MOT failed due top full beam headlight bulb not orienting outwards enough (and low intensity)

[NemesisUK]

The most commonly given reason for this failure is the bulb has been fitted upside down. The bulb will fit securely upside down, you would need to remove and refit to check.

[Mr Vlad]

Beam image. Yes upside down bulb. Worn out bulb. 

How do the lenses of the headlight look? Do they look crystal clear and the chrome shines inside the headlight or are the headlight lenses kind of dull looking and the chrome behind looks dull? 

Look on YouTube about renovating headlights and compare your headlights to those you see on YouTube. Dull lenses can affect bulb output and pattern and beam image. 

[rico05]

Oh when I looked at videos they suggested the orientation of the bulb isn't controllable and doesn't matter. 

The lenses are dull and yellowed, I've tried the turtle restoration kit, I'll go through the process again. The chrome behind is shiny and look good. 

 

I've ordered new Xenon bulbs for the dipped beam. 

[Mr Vlad]

That's good then Rico. The new bulbs should cure the problem. Remember though. Be very very careful handling zenon bulbs. Look at videos on YouTube on how to change zenon bulb lexus is220d. If no results then try is250. 

[rico05]

Will do, thanks so much for all of your help Mr Vlad 

[Mr Vlad]

Let us know how you get on. 

[rico05]

MOT passed. Replaced bulbs6and polished headlights. Previous owner replaced bulbs and didn't put the metal prongs back in place, tut tut. So probably the reason for misalignment because no adjustment was needed. On my car, there are two slots that the bulb slots into so there is a position the bulb must be in, but you can't get it wrong. 

 

So happy days! 

Thanks again for the help! 

[Mr Vlad]

Excellent Rico. Thanks for letting us know. Perhaps you didn't need new bulbs after all if those metal clips weren't correctly placed.

[rico05]

Indeed, once I checked with the first replacement it was definitely a little brighter than the old bulb on the other side though, so. I imagine it helped