Headlights

[Cwhite]

Hi guys , I want to know if those headlights upgrades kits that Kings is selling are worth to buy, I have an NS 08 tdiesel auto in need of better lights. Also please , are the factory roof rails strong enough to support a roof top tent? . Thanks Cwhite

[NFT5]

In a word, no.

Headlights that are designed for use with halogen bulbs, whether reflector or projector style, have a reflector that is specifically shaped to take advantage of a filament that is in a specific position and is cylindrical. LED bulbs have, usually, 3 or four surface mount LEDs that are mounted so that they face sideways. Since LEDs emit light in only one direction, this leaves large areas of the reflector, at the top and bottom, unlit. Even a rank amateur would realise that the top of the reflector is the part that generates light on the road directly in front of the vehicle. Of course there is enough reflected light that you don't always end up with a giant black spot, but the intensity of light in this critical area is all wrong. Have a look at this picture, taken from the Kings website. What's with the weird shadows?



Back to the cylindrical shape of the halogen filament and placement in the light, for a moment. Even though the arc in an HID bulb is roughly the same shape and size as a halogen filament the 'hotspots' are at the ends, instead of in the middle, and the curve of the arc can also play havoc with correct light distribution. For those of us with Gen 4s we are fortunate that the low beam projector actually copes reasonably well with HID. Unfortunately the Gen 3 owners aren't so lucky but not quite at the bottom of the scale. Almost everybody has been blinded by a Hilux with an HID or LED conversion.

So, back to the 4WDSupacentre website. I think that this graphic is hilarious.



Top left is the halogen on low beam. Now notice that the vehucle is on a downward slope and, although probably adjusted down for effect, the low beams are actually pointing, vertically, in roughly the correct position. Top right is the shot supposedly with their LED conversion. Now why would the lights be aimed about a metre higher than the halogens were? How'd you like to be the oncoming vehicle with that thing coming at you, even on low beam. I won't go in to high beam which is obviously aimed at the moon.

Another important thing about these conversions is how much light they put on the road directly in front of the vehicle and the colour of that light. Have a look at the shot with the halogen low beams. Notice how you can see every irregularity in the surface, even the rocks(?) in the middle of the track. Now notice how none of that detail is visible with the LEDs. It's one thing to have lots of light, but if it's the wrong colour you can't see diddly squat.

Technically speaking?



Standards set for the H11 bulb in your Gen 4 low beam specify a light output of 1100-1400 lumens. Pretty average for a headlight and part of the reason why so many members chase an upgrade. It's always been standard practice to quote technical specifications per bulb - certainly that has applied to both halogen and to HID. However, in the ongoing "mine's bigger than yours" race with LEDs it's become common practice to quote the output for the kit, not each bulb. According to the headings, yes, both of them, the specifications relate to the kit.

So, 1800 lumens eh? I've seen plenty of LED bulbs that struggle to put out 300 lumens, so 900 lumens each would not be out of the question. They do say 24 watts so that's 75 lumens per watt which is kind of average. High quality LEDs are pushing 100 lumens/watt without being over-driven. Remember that the 24 watts is power output, not input which would be higher since there are always some losses.

Oh, hang on, there's the current draw spec. 1.6A @ 13.2V. What's wrong here? 1.6A @ 13.2V is 21 watts. How do they get 24W out from only 21W in? Much magic happening here, or is that twitching of my nose a response to BS? It gets better. Their User manual quotes input at 48 watts. So 48W in for 24W out but only using 1.6A? Yes, complete BS.

It doesn't matter. Even if those bulbs were 1800 lumens each, why would you put those in when you can have H9s that will give you up to 2240 lumens, each, and are matched perfectly to your lights. And you'll be able to see the rocks on the road because the Colour Rendering Index is near perfect. Expect around $65/pair for Philips or Osram bulbs.

Next step up? As I said, HIDs will work and boost lumens to a little over 3000LM per bulb. High output, standard wattage bulbs can take this to around 4000LM which is what 50W HIDs used to put out, without the light destroying heat. Budget around $200 per pair for high quality bulbs and ballasts.

The ultimate? Full custom retrofit replacing the projectors with high quality bi-xenon units and upgrades to high beam as well. Cost? Anywhere from $800 to $2500 depending on options chosen. Typical around $1200.

[old Jack]

Another Top Post from our resident light expert, well done Chris.

OJ.

[nj swb]

Another Top Post from our resident light expert, well done Chris.

OJ.

Wot he sed!

[Wazza999]

What is the way to check if a vehicle is fitted with HID low beam lights? My 2011 NT RX has stickers that warn of high voltage, the lights seem to be bright white-the brightest headlamps I ever had and have a slight delay when turned on, but there are no headlight washers and there's a blanking plate in the bumper where they would be fitted. The ECB bull bar has a slot for washers but perhaps they were removed when it was fitted? From what I can ascertain, the vehicle was first registered in October 2011, were washers compulsory at that time? The vehicle has had two inspections once when the rego was changed from NSW to ACT by the dealer and again when it was registered to me so I'd expect any issues to have been identified.

[Scooby]

Does it have the button on the end of the Rh steering wheel switch stick which is for the washers?

[aussieintas]

I think on the 2011 RX HID and washer was an option pack as per link below. As Scooby says, does it have the headlamp washer button at end of indicator stalk?

https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/about-us/news-reviews/mitsubishi-announces-the-return-of-the-limited-edition-pajero-rx

[Wazza999]

Thanks, no it doesn't have a washer button on the end of the stalk. Could it still be fitted with HID lights? Can't check anything atm as my son has borrowed it and is in Port Macquarie, having been flooded out in his attempt to visit Sturt NP. Looking at the list of options/inclusions most are options not inclusions in the RX. Some I'm glad I don't have, one I wish I didn't have is the 18" rims.

[NFT5]

What is the way to check if a vehicle is fitted with HID low beam lights? My 2011 NT RX has stickers that warn of high voltage, the lights seem to be bright white-the brightest headlamps I ever had and have a slight delay when turned on, but there are no headlight washers and there's a blanking plate in the bumper where they would be fitted. The ECB bull bar has a slot for washers but perhaps they were removed when it was fitted? From what I can ascertain, the vehicle was first registered in October 2011, were washers compulsory at that time? The vehicle has had two inspections once when the rego was changed from NSW to ACT by the dealer and again when it was registered to me so I'd expect any issues to have been identified.

You've already confirmed HID lights with the high voltage stickers, colour and slight delay when turning on. Other ways too, but definitely HID.


The washers have not been refitted with your bar but if you look underneath there will be a supply line that's been blanked off.


Rego checks don't always pick these things up. Mine had a roadworthy done last week and original halogens retrofitted with bi-xenons just got a "Headlights?" tick. Most mechanics either don't know or don't care. If the lights work then that's good enough.


The separate switch for the headlight washers isn't mandatory under the ADRs, so may or may not be there.

[Pickle]

Could it still be fitted with HID lights? .

RX Edition did come with HID lights. One Thousand units released in Nov 2010.

[Wazza999]

Thanks Guys,
The lack of washers was the thing that made me question, I thought the HV sticker could have been a generic fitment, the delay and colour were the things that had me most convinced. It's hard to sort out what was an inclusion on the RX and what was an option. For example in mine the sound system is the basic one, no rear locker, manual seat adjustment.

[Patagonia]

Thanks Guys,

The lack of washers was the thing that made me question, I thought the HV sticker could have been a generic fitment, the delay and colour were the things that had me most convinced. It's hard to sort out what was an inclusion on the RX and what was an option. For example in mine the sound system is the basic one, no rear locker, manual seat adjustment.

Think youshould have the auto adjustable thingy also if was originaly hid, remember you can spot the system in the front suspension for confirmation.

[Jasonmc73]

Another Top Post from our resident light expert, well done Chris.

OJ.

I'll believe him that's for sure

Thanks

[Swede50]

I was wondering if there was any opinion on these projector specific conversions
Stedi have this

https://www.stedi.com.au/project-h11-led-projector-head-light-conversion-kit.html

$ 150.00 ,,, would want to be effective

[stumagoo]

Most European car HID washer setups use the regular squirter activator but you hold it for 2-3 seconds to wash the lights --- never seen a Paj setup so not sure for them