Headlights relays

[Fiat500USA]

The headlight design on the 500 is a key element of the car. It captures the feeling of the classic. Drafting a 4 headlight system on the car and destroying the looks wasn't an option. This is what Fiat USA had to work with. On the Euro car, the high beam is below the headlight. In the US, you can't have lights in a staggered or offset position. Our car uses a projector beam headlight, which is considered superior to a standard reflector based unit. It also utilizes a 9012 bulb, the highest out put bulb of it's size. For example, it puts out 87% more light than a common 9006 bulb that is typically used in this size headlight. As far as I know, they don't use a dual element headlight bulb in a projector beam housing.



So, if you have to use a single headlight and you can't use a dual element bulb, how do you do it? The shutter is the way. It is a lot more common than you think. It's just not typically used on inexpensive cars. There is a lot of clever thought and engineering that went into our cars.

[map]

Map, you mention Ford vehicles. Which models have the headlamp shutter system? What model year?

It was popular on several Fords, all using the HID lights. A quick search came up with the Explorer/Escape/Navigator, Mustang and Taurus, PUs, and Bronco. Those are the models that are listed as having problems, so most of the listings are in the era of 2009 to 13, though the Bronco is newer. There's a Youtube on repairing a 2013 Explorer shutter by lubing it (8 yo truck).

[map]

"The shutter is the way." (Very Mandelorian.)

The Infrastructure Investment And Jobs Act will change some of the US's antique laws. For instance, it is not legal to retrofit headlights on a car... so LEDs are "legally" out for cars that didn't come with them factory installed. That bill had a rider that requires the US to update headlight rules w/in 2 years which may mean we'll join the late 20th century. It took the US 30 years to adopt halogen bulbs, so no telling if they'll actually keep up to date.

[smark]

On Lexus cars. There was anytime type of shutter devise on HID headlamp. You turned them on the head lamps. They would be pointing downward. As soon as the headlamps, became full intensity. They were motorized, and raise to the Proper driving height. I bet that was the same systems on the Ford, and Lincoln brands. Common on BMW’s, Infiniti and MB cars.

[Fiat500USA]

Our 2000 Audi has HIDs. When they are turned on, the self leveling system adjusts the beam height so they don't blind people.

[map]

I bet that was the same systems on the Ford, and Lincoln brands. Common on BMW’s, Infiniti and MB cars.

Look at 1:20 in the video and you can see the shutter move.

An explanation of how it works: https://itstillruns.com/do-projector...k-7669822.html