02 S60 AWD - Blue Headlights

[notny41]

Just picked up a set of low beam light bulbs off ebay. On their box it says 12 V, 100-170 W. I'm pretty sure the bulbs in the S60 are 55 Watt.

These new ones are the 4500K blue color range. They are quite dim though and I'm guessing my existing wires are not providing enough power to light them properly.

Is this something the computer could be reprogrammed to deliver?

[MadeInJapan]

I'm not sure of re-programming. Just be aware that some people have had issues with wiring over-heating and melting. People who have used higher wattage bulbs have generally had to beef up the balasts and wiring packs to their headlights.

[notny41]

Oooo, I was afraid of that. I think I will probably be putting the old ones back in. These are too dim anyway.

[billofdurham]

Although they use different types of bulbs, both low beams and high beams are 55 watts.

It's a good job the new bulbs didn't hit 170 watts as you would have blown the 10 amp fuses fitted to the low beams.

I know I keep asking this question, but I blame 30 years of police service - are the bulbs you bought legal for road use in the US? They most definitely are not in the UK.

Bill.

[notny41]

How does a person find out if they are legal or not?

How hard would it take to throw a couple of relays in that would feed the bulb right off the battery?

[billofdurham]

Sorry it has taken so long to reply but, having trawled through much US legislation, I have found that:

1. Any bulb used on US cars must be DOT marked. Are those you bought so marked? Those not marked can only be used off road.
2. Depending on the type of headlight fitted the absolute maximum wattage for high beam bulbs is 70 and low beam is 60 per bulb. Obviously the car manufacturer is aware of these requirements and fits compliant equipment.

This information is from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Section 571, Standard 108.

Bill.

[notny41]

Thanks Bill that's a big help.