An obversation about the xenons

Micky 32 · 28-04-2008, 22:58

I have discovered that the xenons don't calibrate when they are switched on. They calibrate when the engine is switched on whether the lights are switched on or not so obvoiusly they are levelling even when the lights are off. I have confirmed it on a VW Jetta also.... strange

steviec · 28-04-2008, 23:10

Strange mine don't, just tried it to verify. Engine running turn lights on, lights go up and down and find level.

smstext · 28-04-2008, 23:11

ive noticed this too.

Micky 32 · 28-04-2008, 23:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by steviec

Strange mine don't, just tried it to verify. Engine running turn lights on, lights go up and down and find level.

If you switch them on straight away after you start the engine it might appear that way. Start the engine but wait about 10 seconds and then turn the lights on you will notice they won't go up and down.

have noticed too the calibration only takes place when the engine is running.

**GAFF** · 29-04-2008, 00:17

Mine come on the whole time so hadn't noticed it

How do you find the difference between dips & fulls? I dropped my fulls down a bit as they were a little high

Micky 32 · 29-04-2008, 01:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAFF

Mine come on the whole time so hadn't noticed it

How do you find the difference between dips & fulls? I dropped my fulls down a bit as they were a little high

They look very dim compared to the xenons. But overall conbined light isn't too bad.

dstev2000 · 29-04-2008, 07:56

They need to be calibrated, self levelled and ready to go at all times so there is no chance of dazzling when they are switched on.

I dropped my main beams down by a considerable amount as I found a gap between the xenon cut off and the main beam throw

**VRStu** · 29-04-2008, 08:04

I've had mine checked for alignment but I still get loads of people flashing me - Anyone else noticed that.

Didn't used to be like that with the other car.

bahnstormer vrs · 29-04-2008, 08:50

I always thought that they only 'self levelled' (down-up-down) when the sensors on the car detect a change in attitude/load to the car. i.e. after refuelling or with a different passenger load.

I believe, after some adjustments, that I have mine set absolutely properly and with the smallest of gaps between the dip beam cut-off and main beam light, to give a good spread.

I don't get flashed by oncoming motorists, but I do find other cars move over well and let me overtake (I use my lights pretty much all the time as 'daylight running' lights).

runboy · 29-04-2008, 10:43

Mine do this - turn the engine on with the car outside in daylight and although the auto lights don't kick in (obviously!) you can still hear the light motors do their der-der noise as they self level. Turn the engine on in the dark and the lights come on automatically (well they may already be on with the leaving home function) and they do the down/up levelling thing.

gregozedobe · 29-04-2008, 14:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRStu

I've had mine checked for alignment but I still get loads of people flashing me - Anyone else noticed that.

Did they do the proper SKODA HID full calibration reset ? I've read reports from several people who were getting flashed a lot (aimed too high on dip), and once they were properly calibrated no more flashing. Apparently lots of dealers "forget" to actually do it at PDI (maybe because all Octys have projector style low beams, so the HID ones look the same as all the rest).

bahnstormer vrs · 29-04-2008, 14:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregozedobe

Did they do the proper SKODA HID full calibration reset ? I've read reports from several people who were getting flashed a lot (aimed too high on dip), and once they were properly calibrated no more flashing. Apparently lots of dealers "forget" to actually do it at PDI (maybe because all Octys have projector style low beams, so the HID ones look the same as all the rest).

Very valid point; I had to get my dealer to reset mine, having had the car for a few weeks, as my xenons had clearly not been set properly at the Factory or on PDI; one beam was higher than the other and they were both too high!

gadgetman · 29-04-2008, 15:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregozedobe

Did they do the proper SKODA HID full calibration reset ? I've read reports from several people who were getting flashed a lot (aimed too high on dip), and once they were properly calibrated no more flashing. Apparently lots of dealers "forget" to actually do it at PDI (maybe because all Octys have projector style low beams, so the HID ones look the same as all the rest).

This happened to me.

Since re-cal, no issues. If you notice little difference between dipped and full, this is another clue. Full was also dipped too high.

you should see a slight curve to the bottom of the left light range. Will look bit like (from drivers seat)
______
/
__/|___

smstext · 29-04-2008, 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRStu

I've had mine checked for alignment but I still get loads of people flashing me - Anyone else noticed that.

Didn't used to be like that with the other car.

exactly what ive been getting since i got my car stu, thus why i hate the xenons.

vipet · 29-04-2008, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by smstext

exactly what ive been getting since i got my car stu, thus why i hate the xenons.

How can you hate xenons?

The point is world class light, and on the issue of lighting up the road in front of you, nothing beats xenons. What other people think is irrelevant as lond as you see them and don't crash into them

smstext · 29-04-2008, 18:11

but when you get people putting their full beams on at you either after you go past them or if they coming towards you then you kinda get cheesed off with them.

apd007 · 29-04-2008, 18:15

I still think there is a problem with the setup on your lights if you're getting flashed a lot.

I had this problem with my car when I first got it so took it back to the dealers to have the lights checked within the first month. Despite them claiming they didn't change anything the lights were a touch lower and I don't get flashed anymore. Need to adjust the high beam though as they are definitely too high.

dstev2000 · 29-04-2008, 18:30

I have never been flashed since getting my 07 L&K, SWMBO hasn't been flashed since getting her vRS - both have Xenons.

My 06 Elegance however was a different story:

I was being flashed/hooted at no end of times so I set about re aligning the beams according to a colleagues car headlight set-up (yet ANOTHER Octavia), I found the beams were too high and both needed lowering and setting to the nearside some more. After this I had no problems. They also stopped shaking too.

The problem with software/VAG-COM set-ups/resets is the car has no idea where the beams are physically pointing.
All it can do it adjust the up/down aim according to the data from the level sensors.

I could quite easily go outside and wind the screws out to make the beams shine into the sky and the car will be oblivious to it, it will continue to dynamically adjust them as it did before but of course the beams will now be all over the place.
They need to be manually adjusted with the 2 screws on the light fittings themselves, the car will need to be on a rock solid level platform and needs to be empty, IIRC there is a set procedure for this but I didn't follow it when I did the bames on my '06 Octavia. Must have been lucky

**GAFF** · 29-04-2008, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstev2000

I dropped my main beams down by a considerable amount as I found a gap between the xenon cut off and the main beam throw

Same here, I also upgraded the Main Beam Bulbs

Btw has anyone upgraded the Fog bulbs, they are H8 I believe. They are very yellow compared to Xenon (and before the slagging starts

I don't need a lecture about their uses

) Is it a big job to change them (I'd rather not remove the unit)?

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRStu

I've had mine checked for alignment but I still get loads of people flashing me - Anyone else noticed that.

I very seldom get anyone flashing me, the odd time you get someone who doesn't like the Xenons, but its few and far between (I make sure they get an eye full

)

smstext · 29-04-2008, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by apd007

I still think there is a problem with the setup on your lights if you're getting flashed a lot.

I had this problem with my car when I first got it so took it back to the dealers to have the lights checked within the first month. Despite them claiming they didn't change anything the lights were a touch lower and I don't get flashed anymore. Need to adjust the high beam though as they are definitely too high.

Alan you might remember before on the way back from newbury meet where ive complained of not being able to see the road, yet you said my lights were nice and bright, perhaps they pointing up to high.

apd007 · 29-04-2008, 23:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by smstext

Alan you might remember before on the way back from newbury meet where ive complained of not being able to see the road, yet you said my lights were nice and bright, perhaps they pointing up to high.

Yeah I remember, you said mine lit the road up better than yours IIRC.

It's certainly a possibility, but also reading some of the above posts, in particular

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstev2000

I found the beams were too high and both needed lowering and setting to the nearside some more. After this I had no problems.

I'm also wondering if they are too far over to the middle of the road.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAFF

They are very yellow compared to Xenon

I could be wrong but I've got a memory of a report done where they found that yellow lights were better in fog as they reduced the glare, but I could be tripping

dstev2000 · 29-04-2008, 23:15

Yellow is better in fog as it has a longer wavelength than HID's.

My nearside projector lens in particular is 'looking' off quite a way to the left, as a consequence the 'kick' is where it should be - firing the light way off to the kerbside.

**GAFF** · 29-04-2008, 23:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by apd007

I could be wrong but I've got a memory of a report done where they found that yellow lights were better in fog as they reduced the glare, but I coul

28-04-2008, 22:58	#1
Micky 32 Briskodian Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longford, Ireland Posts: 447 Members Car: Race blue vRS 200bhp Thanks: 9 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts	An obversation about the xenons I have discovered that the xenons don't calibrate when they are switched on. They calibrate when the engine is switched on whether the lights are switched on or not so obvoiusly they are levelling even when the lights are off. I have confirmed it on a VW Jetta also.... strange __________________ 2008 Race blue 2.0 TFSI vRS, xenons, jumbo box, dual zone, rear electric windows, maxidot, rain sensing wipers and dimming mirror, light assist, rear parking sensors, cruise control, ESP and anti wet ars!e feature....Mods: Chipped Ireland development mapping and Milltek turbo back exhaust, Autotech fuel pump, Evom's, Nuespeed intercooler hose, Forge Twintercooler and 274bhp and 330lbft

28-04-2008, 23:10	#2
steviec Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Warrington, Cheshire Posts: 753 Members Car: Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0 FSI Thanks: 10 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: An obversation about the xenons Strange mine don't, just tried it to verify. Engine running turn lights on, lights go up and down and find level. __________________ Cheers Steve Skoda Octavia vRS 2.0T FSI - Black Magic, 18" Alloys, Dual Zone Climate Control, Jumbo Box, Rear Electric Windows, Xenon Headlights, MaxiDot, Light Assist, Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Rain Sensing Wipers & Dipping Rear View Mirror. Pentagon SupaGlass in Midnight, Parrot 3400LS GPS Bluetooth Car Kit.

28-04-2008, 23:11	#3
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,650 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 301 Times in 270 Posts	Re: An obversation about the xenons ive noticed this too. __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

29-04-2008, 00:17	#5
GAFF Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 5,907 Members Car: Octavia II vRS Thanks: 29 Thanked 71 Times in 69 Posts	Re: An obversation about the xenons Mine come on the whole time so hadn't noticed it How do you find the difference between dips & fulls? I dropped my fulls down a bit as they were a little high __________________ GAFF Briskoda Ireland Events, Meets & Pictures.....Race Blue Octavia MkII vRS.....Old Octavia MkI vRS

29-04-2008, 07:56	#7
dstev2000 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Back in the Green Posts: 4,036 Members Car: 2 Octavia II's, an L&K combi and a vRS hatch. Thanks: 48 Thanked 168 Times in 153 Posts	Re: An obversation about the xenons They need to be calibrated, self levelled and ready to go at all times so there is no chance of dazzling when they are switched on. I dropped my main beams down by a considerable amount as I found a gap between the xenon cut off and the main beam throw __________________ MY08 L&K: Black-Estate-Diesel-Sunset Glass-MFD2-W8 Interior light-Colour coded door strips-LED sidelights and Puddle lights-VAG-COM fettled-Lovely! SWMBO's: MY08 vRS TDI - Standard

29-04-2008, 08:04	#8
VRStu Txt Spk Police Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hampshire Posts: 20,847 Members Car: Audi S3 Thanks: 145 Thanked 999 Times in 895 Posts	Re: An obversation about the xenons I've had mine checked for alignment but I still get loads of people flashing me - Anyone else noticed that. Didn't used to be like that with the other car. __________________ Stu Stu's Websites - http://www.fabia-vrs.com & http://www.octavia-vrs.com Stu's Car - 2008 Audi S3 - Ibis White, Black Optics Pack, Privacy Glass, Auto Bi Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Bose Sound System, Ipod Prep, GSM Phone Prep, Flat Bottom Multi Function Steering Wheel, Electric Folding Mirrors, Acoustic Parking, Cruise Control, Interior Light Pack, Non Smokers Pack. SWMBO's Car - 2008 Seat LEON TDi Stylance, Black Magic, Sports Pack, Rear Parking Sensors. Something for Weekend - A Patio

29-04-2008, 08:50	#9
bahnstormer vrs Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Herts Posts: 2,672 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDI - Koni FSDs & RallyFlapz Thanks: 46 Thanked 154 Times in 139 Posts	Re: An obversation about the xenons I always thought that they only 'self levelled' (down-up-down) when the sensors on the car detect a change in attitude/load to the car. i.e. after refuelling or with a different passenger load. I believe, after some adjustments, that I have mine set absolutely properly and with the smallest of gaps between the dip beam cut-off and main beam light, to give a good spread. I don't get flashed by oncoming motorists, but I do find other cars move over well and let me overtake (I use my lights pretty much all the time as 'daylight running' lights). __________________ Mine - '07 Octavia vRS TDI, Superchips BlueFin (210bhp/293lbft) 'Winter wheels' 7.5J x 17" Audi S-line, Ultrac Sessantas 225/45 17, xenons, rear parking sensor, heated seats (driver's Recaro Style full leather), climate/jumbo etc., Koni FSDs, Neuspeed Rear ARB & Short-Shifter, K&N induction kit, RallyFlapZ - Colin McRae memorial decals. Wife's - '08 Roomster Scout 1.6 Tiptronic, Cruise, parking sensors Son's - '02 Fabia 1.4mpi, vRS 16" alloys, Michelin Pilot Exalto 2 195/45 16, vRS front bumper, Koni Sport shocks.

29-04-2008, 10:43	#10
runboy Briskodian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Norfolk Posts: 581 Members Car: Octy II L&K 2.0TDI DSG Thanks: 34 Thanked 25 Times in 24 Posts	Re: An obversation about the xenons Mine do this - turn the engine on with the car outside in daylight and although the auto lights don't kick in (obviously!) you can still hear the light motors do their der-der noise as they self level. Turn the engine on in the dark and the lights come on automatically (well they may already be on with the leaving home function) and they do the down/up levelling thing. __________________ 2007 Octavia Hatchback, 2.0TDI DSG L&K in Black Magic.

29-04-2008, 18:11	#16
smstext 2.0 FSI Sport. Join Date: May 2007 Location: oxon Posts: 9,650 Members Car: Octavia Mk2 FSI Sport Thanks: 11 Thanked 301 Times in 270 Posts	Re: An obversation about the xenons but when you get people putting their full beams on at you either after you go past them or if they coming towards you then you kinda get cheesed off with them. __________________ Oxon Meet Feeler 2009 please add your input, click here

29-04-2008, 18:15	#17
apd007 Oops! :( Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The 2nd biggest city in the whole of England. Posts: 3,081 Members Car: Octy II vRS Thanks: 55 Thanked 67 Times in 56 Posts	Re: An obversation about the xenons I still think there is a problem with the setup on your lights if you're getting flashed a lot. I had this problem with my car when I first got it so took it back to the dealers to have the lights checked within the first month. Despite them claiming they didn't change anything the lights were a touch lower and I don't get flashed anymore. Need to adjust the high beam though as they are definitely too high. __________________ Support Briskoda join Freedom ======> Was :- Skoda 120LSE Yellow 1.2 ~ 60 BHP? Then :- Mk I Skoda Octavia Blueline 1.9 TDi 90 BHP. Now :- Mk II Skoda Octavia vRS Black 2.0 TFSI. 200 BHP.

29-04-2008, 18:30	#18
dstev2000 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Back in the Green Posts: 4,036 Members Car: 2 Octavia II's, an L&K combi and a vRS hatch. Thanks: 48 Thanked 168 Times in 153 Posts	Re: An obversation about the xenons I have never been flashed since getting my 07 L&K, SWMBO hasn't been flashed since getting her vRS - both have Xenons. My 06 Elegance however was a different story: I was being flashed/hooted at no end of times so I set about re aligning the beams according to a colleagues car headlight set-up (yet ANOTHER Octavia), I found the beams were too high and both needed lowering and setting to the nearside some more. After this I had no problems. They also stopped shaking too. The problem with software/VAG-COM set-ups/resets is the car has no idea where the beams are physically pointing. All it can do it adjust the up/down aim according to the data from the level sensors. I could quite easily go outside and wind the screws out to make the beams shine into the sky and the car will be oblivious to it, it will continue to dynamically adjust them as it did before but of course the beams will now be all over the place. They need to be manually adjusted with the 2 screws on the light fittings themselves, the car will need to be on a rock solid level platform and needs to be empty, IIRC there is a set procedure for this but I didn't follow it when I did the bames on my '06 Octavia. Must have been lucky __________________ MY08 L&K: Black-Estate-Diesel-Sunset Glass-MFD2-W8 Interior light-Colour coded door strips-LED sidelights and Puddle lights-VAG-COM fettled-Lovely! SWMBO's: MY08 vRS TDI - Standard

29-04-2008, 23:15	#22
dstev2000 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Back in the Green Posts: 4,036 Members Car: 2 Octavia II's, an L&K combi and a vRS hatch. Thanks: 48 Thanked 168 Times in 153 Posts	Re: An obversation about the xenons Yellow is better in fog as it has a longer wavelength than HID's. My nearside projector lens in particular is 'looking' off quite a way to the left, as a consequence the 'kick' is where it should be - firing the light way off to the kerbside. __________________ MY08 L&K: Black-Estate-Diesel-Sunset Glass-MFD2-W8 Interior light-Colour coded door strips-LED sidelights and Puddle lights-VAG-COM fettled-Lovely! SWMBO's: MY08 vRS TDI - Standard