Headlights specifically on a 2008 Focus ST3.

Dip/main beam is provided by a HID, spplemented by a "normal" bulb when on main beam.

For the HID, I understand the transition from dip to main is achieved by movement of a shutter.  Dip with this arrangement is pretty awful, witrh a very low angle of depression as determined by the shutter.  Is it it possible to adjust the shutter angle (FORSCAN ?) to improve the range of the dip, without adjusting the physical screw adjusters ?

You’d get the same effect by adjusting the headlamp aim higher though both methods run the risk of dazzling oncoming drivers if you set them too high. 
 

But you might find the underlying issue is that the HID performance degrades with time due to the chrome coating of the beam reflector deteriorating. Been through this with my 2010 ST-3, low beam awful but high beam seeming ok - in truth due to the extra H7 bulb. 2 different sets of aftermarket HID bulbs made no difference. 
 

Got educated after some queries on this forum, its a common issue, see example on focusRS forum. 
 

Fixed mine by replacing the lamps with aftermarket Hella/Visteon units - got mine from Autodoc with some discount for using their app. 
 

My old lamps were that bad it was almost impossible to see the beam kick points aimed at a fence when I was trying to get a reference to set the new lamps to. 

Forgot to add the link to focusrsoc post

https://www.focusrsoc.com/threads/possible-reason-for-poor-headlights.367513/#replies
 

I’d weighed up this method but opted for new lamps instead

In theory the Hella lamps are same as OEM (Visteon) as I read somewhere they took over Visteons aftermarket business 

Thanks, I'll check that out.

Troy, there is a lot to take in  !  I'm not sure I want to dismantle the headlights to replace the reflectors.

Thanks for the link and advice.

16 minutes ago, Paulkp said:

Troy, there is a lot to take in  !  I'm not sure I want to dismantle the headlights to replace the reflectors.

Thanks for the link and advice.

That was my thoughts too with performing surgery on my headlamps - though it’s an option for the future now I’ve got a spare set. 

Troy, I raided the piggy bank, and bought two new Hella units from Autodoc, almost ready to re-install, Although I do need stronger fingers to undo the HID locking rings !

Trouble is, I have reached an impasse with the sidelight holders, unable to fully insert and twist to secure, in any of the four units on my garage floor.

Did you have any trouble with the sidelight  holders ?

On 11/28/2024 at 5:10 PM, troy45 said:

I’d weighed up this method but opted for new lamps instead

In theory the Hella lamps are same as OEM (Visteon) as I read somewhere they took over Visteons aftermarket business 

 

I’ve had the same fun and games with the HID locking rings, more so in my old lamps - the rings being tight and hand access not great either. New lamps were better thankfully. 

The sidelight mounts are a pain on the facelift headlamps - they’re mounted deep into the lamps and the extended plastic tongue you have to try and turn is pretty flimsy. I assume from your post you’ve got them out ok but can’t get them back in? Usually getting them out is the tricky part. 
 

Some info here though again it seems to mainly cover getting the little bu55ers out. 
 

From memory the holders are offset slightly from clear line of sight into the back of the lamp, also depending what sort of bulbs you’ve used that can be an issue - if LEDs for example and longer than the standard 501 bulbs they can foul on the inside of the lens stopping you fully engaging the holder. Similarly some LED types are fatter at their base and this causes them to foul the end of the holder stopping the bulb fully seating. I had to trim the holder back slightly on mine to stop this. 
 

Maybe try taking a bulb out and then seeing if you can get the holder to engage properly?

I'm having another go later, I'll let you know the results.

All back in.

Sidelight fittings are as you described, I could push them in, but gave up trying to rotate to engage the bayonet. I could not do this on either the new or old units, with or without any bulbs.

As for the HID locking ring, I used the rings off the old units, which I did manage to rotate to the locked position.  THe problem with the HID access is that the rear headlamp casing was designed for halogen bulb access, and the access hole was not changed for the HID.  Accessing the locking ring is easier with the ballast removed.

Thanks for all your help, I'm going to do some finger strenthening exercises!