutomotiveLighting/HighPerformance/Silverstar/

[Wu Jen]

Here is what I found, hope it helps:

Silverstar info..Silverstar fogs are #9145st...Sylvania headlights are #H13ST

The vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming system. The aim has been preset at the factory and should need no further adjustment.

However, if the vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp aim may be affected and adjustment may be necessary.

If oncoming vehicles flash their high beams at you, this may also mean the vertical aim needs to be adjusted.

The vehicle should be properly prepared as follows:

? The vehicle should be placed so the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from a light colored wall or other flat surface.

? The vehicle must have all four tires on a level surface which is level all the way to the wall or other flat surface.

? The vehicle should be placed so it is perpendicular to the wall or other flat surface.

? The vehicle should not have any snow, ice, or mud on it.

? The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other work stopped while headlamp aiming is being performed.

? The vehicle should be normally loaded with a full tank of fuel and one person or 160 lbs (75 kg) sitting on the driver's seat.

? Tires should be properly inflated.

? The spare tire is in its original location in the vehicle.

To adjust the vertical aim, perform the following procedure:
Find the aim dot on the lens of the headlamp.
Measure the distance from the ground to the aim dot on the headlamp. Record the distance.
At the wall or other flat surface, measure from the ground upward the recorded distance from Step 2 and mark it.
Draw or tape a horizontal line the width of the vehicle at the wall or other flat surface where it was marked it Step 4.
Notice: Do not cover a headlamp to improve beam cut-off when aiming. Covering a headlamp may cause excessive heat build-up which may cause damage to the headlamp.

Turn on the headlamps and place a piece of cardboard or equivalent in front of the headlamp not being aimed. This should allow only the beam of light from the headlamp being aimed to be seen on the flat surface.

Locate the vertical headlamp aiming screws, which are under the hood near each headlamp assembly. The adjustment screw can be turned with an E8 Torx? socket or T15 Torx? screwdriver.
Turn the vertical aiming screw until the headlamp beam is aimed to the horizontal tape line. If you turn it clockwise, it will raise the beam and if you turn it counterclockwise, it will lower the beam.
Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the opposite headlamp.

and...

There's a gap behind the bumper directly under the fog lights that's just big enough to reach into.

1. Reach into the gap, twist the fog lamp to disengage it from the housing, and pull lamp out of reflector.
2. Gently pull the lamp toward the bottom of the bumper so you can use two hands. The harness is barely long enough to reach.
3. Pull the harness's retaining clip away from the lamp base and unplug lamp from connector.
4. To install new lamp, plug it into the harness, look through the lens to line up the mounting slots and twist firmly into place.

[f5fstop]

Love it when a rookie copies another members post.....:clapping:
http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21191&highlight=headlights

Now, there is nothing wrong with the highbeams, they pass ALL federal required tests.
I thought my highbeams sucked, and after installing silverstars, I thought they still sucked. But have someone you know drive in front of you and then turn them on, and find out what they think.:fdance:
In addition, find a very dark road, with street signs and stop and check the difference is how far the beam goes in high versus low. I was surprised when I tried this, the highs go a lot further than I believed they would.
But I do agree that silverstars are a good improvement.

I believe rebel is right when he implies the fog lamps turning off in high beam causes a sudden drop of a light directly in front, and the high beams, on a high sitting vehicle go straight out. However, the fog lamp fix from the rebel, is for an H2, H3's do not use the lower lights for DRLs, they use either the signals or the headlamps.

It is possible to keep the fogs on with high beams as well as low beams; just remember the H3 is wired a bit differently than the H2.

[phantom2]

It's called "old age"

[Hummer23]

I find regular beams to be very bright. In fact I have had people flasjh there highbeams at me thinking I have my highs on.

[Viet Nam Vette]

Love it when a rookie copies another members post.....:clapping:
http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21191&highlight=headlights

Now, there is nothing wrong with the highbeams, they pass ALL federal required tests.
I thought my highbeams sucked, and after installing silverstars, I thought they still sucked. But have someone you know drive in front of you and then turn them on, and find out what they think.:fdance:
In addition, find a very dark road, with street signs and stop and check the difference is how far the beam goes in high versus low. I was surprised when I tried this, the highs go a lot further than I believed they would.
But I do agree that silverstars are a good improvement.

I believe rebel is right when he implies the fog lamps turning off in high beam causes a sudden drop of a light directly in front, and the high beams, on a high sitting vehicle go straight out. However, the fog lamp fix from the rebel, is for an H2, H3's do not use the lower lights for DRLs, they use either the signals or the headlamps.

It is possible to keep the fogs on with high beams as well as low beams; just remember the H3 is wired a bit differently than the H2.

As stated ..I was out on the back roads in Joisey farm country and it was dark... I did use the stop signs ahead in the distance to gauge the stock headlamps...Not very impressive.


I am not unhappy with the distance that they travel when in the HB Mode...It's that the light is at a low level and it's hard to see compared to my other rides. I'm not concerened with the fog lamps lighting the front area as they drop out when the HB's are on..my concern is long distance. Comparing it to my 65 Vette with dual headlamp system and my 73 Thinderchicken. Both have much better long distance brightness then the H3.

I tried 3 Different auto parts outlets for Sylvaina's new SilverStar "ULTRA .."PepGirls"...."Auto Zoned Out" ...and Advanced Hold on the phone auto parts".. Neither of them have the new Ultra in stock.

So WTF good is it if you can't even get it. They all tried to sell me the standard Silver star...F-em.

Guess I'll wait till there available and give them a try........

[f5fstop]

There are NO ultras for the H13 bulb. Won't be available until this fall. This information was posted on this site a few months ago. So, you either settle for standard silverstars, or keep the stock bulbs.

You also might want to get your eyes checked. That is part of growing old; your night vision goes. That is one reason why a lot of older people do not drive at night, they can't see as well with the light that they used to see by.

I have driven quite a few dark country roads with the H3 and find no problems with the lighting and the silverstars. The factory bulbs were not all that great, but that seems to be with any vehicle I have purchased. There is an immediate drop out of light directly in front of the vehicle, but I noticed that with my Jeeps too. Possibly, it is due to the height of the vehicle and the lights aimed out horizontally.

If you think the lamps are not aligned correctly, check them or have the dealer check them.

That's all I have to say, or I might get into trouble.

[Viet Nam Vette]

There are NO ultras for the H13 bulb. Won't be available until this fall. This information was posted on this site a few months ago. So, you either settle for standard silverstars, or keep the stock bulbs.

That's all I have to say.

Well Ollie.....I guess I'll go out to the Hip Hop Auto parts store and get me a set right now...

That's all I have to say.....:jump:

[nychot]

simply put high beams are supposed to allow you to see further down a dark or dimly lit road. at least that's been my experience in driving all types of vehicles for many years. the 2007 h3's don't do what they are supposed to do, whether they passed federal requirements or not. if they require BRIGHTER bulbs to replace the ones now equipped then it's up to my dealer to cover the cost. right now i can see further with my regular headlights than my brights; thus in my opinion the brights are defective and need either adjustment or replacement. i was shocked the first time i hit the stalk and i couldnt see s--t. and traffic coming toward me wasn't blinking because they werent being blinded. the brights suck. i have almost 300 miles on my 07. thus far the brights are my only complaint. i'll see what the dealer says when i email them.:lame:


Love it when a rookie copies another members post.....:clapping:
http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21191&highlight=headlights

Now, there is nothing wrong with the highbeams, they pass ALL federal required tests.
I thought my highbeams sucked, and after installing silverstars, I thought they still sucked. But have someone you know drive in front of you and then turn them on, and find out what they think.:fdance:
In addition, find a very dark road, with street signs and stop and check the difference is how far the beam goes in high versus low. I was surprised when I tried this, the highs go a lot further than I believed they would.
But I do agree that silverstars are a good improvement.

I believe rebel is right when he implies the fog lamps turning off in high beam causes a sudden drop of a light directly in front, and the high beams, on a high sitting vehicle go straight out. However, the fog lamp fix from the rebel, is for an H2, H3's do not use the lower lights for DRLs, they use either the signals or the headlamps.

It is possible to keep the fogs on with high beams as well as low beams; just remember the H3 is wired a bit differently than the H2.

[Viet Nam Vette]

Well ..at least I'm not the only one here who has noticed that something ain't Kosher. Keep us posted on what happens at your dealer. I would post the results here so as to maintain the post notification email.:popcorn:

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

I just got home from an event and took a back road WITHOUT street light just to check out the lights.

I gota tell you the brights on my DUCK work great. The increase in distance is good

AND

there is really great wide spread for knowing whats to your left and right.

Mine works GREAT!!!

RYD

[Steve - SanJose]

Just in case, when was your last eye exam?

[mountainbiker]

Maybe some grille lights too...

[Disnydad]

My H3 high beams suck also. I now mostly drive the wifes Cadillac SRX after dark and it (not HID) is much better. My H3 is turning into a daylight only vehicle.

[f5fstop]

simply put high beams are supposed to allow you to see further down a dark or dimly lit road. at least that's been my experience in driving all types of vehicles for many years. the 2007 h3's don't do what they are supposed to do, whether they passed federal requirements or not. if they require BRIGHTER bulbs to replace the ones now equipped then it's up to my dealer to cover the cost. right now i can see further with my regular headlights than my brights; thus in my opinion the brights are defective and need either adjustment or replacement. i was shocked the first time i hit the stalk and i couldnt see s--t. and traffic coming toward me wasn't blinking because they werent being blinded. the brights suck. i have almost 300 miles on my 07. thus far the brights are my only complaint. i'll see what the dealer says when i email them.:lame:

What will the dealer do if they are aligned correctly? They have passed Federal requirements, and all the dealer has to do to perform their job is to make sure everything is set-up as per mfgr requirements. After that, the dealer really has no responsibility. You could push for a buyback, but since there are as many who seem to say the lights are ok versus those who think they stink, a buyback might be hard to obtain.

I will say the highbeams on the H3 are not as bright as the highbeam on a C5 (with comparable silverstars); however, they are as bright if not brighter than on my Jeeps or my Grand Prixs I have had in the past.

I will be curious as to see what a dealer can do. If they cover the price of silverstars, you have a great dealer, since I doubt, warranty will cover the cost involved with the purchase of new bulbs.

I do suggest, if taking the vehicle to a dealer for a headlight alignment check, to make sure to bring the vehicle up to the specs shown in a previous message such as full tank of fuel, and properly inflated tires. This will allow the dealer to check the alignment and adjust if necessary.

[Viet Nam Vette]

Just in case, when was your last eye exam?

Just in case of what...??? Last eye exam was 6 months ago and I still see like crap...:jump:

[Huck BB62]

I'm wish I could see some of these H3s that people say the highbeams suck. Again, I drive 45 miles into the mountains and I'm a shift worker. There's no more demanding environment for needing good lighting. The lights are more than adequate from the factory. I DID adjust them up about one and a half turns though. From the factory, the high beams (and the lows) were pointed at the ground! I do get flashed sometimes, but not often. Perhaps I'm happy with them BECAUSE it is so dark when I drive, I dunno.

The only place I felt underlighted at was at the Pismo dunes, now THAT is the single most demanding place for extra lights and you can NEVER have enough!

I'll try some silverstars but I won't be putting more amperage on my wiring harness by upping the wattage, that's asking for it and I don't feel like installing relays on this thing when it's plenty good enough already.

Just try adjusting them up a bit before you spend money, it won't hurt. Counterclockwise a turn, turn and a half. It's free.

[H3PAC]

simply put high beams are supposed to allow you to see further down a dark or dimly lit road. at least that's been my experience in driving all types of vehicles for many years. the 2007 h3's don't do what they are supposed to do, whether they passed federal requirements or not. if they require BRIGHTER bulbs to replace the ones now equipped then it's up to my dealer to cover the cost. right now i can see further with my regular headlights than my brights; thus in my opinion the brights are defective and need either adjustment or replacement. i was shocked the first time i hit the stalk and i couldnt see s--t. and traffic coming toward me wasn't blinking because they werent being blinded. the brights suck. i have almost 300 miles on my 07. thus far the brights are my only complaint. i'll see what the dealer says when i email them.:lame:

So now you're an attorney. I wouldn't hold your breath, waiting for your dealer to upgrade your headlamps at no charge, although in your case, they might do it just to make you go away. 35400

[Steve - SanJose]

Now this a legal issue?

[nychot]

So now you're an attorney. I wouldn't hold your breath, waiting for your dealer to upgrade your headlamps at no charge, although in your case, they might do it just to make you go away. 35400
lol. in fact i am an atty. and i never give up ground. i love the h3 so far. the brights thing is all that bothers me so far. i'll bet its an adjustment issue. i'll see how they respond re installing new bulbs. its no biggie for $20. i just felt the brights didnt do their job. and do me a favor, dont start in with the flame war again. it's had its day.

[Lex_Ordo]

I think F5, Had it right.
The truck sits high, and the beams are designed to shoot straight out. The High beams shoot out Higher than the regular beams so the up front ground illumination is lost, and the appearance is changed that much more, if like me, you drive with your fogs on.

Although, I have driven on super dark roads, and haven't really found the need to use the high beams. The regular beam goes out plenty far and the fogs illuminate the immediate ground in front of the truck.

And yes, I too have had folks flash me thinking my brights were on. What a suprise they get when I flash mine. They thought that the regular beam was bright.
WOW! Now they can look into the sun, until I pass.

[Disnydad]

I do not agree. My H3 high beams are dim. My old F-150 sat higher than the H3 and high beams were brighter and illuminated further down the road than the H3.

[H3PAC]

lol. in fact i am an atty.

35460

:giggling: I guess that means I've been :OWNED:

I'm very happy with my Silverstars and I think they made quite a difference. I haven't found the H3 headlights to be inadequate. But one thing I did notice was any haze on the headlight lenses, even a slight one from road water, salt, etc., makes a huge difference. A quick cleaning improves the apparent light output tremendously. Hard to keep that way without washers/wipers though.

[nychot]

35460

:giggling: I guess that means I've been :OWNED:

I'm very happy with my Silverstars and I think they made quite a difference. I haven't found the H3 headlights to be inadequate. But one thing I did notice was any haze on the headlight lenses, even a slight one from road water, salt, etc., makes a huge difference. A quick cleaning improves the apparent light output tremendously. Hard to keep that way without washers/wipers though.


great smile!!!! where'd you find it?

[H3PAC]

great smile!!!! where'd you find it? I found it when I googled "ambulance chasing attorney". There are some good ones under "ambulance chaser" too. But when I search under " blood sucking lawyers", I just get:

35479
James Sokolove

:fdance:

[wannabeH3]

i put 8000k HID lights in mine and now i have purple headlights that are really bright and all the asain chicks wanna do me

[nychot]

I found it when I googled "ambulance chasing attorney". There are some good ones under "ambulance chaser" too. But when I search under " blood sucking lawyers", I just get:

35479
James Sokolove

:fdance:

that's funny. and hr drives an h1, totally tricked out!:beerchug:

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

i put 8000k HID lights in mine and now i have purple headlights that are really bright and all the asain chicks wanna do me

What kind ???? (ASS END)

RYD

[Khoolhandz]

Turn the vertical aiming screw until the headlamp beam is aimed to the horizontal tape line. If you turn it clockwise, it will raise the beam and if you turn it counterclockwise, it will lower the beam.



Hmmmm, this must be wrong, or I'm just stoopid.

I just tried this now, but when I turned the screw CounterClockwise, it actually raised the beam. When I turned the screw clockwise, it lowered it.

What's going on?

[gr8hntr]

im thinkin its because of the rake
which makes the headlights point to low and wont show the distance needed for high beams
i might be only the ones w/ the towing package w/ the stiffer springs

just a thought

mine has the towing package and i thought the high beams were not that gr8 ... i did install the Silverstars and they did help

[Disnydad]

I ordered the Silverstars from AutoZone and put them in tonight and they illuminate a lot better. I can drive the H3 after dark again!

Autozone had free shipping so it saved me time and gas (well, $ too) over driving the 46 miles round trip to the closest store.