Replacement headlamps and bulbs

malcolm · Post by **malcolm** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 14:12

Its about time to replace the headlaps and bulbs on my 86 se. Does any one know where the best place is for the headlamps and whats the best bulb thats not going to cause problems with the wiring etc.
Many thanks

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 14:24

They're still available from SJ and I think Club Lotus also have some for sale (though not on the website). any H4 rated at no higher than 60W will be legal and OK for power - Halfords SuperBrights work well for me.

AndyC · Post by **AndyC** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 20:41

I simply purchased some new bowls (Ebay) and got some decent reflects that are then a lot cheaper than the specific ones for the Excel (but look the same).

For the bulbs, there was a recent test and the ones that came out top of the high performance standard power were OSRAM NIGHTBREAKER +90%, I found some on (yes again) Ebay for £13.40 incl delivery. Halfords are a similar price but don't be fooled by their buy one get one free for £6 or what ever, the £16 relates to one single bulb, so it's effectively £16 for a pair.

alanmoss · Post by **alanmoss** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 18:34

I also have Halfords bulbs - seem ok

malcolm · Post by **malcolm** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 14:50

When I turn the switch to the first setting and pull it to flash the pods are supposed to pop and stay. Mine wait a few seconds then drop again. The only way to keep them up is to have the side lights on. Is this normal of have I got to start checking relays.

alanmoss · Post by **alanmoss** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 18:21

They are only supposed to stay up with the ignition off (for cleaning etc.). When the ignition is on they are in "flash" mode and will only stay up whilst you pull om the stalk.

malcolm · Post by **malcolm** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 18:39

Unfortunatly they also drop back down when the ignition is off as well.

alanmoss · Post by **alanmoss** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 21:29

Could be the headlamp retract relay (Q) or the Headlamp Retract Control relay (R). These are in the passenger footwell (adopt Lotus position to reach).

malcolm · Post by **malcolm** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 21:40

Thanks for that info Alan. I must admit I had a quick peek in the LH footwell this morning, thought I do hope not and put the trim pannel back. Its not causing a problem at the moment but might be worth looking at just in case. Thanks anyway.

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 21:45

Could be that the switch is faulty, of course...or the wiring from it.

alanmoss · Post by **alanmoss** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 20:19

Correction, with apology. I have just checked my light pods and they come up and stay up in the first position with the ignition on. All the years I have had the car I have always believed what I posted earlier. Sorry for the error.

The Lotus Grand Tourers

Replacement headlamps and bulbs

Replacement headlamps and bulbs

Re: Replacement headlamps and bulbs

Re: Replacement headlamps and bulbs

Re: Replacement headlamps and bulbs

Re: Replacement headlamps and bulbs

Re: Replacement headlamps and bulbs

Re: Replacement headlamps and bulbs

Re: Replacement headlamps and bulbs

Re: Replacement headlamps and bulbs

Re: Replacement headlamps and bulbs

Re: Replacement headlamps and bulbs