Headlights don't light anything...

[tsyzer]

I'm wondering if anyone has ever had this problem before and what any possible solutions/suggestions might be.

Basically, no matter what headlight bulb we try, the headlights are useless in the dark. If you stand in front of the car, you wouldn't know the headlights weren't illuminating-they seem bright. But once you're driving-can't see anything on the road.

Could a previous accident have forced the headlights into an upwards angle or something like that? Also, the plastic that goes in front of the headlights seems very cloudy-is that replaceable? Who would sell used headlight coverings that aren't fancy "lund" or "smoke"?

Thanks!
(It's a 98 Grand 3.3 with over 160,000)

[dnr79065]

Hello

Yes being scratched and dulled can cause the light not to illuminate properly. You can buy new lenses, I don't know where you are at but my friend just got his new ones here in Texas from auto parts store they had to order them but they where in in 3 days. the cost was $219.00 each. you might be better off going to a local Used auto parts dealer to get them cheaper.
Forgot to add I got mine at a Junk yard they where in pretty good condition. I only paid $45.00 each.
Hope this helps

[RIP]

First move I would make is have the headlight aim checked by a mechanic. See if an adjustment helps.

Replacing the lenses would be a last resort because of the price. If your van is in the sun the majority of time, you'll just have to replace them again in a couple years. These are plastic lenses and are "fogged" by the plastics reaction to ultra violet rays from the sun.

Every few months I clean mine using a liquid chrome cleaner available at any auto parts store. I then apply a plastic lense polish. This will solve the problem if it's not too severe. If they are badly clouded, there are kits available to refinish the lenses or you can do it yourself with fine sandpaper and a polish. If you do a search (upper right under "Welcome tsyzer") you'll find posts all about it.

I've seen many complaints about these headlights. Fogging may be one issue for many but, the design of the headlight is another factor. Chrysler dropped the ball in this case. The best you can do is make sure aiming is correct, keep them clean, and use the brightest bulbs you can find. I use GE HO (high output) bulbs. Adding fog lights will help.

[jsinton]

A cool trick I learned by accident is to wipe down the lenses with... TRANSMISSION FLUID. It doesn't work forever, but it works for a while and makes the lens shiny and crystal clear.

[pentabob]

Hi Tsyzer,
pentabob here, try this link to allpar.com, there was a thread posted by a fellow named beans, included pics, i used his method and mine are like new! worked great. really consists of polishing the haze off, but as rip mentioned above make sure the aiming is correct first.
http://www.allpar.com/forums/index.p...9&#entry678809
good luck,
keep us posted,
Bob

[Bear]

First, the headlights should have a bubble adjuster under the hood and above each light, you can level the headlights using this adjuster. Second, you may wish to try some Sylvania Silver Star bulbs as they are a bit brighter. Third, buy a sheet of wet dry ( the black stuff),one each sand paper in grades of 800,q1000,1500,2000,2500 and a bottle of plastic polish (any parts store, I use Meguires Plastix) and then wash the headlights and keep them soaked as well as the paper, and then starting at 800 grade, sand the lenses (horizontally) until the scum starts to disappear, then move to the 100 and keep on moving up in number. remember do not let the lens dry keep it and the paper wet at all times. After sanding, dry the lens and then polish it with the plastic cleaner, use this method on my '96 Caravan and '98 Neon and it works great.

[RIP]

"and then starting at 800 grade, sand the lenses (horizontally) until the scum starts to disappear, then move to the 100"

I think Bear left a 0 off the 100. I've read some use just three grades of paper with good results. In any case, don't get in a hurry and as Bear has proven...it works.

[tsyzer]

Wow, thanks for all the suggestions and the link. Sounds like I have a fun project for the weekend!

[tsyzer]

So I sanded the headlights down and wow, I had no idea they could look that good!!

However, we tested their aim and they are WAY WAY too high. Like up on the roof. Popped the hood and saw the round plastic things on top of the headlight casing that looked like it might have something to do with aiming the headlights, but once we freed it from the screws and turned it, nothing happened.

Am I missing something? Is there something else I could try to get the headlights at the right level?

Thanks!

[Bear]

Yes, if the bubble adjusters are OK and you can see the bubble do this: With car level, turn on headlights (low beam), open hood and look at the bubble adjuster to make sure the bubble is in the "0" area of the indicator, if not in the "0" area, using the screw that is located in a cutout of the front horizontal sheet metal turn that screw in or out to move the headlights vertically (example, look in front of the windshield washer reservoir and you wil see the vertical screw just below the surface of a oval cutout in the horizontal sheet metal). There is also a screw located in the vertical sheet metal cut out that controls the left and right movement(again look to the left of the washer reservoir, facing foreward, and you will see that adjustment screw protuding out into the engine compartment), these screws are on both sides of the car and once you see one set the other will be easilly recognizeable.

good luck.