I'm an idiot!!! (H4)

wcc · 11-04-2005, 06:34 PM

OK, I'm an idiot!!!! I just hooked up those "City Lights" and they didn't work. I checked the power and the circuit and re-checked, then checked again. The first couple of times the ground wasn't right but I ended up getting power to the "City Lights". But they wouldn't light up?????? What's up with that??????

Finally, I took out the socket to see the bulb, DUH, there wasn't any bulb. No wonder they didn't light up!!! So my question is this:

What is the bulb that is supposed to go in there???? I want to order it up now especially since it is all wired up.........

coloradoporsche · 11-04-2005, 06:48 PM

My H4s came with these, but I dropped one of my bulbs and broke it. On a whim I went to Checker and, sure enough, there was a light bulb called "European driving light" right on their standard parts shelf that fit perfectly. It's just a 12V bulb that fits the little socket.

Not too special, and I'm sure you can find it easily.

wcc · 07:02 PM

Ok, I'll check it out tomorrow!!!!!

Thanks a lot.....

Wait..... Are they amber or are they clear?

ianc · 11-04-2005, 07:29 PM

Clear. The socket is removable, so just pull the whole thing and take it down to your local auto parts store. You'll find something there, guaranteed,

ianc

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

go with the lowest voltage bulbs you can find or they will be too bright by themselves. I am running Sylvania #105. You can find them at virtually any autopart store. They look fantastic.

look 171 · 11-04-2005, 09:06 PM

Wait, you mean there are two light bulbs that can be installed in the H4s? Does it make it any brighter. I am in the process of changing the 55W h4s to piaa H4 with the same drawer but higher out put. I have them on my Truck they work wonders in the hills.

Jeff

cab83_750 · 11-04-2005, 09:11 PM

I was advised that 'dont go too bright!' You might attract the coppers; after all, those H4's are already illegal.

ianc · 11-04-2005, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Wait, you mean there are two light bulbs that can be installed in the H4s?

Yes, the main headlight bulb and the city light. One a big 90\100 watt bulb and the other a little 12v piddler just engough to see at dusk.

ianc

look 171 · 11-04-2005, 09:15 PM

I think these are legal. You can get a similar bulb at your local auto parts store. I'll look tomorrow. I think they draw 55W, but the out put is 70.

Jeff

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

The City Lights are very small aux lights which mount into H4s (1 city light per lamp). These do not replace your standard 55W/60W or 80W/100W relayed bulbs. They also are not designed to make your standard 55/60 any brighter.

Europeans use/d city lights in some towns at dusk, or after dark, as in town running lights - more to be seen by others (cars and peds) rather than to see by.

look 171 · 11-04-2005, 09:24 PM

[Europeans use/d city lights in some towns at dusk, or after dark, as in town running lights - more to be seen by others (cars and peds) rather than to see by. [/B][/QUOTE]

Thanks guys. If it is just a real dim light, then I don't think I'll do anything about it. That makes the car look sleepy when it is on.

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

Yeah, I've been asked by thoes not in the know,
What's wrong with your lights? Looks like your alternator is going.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

The city lights are a cop magnet is some states....it's illegal in some places to drive with "driving lights" only.......

Check yer local laws. Unless ya doan care.....like "my" lack of front license plate....

cab83_750 · 11-04-2005, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by look 171
I think these are legal.
Jeff

Search the archives. I think we had a member who was stalked by a police because of his H4's. The police basically waited for him almost daily.

If I recall correct, we do not have the DOT marks. BTW, I love mine.....especially driving down to Vegas at night!

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

Mike speaks da truth. In Orygun, driving with parking lights, or facimilies, are not allowed. May be the same in Caly (haven't lived there for 25 years.) They are fine up here in Starbucks country.

Ove · 11-04-2005, 11:42 PM

The "city lights" alone are NOT to be used for driving. They are parking lights and that's what we call them in Europe

Since they are mounted in the headlight reflector or close to this they also function as a backup light if the headlight bulb fails. We don't use orange colored marking lights for this purpose.
In most european countries the fog lights are only legal to use in combination with the parking lights.

The parking light bulbs are 2W or 4W.

k9handler · 11-05-2005, 01:00 AM

I was just about to tell them that Ove. In fact when I was stationed in the UK it was required to mount this type of light into the US Spec cars to pass the MOT inspection. I drilled a small hole, mounted the 4w bulb and wired it into the parking light circut...this was in my Chevy Cavalier.

Now my H4's have the bulbs, but have not been wired up as I have no need for them. =o)

wcc · 11-05-2005, 05:03 AM

I pretty sure it's illegal to drive with parking lights on, but I've done if for years, it's not uncommon to see around where I live and the police don't enforce it. They could if they wanted to but they don't.
I really don't NEED the lights either, I just want to see what they are all about. They sound pretty cool. I'm going to get the bulbs today.....

Thanks everyone!

reed930 · 11-05-2005, 06:28 AM

The city bulbs are 4W each. Part number is 900.631.103.90 if you don't feel like tracking down one from a parts store

911mot · 911mot's Garage

On later euro models if you switch the ignition off then move the indicator switch to left or right, the corresponding parking lights illuminate front and rear, should you wish to flatten your battery.