NCT fail, out of focus dim headlight

fryup · 24-01-2021 9:00pm #1

don't know if this is the right thread,

failed the NCT due to an out of focus dim headlight, what does that mean exactly?..out of alignment? is it something i can DIY?

punisher5112 · 24-01-2021 9:10pm

fryup wrote: »

don't know if this is the right thread,

failed the NCT due to an out of focus dim headlight, what does that mean exactly?..out of alignment? is it something i can DIY?

What car, year etc...
It could be the bulb is fading as some do so especially in projector style lamps.
It could also be the outer part is faded/frosted looking from the sun and weather.

jmreire · 24-01-2021 9:16pm

fryup wrote: »

don't know if this is the right thread,

failed the NCT due to an out of focus dim headlight, what does that mean exactly?..out of alignment? is it something i can DIY?

Take it into some garage or tyre sales outlet, and have them re set the lights with a beamsetter. You could do it yourself, IE: face a wall or other flat surface, swithh on the headlamps, and flip them from high beam to low beam, and you will see how they are hitting the wall, but then you will need some tools to adjust the headlamp settings..could be Torx, phillips, flat or hexagon head screws. Best thing is take it to tyre shop or garage.....its only a few mins work, and it will be done right. Its not worth the hassle.

biko · 24-01-2021 9:18pm

Moved out from how to service car thread.

Could it be that your lights have faded?

u-https-thesaabguy-files-wordpress-com-2010-12-sany0029.jpg

NickNickleby · 24-01-2021 9:26pm

there's loads of good videos on YouTube about restoring headlamp lenses. If it looks sort of foggy or frosted, I believe its caused by weather and can be restored with household products. If I remember correctly, one suggestion was to use toothpaste. Worth a look anyway.

Toyotafanboi · 24-01-2021 9:30pm

A "dim" bulb in terms of your headlight is just referring the dipped headlight bulb (as opposed to the main beam bulb).

You need to get your headlights focused is all.

You can attempt it but results are patchy, NCT's recently switched to even newer test gear for headlight alignment and places with the correct tool for focusing headlights even now struggle to get a car through.

It's usually a €20 ish job from most garages and only takes a few minutes. I'd advise getting a garage to do it.

fryup · 24-01-2021 10:12pm

biko wrote: »

Could it be that your lights have faded?

you mean the outer casing? cause that's what i thought initially, but i looked at them this morning and they're crystal clear....wonder did they fog up at the nct centre itself it was freezing that day

NCT's recently switched to even newer test gear for headlight alignment and places with the correct tool for focusing headlights even now struggle to get a car through.

really? never knew that, has this been flagged up by other people?

punisher5112 · 24-01-2021 10:14pm

fryup wrote: »

that's what i thought initially, but i looked at them this morning and they're crystal clear....wonder did they fog up at the nct centre itself it was freezing that day

Is it an Almera by any chance?

Toyotafanboi · 24-01-2021 10:17pm

fryup wrote: »

has this been flagged up by other people?

Not on here that i'm aware of but very common issue now in the trade.

It used to be a manual machine and the testers discretion if it passed or failed now it's an automated machine and it decides the pass or fail.

fryup · 24-01-2021 10:20pm

so i might go to my local garage and they say its fixed and then the machine at the nct says fail, i have to fork out €27 yet again

Is it an Almera by any chance?

mitsubishi colt

Toyotafanboi · 24-01-2021 10:27pm

No, if they are focused, it will pass.

I suppose traditionally if the focusing was borderline or tiny tiny bit out, the tester could use his discretion and pass the car.

Now they have to be right as the machine makes the decision. They are in or they are out.

punisher5112 · 24-01-2021 10:29pm

Another thing that throws it off is incorrectly fitted bulbs where they aren't sitting in just right.

fryup · 24-01-2021 10:33pm

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

No, if they are focused, it will pass.

yes but how many garages out there have a machine to match the NCT's ??

btree · 25-01-2021 10:23am

You can DIY. Had the same issue las 3 weeks ago. Purchased new bulbs and put in. I then brought the car to an underground car park because it has a flat ground surface to do alighment. Measured inclination of the beam as specified in NCT guideline, for my case it is 1.25% A 15minutes job with a tape measurement and an allen key size 6. It was relatively easy but took a little time.

fryup wrote: »

don't know if this is the right thread,

failed the NCT due to an out of focus dim headlight, what does that mean exactly?..out of alignment? is it something i can DIY?

fryup · 25-01-2021 10:53am

this isn't a issue of alignment its focus

biko · 25-01-2021 11:47am

fryup wrote: »

yes but how many garages out there have a machine to match the NCT's ??

There are places that will have the equipment to correctly align the headlights.
http://dessiestyres.ie/services/headlight-alignment/

dkd21 · 25-01-2021 2:21pm

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

Not on here that i'm aware of but very common issue now in the trade.

It used to be a manual machine and the testers discretion if it passed or failed now it's an automated machine and it decides the pass or fail.

That is totally incorrect . It was not at the discretion of the tester at all . The digital machines have been out for years but the latest MAHA machine is very specific on the beam intensity and pattern . It also fails now for too low which is why many of the garages are having issues as they cant get the beam set between the limits or they incorrectly set the beam right on the limit instead of inbetween with a margin of error both laterally and vertically

Toyotafanboi · 25-01-2021 3:06pm

That's what i was told be a lad working for NCT's.

Like every third hand bit of info, there's maybe a glimmer of truth to it.

We have noticed locally though, the amount of headlight fails has increased a large anount so something to do with the testing procedure has changed.

zg3409 · 25-01-2021 4:11pm

Reflectors can go rusty, moisture inside can make it worse
As said bulbs need to not be dim (very old bulb)

Bulbs need to be fitted 100% correct in holder. Sometimes they are not held firm or inserted at an angke. It can be hard to get right due to finger space and tight space. You may need to bend springy thingy.

Simplist is park a known good car next to a wall, then park your car next to sane wall. See if beam alignment is correct and clear and compare brightness.

I had a car with failed headlights and garage said they needed to be replaced and could not be aligned. Its not really a beginner job, unless you like that sort of thing. Its not that expensive typically, but dim would suggest a new bulb.

Truckermal · 26-01-2021 9:24pm

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

That's what i was told be a lad working for NCT's.

Like every third hand bit of info, there's maybe a glimmer of truth to it.

We have noticed locally though, the amount of headlight fails has increased a large anount so something to do with the testing procedure has changed.

Her A6 failed on one being too high which involved a trip to Audi as they are Matrix LED and they had to plug it in for some update to sort it! Local Tyre fella with the old skool yoke said they were grand...l

NCT fail, out of focus dim headlight

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