05 Pathfinder Lighting Issues

Teriyaki · Feb 16th, 2005, 01:48 AM

Well, been driving the 2005 pathfinder for awhile now. I have the XE version, so theres no foglights. And in the night, the light output is so low its a joke. In the rain, its even worse, I can't see anything. The high beams do nothing for light output because they just aim the light higher and add 10w's. Unlike normal highbeams that are a seperate 80w bulb for a combined 100+w output, the pathfinders is a dismal 65w total. Also, the added height of the car probably makes the light distance to the road further, making the total light that reaches the road even less.

Now, is there a solution for this problem?. Would adding the foglights make that much of a difference?, What are your experiences with the lighting on the pathfinder?.

**88pathoffroad** · Feb 16th, 2005, 02:56 AM

Normal headlights are 45W low and 65W high. They do not both turn on at the same time.

Aiming the headlights properly and keeping the lenses clean are two major factors in the brightness of the headlights, as well as the voltage level of the electrical system...

Kojo62 · Feb 16th, 2005, 06:49 PM

Here is a thread from an '05 Pathy owner who did a complete HID upgrade using a kit from HIDExpress.com. I am considering the same upgrade myself, but it is pricey - figure between $400-700, plus your own labor.

Another alternative is to simply improve to compatible aftermarket bulbs with better output, something I did on my G35 Coupe. I bought a pair of PIAA Xtreme White H4 hi-beam/fog bulbs from Options Auto Salon online, which gave me a much stronger, whiter light. It was a very worthwhile investment. Sylvania Silverstar bulbs have also been a popular replacement choice, and are available over the counter at most auto parts stores.

So you may want to try the much-cheaper bulb upgrade first, and see how you like the results, before going with the full-on HID kit installation.

TurboedMSP · Feb 16th, 2005, 09:41 PM

Be cautious of the slyvania silverstars, good bulbs but will not last very long they burn out fast. The are pretty inexpensive compared to others.

Teriyaki · Feb 17th, 2005, 01:18 AM

I've already upgraded to supposedly higher wattage bulbs that are supposed to give brighter, whiter light. They have a SLIGHT edge over the stock halogens, definitely whiter, but not all that much brighter. I want to know if the stock foglights do anything for illumination tho.

BlkMax · Feb 17th, 2005, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teriyaki

I've already upgraded to supposedly higher wattage bulbs that are supposed to give brighter, whiter light. They have a SLIGHT edge over the stock halogens, definitely whiter, but not all that much brighter. I want to know if the stock foglights do anything for illumination tho.

The stock foglights provide alot of light down low and off to the side where the headlights don't illuminate, I think it makes a huge difference. The only thing I don't like is that you can't use the foglights with jump the parking lights on. These foglights would look good on the PF if they fit.
Foglights

stormshadow · Feb 17th, 2005, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboedMSP

Be cautious of the slyvania silverstars, good bulbs but will not last very long they burn out fast. The are pretty inexpensive compared to others.

I purchased the Silverstars two days after taking delivery of my LE. To tell you the truth, I don't really notice that much of a difference. But then, I might not have really had the stock bulbs in long enough to develop a lasting impression of them.

Kojo62 · Feb 17th, 2005, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboedMSP

Be cautious of the slyvania silverstars, good bulbs but will not last very long they burn out fast. The are pretty inexpensive compared to others.

Interesting ... that's actually not the first time I've heard that, so there must be some merit to that warning.

I've never owned Silverstars myself. By comparison, I've had PIAA's on my G for nearly 2 years now, and have no complaints.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teriyaki

I've already upgraded to supposedly higher wattage bulbs that are supposed to give brighter, whiter light. They have a SLIGHT edge over the stock halogens, definitely whiter, but not all that much brighter. ...

What was the wattage you upgraded to?

For our Pathfinders, Options Auto has a headlight upgrade (the 9007 bulb) from 65W/55W to 120W/110W for the PIAA Xtreme Whites. Their upgrade for the foglights (the H11 bulb) takes you from 55W to 100W for the PIAA Xtreme Forces. Both sets of bulbs could be added for about $140.

But if that doesn't sound like a significant upgrade vs. the new bulbs you'd already bought, the full HID upgrade kit of course remains a more serious, and more expensive, option.

**88pathoffroad** · Feb 18th, 2005, 01:01 AM

Beware the false tale of 55=100 on headlight wattage. If the filament is a 55W filament, it is STILL the same output as a 55W bulb. Matter of fact, tinted or coated bulbs are actually lower output than clear glass bulbs due to the fact that they filter out everything BUT the white/blue light. You get no red, no yellows, and that's where the human visual spectrum is the most sensitive. Installing blue/white bulbs actually doesn't help over standard full-spectrum clear bulbs.

On another topic, I will NEVER pay ~$100 for automotive light bulbs. No matter what they're made of or rated at. There's nothing in this world that makes them worth that but the hype and the box they come in. There's no effective replacement for actual higher wattage bulbs that are properly supplied with the max proper amount of power available.

It's like they say on the subject of engine swaps... "There's no replacement for displacement"...

Kojo62 · Feb 18th, 2005, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88pathoffroad

...There's no effective replacement for actual higher wattage bulbs that are properly supplied with the max proper amount of power available.

It's like they say on the subject of engine swaps... "There's no replacement for displacement"...

Probably right ... also like they say in racing:

"Speed costs money ... how fast can you afford to go?"

As with everything else, it always comes down to what you're willing to pay.

Slvr_01_Pathfinder · Mar 31st, 2005, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboedMSP

Be cautious of the slyvania silverstars, good bulbs but will not last very long they burn out fast. The are pretty inexpensive compared to others.

This is very interesting and a serious concern of mine. I have been driving this '01 Pathfinder for just over a year now. Since installing the first set of SilverStars about a year ago, I have replaced both headlight bulbs at least 4 times. Each time I sent the burned out bulbs back to Sylvania for a repalcement. Their customer service rep stated that the bulbs should last for more than a year. So 4 sets in a year isn't right. Anyway, I have one more set to use and then after that, I'm going to use the PIAA's or something else.

Any suggestions?

Thx, Ken

cwescapexlt4x4 · Mar 31st, 2005, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboedMSP

Be cautious of the slyvania silverstars, good bulbs but will not last very long they burn out fast. The are pretty inexpensive compared to others.

To counter this claim...
I have a set in my current vehicle 2001 Ford Escape (hope this does not jinx it) but I am going on 2+ years on my set of Silver Stars and in our other car.. going on 6+ months.

Be very pleased and a much whiter light and they do place more or "better" light on the road. I have been very pleased with Silver Stars, but your mileage may vary...