headlights

Ive only had my C5 for a month and its off for the mot on Saturday, something I`ve noticed is when switching from dipped beam to main beam the dipped goes off when the main is on, is this normal?
If I have dipped on and just want to flash the mains then all four are on, feeling puzzled, I`ve heard of this on some models of car but its the first time I`ve owned a car that does this so would appreciate some confirmation if this is right or not before the mot this weekend.

Never had a C5, but no doubt a C5 "expert" on here will reply before Saturday. Is it a US or UK/Euro spec car, and when "dipped" does the beam point to the left (pavement) or just straight ahead? My MoT guy told me 7 years ago that headlights do not need to dip to the left to pass the MoT. Don't think that has changed, as imported US spec C6s & C7s don't need to have the headlights changed or adjusted to pass the IVA test or MoT. On the C6, a US spec headlight is sometimes referred to as "flat beam." What you have sounds OK to me. Does the below help?

The MOT headlamp aim test is changing - Matters of Testing

it is a uk car, pattern seems fine just seems strange dipped going off when main is turned on.

I thought that was "pretty normal" TBH, but maybe due to the specific cars I have owned/driven.

when full beam is on does dip go out?

Clive. I have a US spec car and mine does this too. I had not noticed before.

So dipped and main beam are separate bulbs - main is inboards, and when you flash whilst on dipped beam, the main beam comes on in addition to dipped.

My US spec 2003 is exactly the same and as far as I'm aware they all do that. If it's a twin bulb system (separate dip/main beam) they aren't on at the same time. If it's a single bulb (double filament) the same applies (as far as I know), they aren't both on at the same time. I did read on the American forum (I think) that some people rig them up to both be on at the same time in an attempt to improve the lights which are terrible. If I'm out at night, I usually look for a Morris Minor to follow, as his lights will be far superior .....

PhilV8 said:

My US spec 2003 is exactly the same and as far as I'm aware they all do that. If it's a twin bulb system (separate dip/main beam) they aren't on at the same time. If it's a single bulb (double filament) the same applies (as far as I know), they aren't both on at the same time. I did read on the American forum (I think) that some people rig them up to both be on at the same time in an attempt to improve the lights which are terrible. If I'm out at night, I usually look for a Morris Minor to follow, as his lights will be far superior .....

Click to expand...

Yep they all do this (one switches off when the other comes on), switching them so all four stay on with high beams is pretty straightforward. Did this to mine when I installed the radioflyer lights.

Off topic, but It seems you're the Clive F who had the awesome TVR Sagaris ( I had a ride in it at the NEC)
The Vette must be quite a different beast. Any mod's planned?
ps just sent a Facebook friend request

guilty as charged! yes I have a few things I`d like to do in the pipeline, but first I`m getting the car up to scratch, due to ABS sensors being duff on the front and play in one of the rear wheel bearings at the mot, I`m replacing all 4 hubs, plus new suspension ball joints track rod ends on the front end, and drop links.
Full fluid changes, new belts and ht leads and plugs. The hubs and suspension parts and bigger anti roll bars are being fitted next week at TVRSSW in Wellington, and having a full geo set up to see if the handling has improved , I`ll need to decide whether to go with a set of coil overs and remove the leaf springs, or keep the springs and just replace the dampers with a set of Bilstiens.
I know the C5 will never handle as well as the Sagaris, but ready the forums and info on the net there is lots of room for improvement depending on what you want to do with the car, and it is nice to be back in a V8!

Staying off topic, as a fellow black C5 owner I think we need to see some pictures, what year is it btw, I see in your member picture it is a 'P' plate but is that a private plate to get the 'VET' plate or is it actually a 1997? Mine is a '97 & I think you will find the black ones are the fastest ones enjoy & good luck with the MOT.

its a `98, the plate came with the car but has since been replaced with my own private plate, Ill update with some photos in dues course, once its finished and the racing stripes have been applied. mot passed fine.