Headlights

[lwa99bgp]

The headlights on my late 90s Renault Clio have developed a problem. They work fine in side light and full beam mode but there does not seem to be any difference in brightness between side lights and dipped which is making it tricky to drive at night.

I changed one of the bulbs to see if this makes any difference but there was no change. Any ideas what might be causing this?

[almcd007]

It could well be the switch itself if they are both acting the same way. Initially I though both bulbs dipped beam filaments had gone but if you have changed the bulb - it could be the switch.

An auto electrician should be able to sort you out if you are not sure yourself.

[Jay70]

It could just be a fuse thats blown in the headlamp circuit. This could well be seperate to the sidelight, full beam fuse.
If you remove the fuse box cover there is normally symbols to identify what a particular fuse is for or you it should be covered in the handbook. There are many light and bulb configurations. My old car had one bulb with two fillaments - one for dipped beam and both on for full) my new car has two seperate bulbs.

[lwa99bgp]

I have been out and had another look and it does appear that when you go from side lights to dipped there is an increase in brightness but nowhere as much as there should be.

I assume this might rule out a fuse or the switch as causes.

FYI it is a single bulb unit with multiple filaments.

[almcd007]

You could get an auto electrician to look at it then. But if there is an increase in brightness - they must be working OK. Maybe it's just the angle you are looking at them ?

[lwa99bgp]

Whilst noticeable the increase in brightness is nowhere near as much as it should be. Driving at night where there is no street lighting they are hardly giving out any light.

In any event my girlfriend has taken it into a garage so will let you know what they come back with.