Phillips Globes in VE Projector Headlights

[bonners]

Guys I need some help with something. I recently discovered that my headlights had a melted spot and was crazing directly in front of the projectors on my E3.

I have been using Phillips Crystal Vision/Blue Vision. What I would like to know is if any of you VE owners have had similar issues with your globes and headlights. Id prefer only answers from guys who use Phillips but Im interested in similar issues with the headlight itself. If you have had similar issues what did you do and was it resolved.

Note: please dont tell me take it to the dealer as I have done so. Im simply interested in peoples experiences

[Wonky]

I was warned I may end up with a melted spot on mine due to using 70w HIDs in high beam and after about a year someone told me they thought it had started, so when I came across a pair of near new projectors for a good price I grabbed them and had them swapped. Turned out there was no obvious problem, possibly just the slightest pinprick which could have been due to something else. The "new" ones have been in around a year again so I'll try to remember to check them at Chev's tomorrow morning but AFAIK no problem.

[Voodoohelo]

Have had the X-treme Vision globes in my VE SSV for over 3 months now, no issues and have never missed a beat. I should have put them in sooner!!

[HSV590]

Adam,you shouldn't have a problem with any of the Philips "upgrade" bulbs as they are "quartz cut" glass, which is designed to be used with polycarbonate headlights..seems an odd one that

[bonners]

thanks mate. I also found out that the globes I had used were 55w. I actually thought this was higher than factory but its not. The book states a 55w H7 for the projector.

Here is a small video i took to show it more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj2U2uAkAoM

[BEARWOOD]

Have you ever had a car bra on with the lights were on? If so thats the problem and the same thing happened to mine with just standard bulbs, although mine was more concentrated not spread like yours. I didnt tell holden i used a car bra and they just replaced the light for me.

[bonners]

nope, never used a car bra. Simply swapped out the factory globes for phillips ones. And I know of another E3 of roughly same vintage as mine and it had its headlights replaced for same reason

[VX2VESS]

Maybe a design fault not enough ventilation?

They seem to get pretty hot inside. I has some good LED parkers kept falling apart dropping the ends off inside the headlight. So hot inside was melting the solder on the little boards and dropping them off. (that was fun getting them out)

Solutions to the heat inside, quick thought more vent holes in them (without allowing water in) somehow.

[bonners]

Ok so I have heard back this afternoon that its neither of the problems they were so adament it was. I am now told that its not the use of solvents which I had apparently been using and neither is it the aftermarket globes which hadnt been tested in their headlights. They have now come up with a new reason and its definitely this one which is the cause. Apparently one of the workshops I have been in has been using a guard cover over the headlights with the headlights on. Thoughts.....

[Hos]

I can't see how that'd do it either, consider the heat a headlight is prone to coming from within the engine bay, direct sunlight in the peak of summer, or people who have headlight protectors fitted adding to residual heat issues.

I'd say defective materials used in the first place. Should be covered under warranty.

Regards,

Hos

[bonners]

I wish Hos...... this has been put down to, by HSV and Holden, as a result of someone in a workshop I have used, putting a guard cover over my headlights and then letting the headlights stay on. im just devo....... my wonderful $70k HSV that is a prized possession, well looked after and well known in this LS1 community now has stuffed headlights.

Originally I was told by the dealer I had used solvents on the headlights. Then I was given a new reason which was that it was my Phillips globes I had put in. Even though these headlights were 55w the same as factory. Now I have been advised its not these but someone has put a guard cover over the headlights when working on it. This reason is simply given because the photos look similar to those that are on a holden techline. I have spoken to the shops that have worked on my car and they have sent me pics of how they use their covers. Each is different but nowhere near the low beam projector. I was advised that there are companies that have guard protectors that go from door to door. Guess which is the only company/ies I have used that has one of these...... HSV dealer........

Im so disappointed and truly feel I have lost consumer rights. It feels to me that I have been given one story and when I can dispute and show good cause on that reason that they give me a new reason. Then I dispute that, like Phillips actually taking my globes and testing them and delivering a written report to say they are fine, I get another reason. This new reason was never discussed with me in the begining. The dealer was adament that I had used solvents on the headlights. But both that and the globes have been essentially ruled out and Im given a new reason. How many reasons do you give. If you gave a consumer a new reason every time he could prove your reason wrong we would have no warranty on any product or item on this planet......

I was told that HSV/Holden had no reported issues. Yet I have read a number of posts on US G8 forums where it has. Even an owner of a VXR8 has sent me pics of his headlights. Walkinshaw in the UK saw it.

Pics of my headlights
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/IMG_7266.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/ZC_74/media/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/IMG_7266.jpg.html)

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/IMG_7270.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/ZC_74/media/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/IMG_7270.jpg.html)

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/IMG_7274.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/ZC_74/media/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/IMG_7274.jpg.html)

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/IMG_7261.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/ZC_74/media/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/IMG_7261.jpg.html)


headlights in UK VXR8
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/lens1.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/ZC_74/media/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/lens1.jpg.html)

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/lens21.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/ZC_74/media/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/lens21.jpg.html)

Problems as outlined in a G8 forum. It appears its not so just a crack like mine but still very much a poor plastic issue. Most lights it appears were replaced under warranty.
http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62450&highlight=headlight+issue

http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49586&highlight=headlight+housing

Also, it appears that some of these US guys are putting a film over the lights to protect them. Now Im pretty sure that if you did this, as a contstant, over time your headlights would do something as bad as what supposedly a fender guard over a headlight might do over 30 secs.....

[Hos]

Have you called Holden/HSV head office. This is a joke. I understand your sentiment exactly. You would think HSV would be keen to maintain a good customer relationship. A little goes a log way in PR. Good luck.

[bonners]

I have ended up dealing with HSV directly. Really disappointed. I just cant fathom any of it at the moment......... Im so angry.

[Hos]

Are there alternate dealers you can go to? Or forum members on here who work at Holden and can be of help? Feel sorry for you Adam.

[SimonNQ]

I would get a laser thermometer and measure the temp of the lights. Half cover the light, and turn on for 10 minutes, remove the cover and laser each side and compare the temps. I don't think you would see a major difference in temp. I would then call HSV ARMED with proof and question it again.

[bonners]

Are there alternate dealers you can go to? Or forum members on here who work at Holden and can be of help? Feel sorry for you Adam.

At the end of the day though its still going to go to Holden and be knocked back it would seem. The lights off a maloo I know were replaced I have been told would have been charged back to the dealer. I still dont see how I can prove all these things and can be simply told no you have no warranty because someone has done something else..... prove it.

Thanks mate. I think its rubbish. And the shit Im going through at the moment with my wife with Leukemia makes this even harder....... especially when you read this sort of thing....
http://www.garthtander.com/InTheCommunity.aspx

[XUV]

At the end of the day though its still going to go to Holden and be knocked back it would seem. The lights off a maloo I know were replaced I have been told would have been charged back to the dealer. I still dont see how I can prove all these things and can be simply told no you have no warranty because someone has done something else..... prove it.

Thanks mate. I think its rubbish. And the shit Im going through at the moment with my wife with Leukemia makes this even harder....... especially when you read this sort of thing....
http://www.garthtander.com/InTheCommunity.aspx

I know it's not the point, but is $120.00 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Holden-VE-Commodore-SSV-Calais-HSV-Black-Projector-Headlight-Left-/380374817439?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58901b1a9f&_uhb=1#ht_1387wt_960 part worth the stress .

Absorb it and don't go back to the workshop,

[Hos]

Fark, sorry to hear that. Never a good time for these things is there. Thoughts are with you.

I am astonished that Holden has their head in the sand on this one. Especially given that they have swapped and changed on three different reasons as to why this has occurred in the first place. Have you spoken to HSV and informed them that on different occasions you have been given three different reasons/excuses/justifications for the problem.

To all other VE owners of similar age to Adam's car, has ANYONE ELSE noticed issues with their headlights, regardless of OEM/aftermarket globes being used?

Wish I could be of help somehow. These little things rub salt into the wound of the consumer when a simple and often inexpensive resolution could be made. I'll put my thinking hat on and PM you any ideas I have.

Regards,

Hos

[Hos]

I know it's not the point, but is $120.00 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Holden-VE-Commodore-SSV-Calais-HSV-Black-Projector-Headlight-Left-/380374817439?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58901b1a9f&_uhb=1#ht_1387wt_960 part worth the stress .

Absorb it and don't go back to the workshop,

Principal alone is a reason why he shouldn't be forking out his own $$$$.

Also, I believe an E3 would have series 2 headlights, not series 1.

[XUV]

Principal alone is a reason why he shouldn't be forking out his own $$$$.

Also, I believe an E3 would have series 2 headlights, not series 1.

I agree,
but if he's going via HSV , good luck with that, as they're real quick to wash their hands when someone else has touched their product.

and my bad on the wrong ve light , make that a $275.00 part . Still in this disposable world .....

[bonners]

I know it's not the point, but is $120.00 http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Holden-VE-Commodore-SSV-Calais-HSV-Black-Projector-Headlight-Left-/380374817439?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58901b1a9f&_uhb=1#ht_1387wt_960 part worth the stress .

Absorb it and don't go back to the workshop,

dam straight its not the point
1. that part is not genuine
2. car is not 12 months old
3. whos going to pay for that part? You?
4. whos going to pay for install? You?

I shouldnt have to pay $5, $120 or the $900 it is to replace my lights with genuine articles. Car is ONLY 11 months old. I take it you wont go back to workshop either.......

No Hos all VE HSV's are series 1 headlights which in itself is another factor. I was told by the dealer to have a look at older VE's. A lot on their 2nd hand lot had the same look.

Thanks mate. Ive been trying everything.

[XUV]

dam straight its not the point
1. that part is not genuine
2. car is not 12 months old
3. whos going to pay for that part? You?
4. whos going to pay for install? You?

I shouldnt have to pay $5, $120 or the $900 it is to replace my lights with genuine articles. Car is ONLY 11 months old. I take it you wont go back to workshop either.......

No Hos all VE HSV's are series 1 headlights which in itself is another factor. I was told by the dealer to have a look at older VE's. A lot on their 2nd hand lot had the same look.

Thanks mate. Ive been trying everything.
Well then go to consumer affairs or TT/ACA or layer up and sue who you think is wrong ............ And Hos , see I was right , series 1 ;)

[bonners]

wonder if VF will have headlights that have problems.

Im sure using these things with safety lighting on cant be good for your headlights if a guard cover is supposedly an issue

VF HSV Spy pic released today
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/photo--12-_1024-620x414.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/ZC_74/media/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/photo--12-_1024-620x414.jpg.html)

other VF HSV testing
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/8CD650844F997820CA257A920018D550
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s212/ZC_74/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/HSV_F-Series_large.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/ZC_74/media/White%20Clubsport/Headlights/HSV_F-Series_large.jpg.html)

[Hos]

And Hos , see I was right , series 1 ;)

Apologies sir. So I could possibly bolt up an E3 bar to my S1 SE SSV.........