Headlight Focusing

I swapped out some old amber bulbs for some new LEDs, and can't get the things to focus. Low beams throw no light on the road in front, yet high beams flood the road. Should I be attempting to focus them when on Lo or Hi?

 

It's not a camera. You cannot focus a headlight, only aim.

Look at the ultimate headlight mod thread.
edit: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/

 

As has already been said, you cannot "focus" a headlight or a headlight bulb. I'm going to guess that you bought some inexpensive Amazon or eBay LED bulbs because the results you are experiencing are right in line with that. Oh, and you're probably blinding oncoming drivers with glare too. Trust me, they're junk and nothing you can do is going to make them any better. Take them out, return them or throw them away and invest in better lighting.

BTW, What year truck?

 

You aim your head lights on LOW beam

I think OP means aiming but said focus...just guessing

 

I realize you can't focus like a camera lens.
2006. I've used the brand twice before with great results. The adjustment screws might be stripped as they turn and turn with very little result. Perhaps I need a whole new assembly.

 

BTW, focusing a light is a term in stage and film for aiming a light to a particlular area. Didn't realize it was different with headlights.

 

As someone who doesn’t recommend leds in reflector housings…. Check to see if you can loosen the collar on the bulb. This should allow you to properly rotate the bulb so that it sits vertical. This will give you the best beam pattern for your leds.

 

Toss the LEDs in the trash and check out @crashnburn80 's thread. (linked above)

 

It's an interesting thread. Goes a little deep for my time and comprehension though. Do they make a Cliff's Notes version

 

• Don’t use LEDs in your reflectors, performance is poor and causes blinding glare.
• Use OEM assemblies
• Use high quality performance bulbs from name brand manufacturers:
  • Best plug and play is Philips Racing Vision +200
  • For ultimate output, go with the harness and the Osram SuperBrights
  • For even further performance gains, run the voltage booster and an AGM battery

 

Thanks, man.

 

Finally getting back to my headlight situation. Trying to find the Philips RacingVision but either they are sold out or the online companies say they can't ship to the US currently. Any recs on a second or third choice that might be easier to find? Thanks.

 

I have Sylvania Silverstar Ultras. (I’m blind on my left side) IMO the throw down the road and color spectrum is very good.

 

HID concept lists them as in stock:
https://www.hidconcept.com/products/h4-philips-new-racingvision-up-to-150-more-brightness-pack-of-2

When all else fails, there is always ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/333743465082

 

Thanks for the tip Crash. They’re on their way!

 

FWIW. Every reflector or lens has a focal point.

In the case of a headlight, its the reflector focal point. It isn't adjustable. Your bulbs need to located at that focal point for the reflector to properly "aim" the beam. It is likely the LED bulb was not in the focal point of the reflector.

The Sylvania SilverStar are decent replacement bulbs. No, they are not LED. Yes, Sylvania lost a legal battle regarding the marketing claims. They are a reasonable replacement. Direct plug in. Just be sure to wear latex gloves when handling the bulbs. Any hand oils or finger prints will shorten the bulb life.