Headlights - confused!

baxlin · 27th November 2006, 10:24

My car is 2002 CDT Conn SE, with Halogen headlights, and it has the dashboard manual adjuster wheel, which works fine. I understand it does not therefore have self-levelling headlights.

But I note when I first switch the headlights on when the car has been standing all day, the headlight beams seem to move up and down, as if searching for a particular setting.

This is no problem at all, I'm just wondering what it's doing.

Second point is I've just noticed that if the lights are on main beam when you switch them off, when you put them back on they have reverted to dipped. What a brilliant safety feature, one that I've not seen on other cars.

Yet another unsung benefit of these fantastic cars.

yp53 · 27th November 2006, 10:28

When the lights are first switched on, they first move all the way down to set a reference position, then move up depending on the thumbwheel setting.

baxlin · 27th November 2006, 10:31

By heck, that was quick, thanks!!

Simon W · 1st December 2006, 02:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by yp53

When the lights are first switched on, they first move all the way down to set a reference position, then move up depending on the thumbwheel setting.

Does that mean they're self-levelling then?

Mike · 1st December 2006, 04:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon W

Does that mean they're self-levelling then?

Sadly no

It just means they have a reference position from which they must start each time.

Keith · 1st December 2006, 11:58

It is also a good way of doing a visual self test to check the positioners are working, which of course we all observe regularly don't we

maxi_crawf · 1st December 2006, 13:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

It is also a good way of doing a visual self test to check the positioners are working, which of course we all observe regularly don't we

Of course

maxi_crawf

27th November 2006, 10:24	#1
baxlin This is my second home Volvo C70 Convertible and JZR 3 wheeler Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tring, Herts Posts: 3,960 Thanks: 124 Thanked 173 Times in 124 Posts	Headlights - confused! My car is 2002 CDT Conn SE, with Halogen headlights, and it has the dashboard manual adjuster wheel, which works fine. I understand it does not therefore have self-levelling headlights. But I note when I first switch the headlights on when the car has been standing all day, the headlight beams seem to move up and down, as if searching for a particular setting. This is no problem at all, I'm just wondering what it's doing. Second point is I've just noticed that if the lights are on main beam when you switch them off, when you put them back on they have reverted to dipped. What a brilliant safety feature, one that I've not seen on other cars. Yet another unsung benefit of these fantastic cars.

27th November 2006, 10:28	#2
yp53 Loves to post ex- Rover 75 CDTi Tourer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Timsbury, nr Bath Posts: 328 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	When the lights are first switched on, they first move all the way down to set a reference position, then move up depending on the thumbwheel setting.

27th November 2006, 10:31	#3
baxlin This is my second home Volvo C70 Convertible and JZR 3 wheeler Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tring, Herts Posts: 3,960 Thanks: 124 Thanked 173 Times in 124 Posts	By heck, that was quick, thanks!!

1st December 2006, 11:58	#6
Keith This is my second home ZT400 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ellesmere Posts: 5,948 Thanks: 0 Thanked 43 Times in 29 Posts	It is also a good way of doing a visual self test to check the positioners are working, which of course we all observe regularly don't we