850 headlight issue

[wickid54]

i need your advice again.

i have a '95 850 GLT N/A.
the headlights, lowbeam only, are extremely dim.
i've read posts here where jsut new mightbulbs were the issue, but i'm not sure tbhis is my case.
when you look at the light housing, the side with the lowbeam lamp is located is not as refelctive.
can these be cleaned, do i need to replaces them, or is this normal for this weird little car?

pics below:





thanks again, guys.

[ChiNorm]

I replace my bulbs about every three years, they do get dimmer after a while, so do this first. Lots of folks use the Silverstars, which can be purchased at any auto parts store, I use the PIAA, which I get from TireRack. They are a big improvement over stock.

[Klausc]

i need your advice again.

i have a '95 850 GLT N/A.
the headlights, lowbeam only, are extremely dim.
i've read posts here where jsut new mightbulbs were the issue, but i'm not sure tbhis is my case.
when you look at the light housing, the side with the lowbeam lamp is located is not as refelctive.
can these be cleaned, do i need to replaces them, or is this normal for this weird little car?

pics below:





thanks again, guys.

[zhenya]

Two common causes of dim lights on older cars are pitting/hazing of the lenses as you've noticed, and secondly, voltage drop to the bulbs due to aging/corroding of connections. It would be interesting to check what voltage you are getting at the bulb sockets (I assume it should be about charging voltage ie. ~13.8v - someone correct me if I'm wrong). Adequate voltage is the most important part of bright lights, so this wouldn't be a bad place to start.

Otherwise, these cars see dramatic improvement by replacing the lenses with new e-code style glass, widely available from the normal parts places. These cost not too much more than a set of boutique bulbs with far greater end result. My car went from miserable lights to lights every bit as good as the HID's on my much newer Audi with just this one change.

[Red-Arrow]

I have the same problem and its your reflectors. They are faded and worn out. Sort of getting them electroplated with new silver foil just buy new ones from Ebay or some Website like FCP or Volvo parts online.

Forget about new bulbs honestly.