Headlight Square Step Light Pattern

[AE1M]

Not sure how to explain this better, the low beams seem to show a step pattern projecting forward on the road, what causes it and can it be eliminated. I know this would be better with a pic, do you guys see this?

Bob

 

[mean machine]

mine has the same. guess it is to protect the eyes of on coming drivers.

 

[tyreen]

its the cutoff line the shield produces. this is for a different vec. & reason but it may give you some idea/answer to the question. HID Projector Beam

 

[riceandpho]

thats how most projectors are, its call the cut off, some are flat, some have a step, some are steeper that others, some are flare. if you want more effect, do a retrofit.
<iframe width="1280" height="720" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/flRt2huJOYM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[scottm]

Different countries have different requirements for headlight patterns. In Europe they allow very little beam above a cutoff line, great for fog and snow. In the U.S. they required some light shining up to light up overhead signs, terrible for fog and snow. Newer US headlights seem to have less light shining up, maybe rules are changing or relaxing.

Some info here: Headlamp - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[russr]

Any fix to his yet? I just installed my hid and it's worse then this video
My factory lights never did this . I tried switching bulbs left to rightrightto left no change . It drives me nuts

 

[Synister]

The drivers side light usually comes focused a little lower than the passenger side light so as to keep that beam out of oncoming traffic, at least that is how mine were. When I did my lift I noticed that people were always flashing their high beams at me even when I didn't have mine on. It finally dawned on me why and I adjusted both beams lower and have not had any issues since. You can adjust the beam height using a small wrench, though rather than raise the drivers side I would lower the passenger side.

 

[TechWrench]

Any fix to his yet? I just installed my hid and it's worse then this video
My factory lights never did this . I tried switching bulbs left to rightrightto left no change . It drives me nuts

As far as i know, all HID type lamp systems have this 'feature'. It is in place to help prevent you from blinding oncoming traffic with your high output lights. It has been around for many years, and I believe it is built directly into the lamps/bulbs, so it can't be removed or tampered with. I suspect it is a federal traffic safety requirement. My '99 BMW 540i with the Xenon lamp system is the first place I noticed it. I learned to get used to it, and came to appreciate it since it made aiming the lamps much easier with the clearly defined cut-off lines.

 

[nevada]

projectors lenses are like that, regardless of bulb type.
its supposed to be that way.

 

[08T4R]

Its a cutoff shield inside the projector housing. There is also a slit cut into it in these halogen projector shields to light up overhead signs. These slits can be covered to eliminate the small square above the cutoff line. The cutoff shield cannot be removed or it would be the same as running around with your high beams on. The step is built into the shield, so without modifying or replacing the shield it will always be there..

 

[riceandpho]

if you are talking about the squirrel finders, the permenent way to get rid of it is to open the housing up and take some aluminum tape to cover up the box. ive done iit on my projectors and stock halogen projectors. does get rid of the glare.