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Quick question re. HID upgrade on FN2

24K views 26 replies 13 participants last post by  Syx 
#1 ·
Hey guys. I know the FN2 received HID headlights in the '09 face-lift. Just wondering if anyone knows if the headlight units were changed or was it just a bulb upgrade.

Thinking about going HID on mine but not sure if the pre '09 units are safe (heat-wise) for HID's and if the beams will be affected (will it pass MoT).

Any input would be appreciated :)
 
#3 ·
Oh I didn't know they were self-leveling. So it was a full headlamp unit upgrade. Hmm, time to visit the scrappers. I recon I'll be lucky to find a pair.
 
#5 ·
Really?! So they're a legal requirement? Hmm, this could be more trouble than it's worth. I'll have to have a think about this.

Cheers for the replies guys :)
 
#6 ·
You know what, I was just reading the test guidelines (1.7 - Headlamps) and I take it back.

VOSA said:
Vehicles equipped with High Intensity Discharge
(HID) or LED dipped beam headlamps may be fitted
with headlamp washers and a suspension or
headlamp self levelling system.
Where such systems are fitted, they must work;
however, it is accepted that it may not be possible
to readily determine the functioning of self levelling
systems. In such cases, the benefit of the doubt
must be given.
VOSA said:
Where HID or LED dipped beam headlamps are
fitted, switch on the headlamps and check the
operation of any headlamp levelling and
cleaning devices fitted.
Reading this, there is no requirement to have either fitted - just that they must work if present. This is out of the guidelines published in Jan 2012 so may have been updated... but there's another thread where people are passing MOTs with HIDs.

Might print a copy and keep it in the car in case I get pulled :police:
 
#7 ·
That's great Syx, cheers for going to the effort. Looks like it's deffo a viable option. In fact, I think there are some in the for sale section...

Thanks again :)
 
#8 ·
Interesting. I've just checked the below which is from the VOSA manual. Doesn't mention an MOT fail for a vehicle not having washers or self levelling?

MOT testing manuals and guides
 
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#9 ·
OP, as to if there were any upgrades to the headlight housing itself, I'd like to know this too!

Though it's worth mentioning that a lot of guys on here (including myself) are running HID kits and the stock headlights seem to be pretty good (not as good as projectors, but good enough that no one really complains about being blinded).
 
#12 ·
It maybe worth getting the headlight housing or lamp shield from an OEM HID headlight and then installing a HID kit.
 
#10 ·
#11 ·
You just have to be careful with the 8th Gen Civic that you get a HID kit with H7R bulbs which are specifically for the Reflector type headlights that the Civic has, otherwise it will fail the MOT because the beam pattern will be all wrong.
 
#13 · (Edited)
#14 ·
Just totted the Honda HID parts up from that link.. they come to £1300, that could be plus vat, too :lol:
 
#15 ·
Nice. I think the only difference with the actual headlight between HID and non-HID OEM would be the shield in front of the bulb you would have on a HID model. Last time i check the complete headlight can be picked up for around £50 a side on ebay.
 
#16 ·
#17 ·
#23 ·
I have JPs HIDs and side lights fitted, I do have levelling adjustment and they passed the MOT with perfect beam pattern :)

Still dont understand why washers are required?? as mine dont and passed...
 
#26 ·
Changes to MOT rules in 2012 - Are you ready? - Autoblog UK

Lighting

''Products on the lens or light source that obviously reduce the light's intensity or change its colour will become a reason for failure – applies to front/rear position lamps, registration plate lamps, stop lamps, rear fog and direction indicators,

Headlight requirements are updated to take account of the particular characteristics of High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps.

HID headlights can cause dazzle if they are dirty or aimed too high so car manufacturers must fit headlamp cleaning and levelling systems. A car will fail if a mandatory headlamp cleaning or levelling system is missing, doesn't work or is obviously defective.

Vehicles fitted with aftermarket HID systems must also be fitted with properly working washer and levelling systems.

If a headlamp bulb is not seated correctly the resulting beam pattern will be indistinct and this will result in a test fail.''


Could do with seeing the actual new release notes, to see if the words above have been twisted, or if it actually states the above.
 
#27 ·
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