Hello everybody and a happy New Year

 

I’m not sure how anybody else feels about the Fiesta factory standard lighting on their cars but I would welcome your opinion. Around 2 months ago we bought a Fiesta Trend 1.0 Eco Boost MHEV on a 2021 plate. Over all I think it’s a great little car, lovely lively engine, nice gearbox, positive steering and full of gadgets.   

However, there are a couple of Achilles’ heals one of which being the snatchy brakes, which I’m still trying to come to terms with - but that’s on another post.

The other being (in my opinion) the poor lighting. Have only just recently started going out in it at night time, so didn’t realise just how poor the lighting was in comparison to many other cars. When on dipped headlamps on a dark road I find myself having to constantly readjust my eyes and take check of the position of road markings. Especially, when approaching oncoming traffic who have LED lighting.

I have the factory fitted LED headlamps (low beam) / DRL’s which are sealed units (so I can’t change the bulbs) and all the other bulbs are halogen. The low beam headlamps are actually Fords own LED’s but, in my opinion are really not that good. They’re nice and white but not that bright and seem to have a very limited reach.

Does anybody know what rating/ specification LED headlamp bulbs, ford fit into the fiesta trend? It would be interesting to compare them with others on the market.

Anyway moving on, I decided to replace the ‘main (high) beam’ halogen bulbs, as they were yellow looking and again not very bright. I fitted the ‘Phillips white Vision Ultra’ but to be honest I wasn’t that impressed. They are only fractional brighter and slightly less yellowish, which surprised me. Does anybody know if Ford limit their brightness via the electronics in the car?   

Anyway, all this got me thinking about LED replacements for all the halogen bulbs and that led me into a minefield of different opinions. There are some companies and forum users, that confidently state that LED replacement is absolutely fine. Then there are others who say quite different – going so far as to say they would be illegal and would not pass an MOT.  

This article (below) supports this, and is well worth reading if you’re thinking about LED modification. In fact, it’s probably essential.   

https://www.passmefast.co.uk/resources/rules-of-the-road/driving-law/led-headlights

At the moment I feel as though I’m running around with a set of ‘Victorian carriage lights’ for low beam headlamps and not sure what direction to take. Ha! sometimes literally!  

Can anyone confidently suggest how I could ‘brighten up’ my nighttime driving, whilst still remaining legal on the road? Or am I destined for a life of darkness?

Okay, that’s a bit silly but any ideas would be appreciated.

P.S Yes, my eyes are fine, I have recently undergone a test at the opticians.    

 

Graham

 

                                                                                                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you checked that the headlights are set correctly for the load in the car (assuming there is an adjuster near the headlight switch)? Check the drivers handbook for the correct information.

Have you actually had the headlight alignment properly checked? The previous owner could have played with the settings on the lights, we all know what some people are like for fiddling with things!

I would be going to a local MOT testing station and asking them to check and adjust the lights on their machine, as necessary. This shouldn't cost much, it should be only a few minutes work.

8 hours ago, Alan G H said:

Have you checked that the headlights are set correctly for the load in the car (assuming there is an adjuster near the headlight switch)? Check the drivers handbook for the correct information.

Have you actually had the headlight alignment properly checked? The previous owner could have played with the settings on the lights, we all know what some people are like for fiddling with things!

I would be going to a local MOT testing station and asking them to check and adjust the lights on their machine, as necessary. This shouldn't cost much, it should be only a few minutes work.

Hi Alan, thanks for your reply.

Yes, I have checked that the headlamps are correctly set on the adjuster near the headlight switch. According to the ‘manual’ this should be set to around 4 for normal passenger use. For me that’s my wife and our 2-year-old Grandson in the back. Although, sometimes (when driving on badly lit roads) I raise this setting, to try and get a reasonable spread of light ahead of me.    

No, I haven’t had the headlight alignment properly checked but the car was bought from a reputable, national garage car sales. Who assured us that they the car had undergone a comprehensive test, for road worthiness / safety. Surely, they would have checked the lights, if for no other reason than the legality of their sale.  

The car has had one previous owner but because the headlamps are the factory fitted LED. As I said, they are tamper proof because it’s a factory sealed unit. There is no way of changing their position.  

Yes, maybe a local MOT testing station check is the answer but I’m sure it will be a minimum of £70 for an hours labour. Although with a guarantee that they could be rectified I would pay that!

This is why I’m trying to get as much information as I can, from other Fiesta owners on the Fiesta forum. To find out (if possible?) whether this a common complaint (or gripe) with Fiestas of that year. Before I spend out trying to rectify a problem that can’t actually be rectified.

There seems to be a lot of activity from people attempting to move to LED which makes me think it may be the case? This (in part) is why I’m asking for the opinions of other Fiesta owners and asking questions such as -

Does anybody know what rating LED headlamp bulbs Ford fit into the Fiesta Trend? It would be interesting to compare them with others on the market.

Does anybody know if Ford limit their brightness via the electronics in the car?  

Do you own a Fiesta yourself? If so, what’s your opinion of the lighting in yours?

Graham  

 

 

 

 

 

19 hours ago, Graham Wood said:

Then there are others who say quite different – going so far as to say they would be illegal and would not pass an MOT....

This is correct. Putting LED bulbs into a reflector not specifically designed for them from factory is illegal and an MOT failure.

However, I have done just that on my elderly Focus, because I'm a bit of a maverick, and have a healthy disregard for authority. They have passed the last 3 annual MOT tests without incident, and I've had them professionally adjusted so that the beam pattern is correctly aligned and does not blind oncoming drivers. (The thing that is tested in an MOT test) Oh, and I can see much better in the dark...

1 hour ago, StephenFord said:

This is correct. Putting LED bulbs into a reflector not specifically designed for them from factory is illegal and an MOT failure.

However, I have done just that on my elderly Focus, because I'm a bit of a maverick, and have a healthy disregard for authority. They have passed the last 3 annual MOT tests without incident, and I've had them professionally adjusted so that the beam pattern is correctly aligned and does not blind oncoming drivers. (The thing that is tested in an MOT test) Oh, and I can see much better in the dark...

Well done you! Because i think you certainly have the right to be able to see where your going 😂  But me, i'm just not that lucky! I'm interested in you 'having them professionally adjusted so that the beam pattern is correctly aligned and does not blind oncoming drivers'. What was the cost of that?

You see, this is what i wanted! The opinion of someone who clearly thinks that Ford Fiesta lights are either 'left wanting' or are absolutely fine. Clearly, you 'found them left wanting'. I know yours is a Focus but i'm guessing they have the same lights.   

Graham

8 hours ago, Graham Wood said:

Well done you! Because i think you certainly have the right to be able to see where your going 😂  But me, i'm just not that lucky! I'm interested in you 'having them professionally adjusted so that the beam pattern is correctly aligned and does not blind oncoming drivers'. What was the cost of that?

You see, this is what i wanted! The opinion of someone who clearly thinks that Ford Fiesta lights are either 'left wanting' or are absolutely fine. Clearly, you 'found them left wanting'. I know yours is a Focus but i'm guessing they have the same lights.   

Graham

Your standard lights are much more sophisticated than those on a 2005 Focus. I got them adjusted Free from the garage that I've been buying tires from for decades. Though it shouldn't cost more than £20 for a headlight adjustment.

I drive three cars with just standard H4s, and one other with Xenons.

I'm happy with the H4s, but because the xenon is so bright, as are a lot of LED systems, the cut off on dip has to be abrubt.  This means that on dip the view that is illuminated is too bright, and out of beam, the view is pitch black.  With the H4s, the light fall off is gradual, so I can actually see more.

The other problem with the Xenons is the "dazzle" from reflective road signs, which means you cannot see anything else ! There is a junction, bend and pinch point here on a road I use regularly, so plenty of warning signs, and that is all you can see.......

 

You should be able to get the headlamp aim checked for about £20. It's a ten minute job at most. Bear in mind the full charge for a full MOT test is only around £54, many garages charge even less!

Don't go to a main dealer, they will want to charge you for an hours labour.

Find a local garage that is an MOT testing station, explain that you are not happy with the headlights, and ask if they will check the aim for you.

For the normal load you have in the car, I would have said the correct position for the headlight adjuster by the switch would be either zero or 1, certainly not 4. The higher numbers are for when you have four adults in the car with a load in the boot as well. You yourself say that you get a reasonable spread of light when you raise the setting, so there is your answer.

I don't own a Fiesta, I have a C Max, and that has halogen lights, but I find them plenty bright enough for my 75 year old eyes!

8 minutes ago, Alan G H said:

You should be able to get the headlamp aim checked for about £20. It's a ten minute job at most.

Funny, that's exactly what I said, must be true then.. 🤣

12 minutes ago, Alan G H said:

For the normal load you have in the car, I would have said the correct position for the headlight adjuster by the switch would be either zero or 1, certainly not 4. The higher numbers are for when you have four adults in the car with a load in the boot as well. You yourself say that you get a reasonable spread of light when you raise the setting, so there is your answer.

No wonder the lights seem bad if they've got them set at 4!! 😮  Should be set at 0.

 

 

Headlamp Leveling

To adjust the level of the headlamp beams, do the following:

1. Press to release the control.

1. Rotate the control in accordance with your vehicle load to prevent you from distracting other road users when the headlamps are on.

Note:   Set the control to zero when your vehicle is unloaded.

Note:   Set the headlamp beams to give between 35–100 m (115–328 ft) of road surface illumination when your vehicle is partially or fully loaded.

1. Press to close the control.

14 minutes ago, StephenFord said:

Funny, that's exactly what I said, must be true then.. 🤣

I agree with you on this! Some people seem to pay ridiculous amounts for simple on their vehicles! 

56 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

No wonder the lights seem bad if they've got them set at 4!! 😮  Should be set at 0.

I've said it before, if folk started reading the instruction manual for their car, this forum would be awfully quiet 🤣

11 hours ago, StephenFord said:

Your standard lights are much more sophisticated than those on a 2005 Focus. I got them adjusted Free from the garage that I've been buying tires from for decades. Though it shouldn't cost more than £20 for a headlight adjustment.

Hi Stephen,

Yep, sorry i picked up that your car is a Focus but didn't realise it was a 2005 model. Yes,the lights are probably quite different. I just assumed that the minimum cost at a garage would be for an hours work. Since you've mentioned it, I've given it more thought and i think i have one in mind that might just check them for me at reasonable cost? So, will be asking them tomorrow. 

Thanks for getting back to me

Regards

Graham

5 hours ago, StephenFord said:

I've said it before, if folk started reading the instruction manual for their car, this forum would be awfully quiet

And somewhat less entertaining 😁

6 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

No wonder the lights seem bad if they've got them set at 4!! 😮  Should be set at 0.

That was my thought too. I don't think I've ever set the headlight adjustment to anything other than 0 in any car I've previously had...never needed to, but not an issue on the ST-3 with matrix LED lights and auto-levelling...excellent lighting 😎

OP should try setting to 0 and see if that helps.... 

11 hours ago, Paulkp said:

I drive three cars with just standard H4s, and one other with Xenons.

I'm happy with the H4s, but because the xenon is so bright, as are a lot of LED systems, the cut off on dip has to be abrubt.  This means that on dip the view that is illuminated is too bright, and out of beam, the view is pitch black.  With the H4s, the light fall off is gradual, so I can actually see more.

The other problem with the Xenons is the "dazzle" from reflective road signs, which means you cannot see anything else ! There is a junction, bend and pinch point here on a road I use regularly, so plenty of warning signs, and that is all you can see.......

 

 

Thanks Paul, that’s interesting.

My Fiesta doesn’t take H4’s. The main beam is separate from the dipped beam in a separate part of the headlamp unit and is a single blade H1. The dipped headlamp is an LED arrangement which can’t be changed because it is a factory sealed unit. It’s ‘bright’ but certainly on the lower end of ‘bright’ compared to most other cars on the road.  But I do understand your explanation and theory regarding the effect that each different type of bulb has with the other.

It's common sense really but you explain it well.

Thank for getting back to me.

Graham

25 minutes ago, martinf64 said:

And somewhat less entertaining 😁

That was my thought too. I don't think I've ever set the headlight adjustment to anything other than 0 in any car I've previously had...never needed to, but not an issue on the ST-3 with matrix LED lights and auto-levelling...excellent lighting 😎

OP should try setting to 0 and see if that helps.... 

Hi Martin,

"Guilty as charged" 🤔 I did read the ‘manual’ but read it incorrectly. Yep, as with your ST-3 LED lighting, LED all round would have been the better option, either that or Halogen all round. When looking at the front of the car it’s a bit like ‘AND HERE’S WHAT YOU COULD HAVE WON!’

Bright (ish!) white LED dipped beam and dismal yellowish main beams and fog lamps. If given a preference I probably would have gone for one or the other.

As regards the adjustment, I find the 0-setting great on streets with lighting but as soon as I hit e.g. the bypass home (which has virtually no lighting at all) the headlamp beam looks as though it ends abruptly about 3 feet in front of the car (not good for long bends in the road) as I’m constantly checking the white line and correcting the steering to stay within it until the road straightens.

The option is to stick my ‘main beam’ on and hope this doesn’t dazzle oncoming traffic. That’s why sometimes the ‘safer option’ is to adjust the beam height, which gives me a slightly longer beam reach. Not ideal, I know.  

Thanks for getting back, appreciated.  

Graham

On 1/6/2025 at 1:28 PM, TomsFocus said:

No wonder the lights seem bad if they've got them set at 4!! 😮  Should be set at 0.

 

 

Headlamp Leveling

To adjust the level of the headlamp beams, do the following:

1. Press to release the control.

1. Rotate the control in accordance with your vehicle load to prevent you from distracting other road users when the headlamps are on.

Note:   Set the control to zero when your vehicle is unloaded.

Note:   Set the headlamp beams to give between 35–100 m (115–328 ft) of road surface illumination when your vehicle is partially or fully loaded.

1. Press to close the control.

 

On 1/6/2025 at 2:26 PM, StephenFord said:

I've said it before, if folk started reading the instruction manual for their car, this forum would be awfully quiet 🤣

Hi Steven,

Please read my post again and this one (below) also - it will give you a better idea of the situation. It's not really to do with reading manuals, i wish it was!   

'As regards the adjustment, I find the 0-setting great on streets with lighting but as soon as I hit e.g. the bypass home (which has virtually no lighting at all) the headlamp beam looks as though it ends abruptly about 3 feet in front of the car (not good for long bends in the road) as I’m constantly checking the white line and correcting the steering to stay within it until the road straightens.

The option is to stick my ‘main beam’ on and hope this doesn’t dazzle oncoming traffic. That’s why sometimes the ‘safer option’ is to adjust the beam height, which gives me a slightly longer beam reach. Not ideal, I know'.  

Cheers

Graham

 

On 1/6/2025 at 1:28 PM, TomsFocus said:

No wonder the lights seem bad if they've got them set at 4!! 😮  Should be set at 0.

 

 

Headlamp Leveling

To adjust the level of the headlamp beams, do the following:

1. Press to release the control.

1. Rotate the control in accordance with your vehicle load to prevent you from distracting other road users when the headlamps are on.

Note:   Set the control to zero when your vehicle is unloaded.

Note:   Set the headlamp beams to give between 35–100 m (115–328 ft) of road surface illumination when your vehicle is partially or fully loaded.

1. Press to close the control.

Hi Steve,

I wish it was the answer! But thanks for the diagrams etc and taking the time to get back to me it's much appreciated. I don’t normally drive with the setting on anything other than 0 because in the main there’s only two of us in the car.

 

As I’ve just said in a recent post -

"I find the 0-setting great on streets with lighting but as soon as I hit e.g. the bypass home (which has virtually no lighting at all) the headlamp beam looks as though it ends abruptly about 3 feet in front of the car (not good for long bends in the road) as I’m constantly checking the white line and correcting the steering to stay within it until the road straightens".

"The option is to use my ‘main beam’ in the hope that it doesn’t dazzle oncoming traffic. That’s why sometimes the ‘safer option’ is to adjust the beam height, which gives me a slightly longer beam in front of the car. Yes, the beam dissipates in its intensity but when set higher it gives me a greater forward vision of the road ahead, which is what’s needed. Not ideal, I know but it’s a trade-off’".

What I said in my post you responded to was “Although, sometimes when driving on badly lit roads I raise this setting, to try and get a reasonable spread of light ahead of me”. I don’t drive around with it set to 4 all the time.

I was confused when you said that ‘You yourself say that you get a reasonable spread of light when you raise the setting, so there is your answer’ Are you then suggesting that I should be raising the height to number 4? Because this contradicts what you (and others) seem to be saying about me using the wrong setting.

 

Graham  

 

  

 

15 hours ago, Graham Wood said:

Hi Steve,

 

I wish it was the answer! But thanks for the diagrams etc and taking the time to get back to me it's much appreciated. I don’t normally drive with the setting on anything other than 0 because in the main there’s only two of us in the car.

 

 

 

As I’ve just said in a recent post -

 

"I find the 0-setting great on streets with lighting but as soon as I hit e.g. the bypass home (which has virtually no lighting at all) the headlamp beam looks as though it ends abruptly about 3 feet in front of the car (not good for long bends in the road) as I’m constantly checking the white line and correcting the steering to stay within it until the road straightens".

 

"The option is to use my ‘main beam’ in the hope that it doesn’t dazzle oncoming traffic. That’s why sometimes the ‘safer option’ is to adjust the beam height, which gives me a slightly longer beam in front of the car. Yes, the beam dissipates in its intensity but when set higher it gives me a greater forward vision of the road ahead, which is what’s needed. Not ideal, I know but it’s a trade-off’".

 

What I said in my post you responded to was “Although, sometimes when driving on badly lit roads I raise this setting, to try and get a reasonable spread of light ahead of me”. I don’t drive around with it set to 4 all the time.

 

I was confused when you said that ‘You yourself say that you get a reasonable spread of light when you raise the setting, so there is your answer’ Are you then suggesting that I should be raising the height to number 4? Because this contradicts what you (and others) seem to be saying about me using the wrong setting.

Graham  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

My apologies Tom,  as i got myself mixed up replying to a few people and mistakenly called  you Steve.

Graham

44 minutes ago, Graham Wood said:

.. and mistakenly called  you Steve.

Yep, no Steve/Steven here 🤣

2 hours ago, Graham Wood said:

My apologies Tom,  as i got myself mixed up replying to a few people and mistakenly called  you Steve.

Graham

No problem.  I thought you meant 'Steph' anyway.

I'm still a bit confused as you previously said the manual recommended setting 4.  And that you'd raised the beam to setting 2, which is only possible from 4.   It would have been lowered to 2 if starting from 0.  However, it doesn't really matter as it seems you are using the level adjustment correctly and still not content with the lights.

I've never had a Ford with fixed LEDs so no direct experience with them myself I'm afraid.

10 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

No problem.  I thought you meant 'Steph' anyway.

Now, who the heck is Steph? 😂

5 minutes ago, StephenFord said:

Now, who the heck is Steph? 😂

Well, you didn't like Steve...

 

22 hours ago, TomsFocus said:

No problem.  I thought you meant 'Steph' anyway.

I'm still a bit confused as you previously said the manual recommended setting 4.  And that you'd raised the beam to setting 2, which is only possible from 4.   It would have been lowered to 2 if starting from 0.  However, it doesn't really matter as it seems you are using the level adjustment correctly and still not content with the lights.

I've never had a Ford with fixed LEDs so no direct experience with them myself I'm afraid.

Hi Tom,

Yes, my apologies i was wrong / mistaken - it recommends 0 setting for normal use. Which, is what I use for the majority of the time.  

I find the 0-setting great on streets with lighting but as soon as I hit e.g. the bypass home (which has virtually no lighting at all) the headlamp beam looks as though it ends abruptly about 3 feet in front of the car (not good for long bends in the road) as I’m constantly checking the white line and correcting the steering to stay within it until the road straightens.

I only higher the headlamp beam to 4 (through necessity) to give me a longer beam on the road ahead. It’s not ideal, I know.

Hope this is making sense to you? As I can’t think of any other way to explain it. On 0 setting the headlamp is set lower and provides concentrated light directly in front of the car. When set higher (4) the light is then less concentrated but because it’s set higher, has a longer reach. It’s a constant ‘trade off’ on roads without any street lighting.  

Anyway Tom, you’ve been very patient  

Much appreciated 👍

Graham

 

 

I'm afraid that doesn't make any sense at all.  The beam is lowered by moving to 4, that should give you less light ahead as it's angled downwards.  It sounds like your switch is working in reverse if 4 gives you more distant light than 0.  You can test this by parking close to a wall and watching the headlight cut-off as you change the setting.

The only reason to use 4 is if you've put a very heavy load in the boot.  That makes the rear end drop, and the front end then point upwards.  The beams pointing upwards is what dazzles other drivers.  So the switch is then moved to 4 to lower the beam back to the floor again.