Troubleshooting S3Updated 6 months ago
Concern: Bulbs Lack Sharp Cut-Off Line
It's important to understand that LED bulbs themselves do not determine the sharpness of the cut-off line; the projector within your vehicle primarily influences it. The bulb does not produce the cut-off line; this line is created by a component called a "restrictor plate" located inside the projector.
Concern: Bulbs Not as Bright as Original Bulbs
If you feel that the LED bulbs are not as bright as your original bulbs, consider these steps:
Ensure that the LEDs are oriented horizontally, with the left and right sides aligned. This is the recommended position for most vehicles.
If this doesn't improve brightness, try rotating the bulbs so that the LEDs face vertically, oriented up and down.
Additionally, inspect your headlamp lenses for any age-related defects such as yellowing or hazing, as these issues can limit the brightness of your headlights.
Concern: Vehicle's Factory DRL Causes Flickering
If your vehicle is equipped with a factory Daytime Running Light (DRL) system and you're experiencing flickering in both headlights during the day, consider the following:
Most vehicles with DRLs operate the Low or High Beam at half voltage, which may not provide sufficient power for standard LED bulbs.
In Canada, DRLs are standard per road regulations.
To address this issue, a programmer can often be used to disable the DRL function in most vehicles.
Vehicles equipped with a Daylight Sensor on the dashboard should function correctly once the sensor is covered.
Concern: H7 LED Bulb Fitment for EU Vehicles
If you're experiencing fitment issues with H7 LED bulbs in EU vehicles like Mercedes, BMW, VW, etc., please note that most of these vehicles require two additional components for proper installation. These components are not supplied by us, but you can find them on Amazon:
H7 Adapter Retainer
H7 Canbus Decoder
Concern: Strobing or Shutting Down of Bulbs
Strobing or complete shutdown of LED bulbs typically occurs due to a CAN (Controller Area Network) error and is usually experienced when the engine is running. To address this issue:
A CANbus decoder can be added between the LED bulb and the OEM socket to resolve the problem. This allows the vehicle's computer to recognize the LED bulb properly.
We carry H4 and H13 decoders, but for other bulb sizes, you can search "LED Canbus Decoder" on platforms like Amazon.
Some vehicles, like Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and certain EU models, may require additional CANbus adapters if flashing, strobing, or shutting down occurs when the engine is running.
Concern: LEDs Out on One or Both Bulbs
If you're experiencing issues with one or both LED bulbs not functioning, please perform these troubleshooting steps:
Unplug both LED bulbs from the factory plugs.
Remove the negative cable from the battery.
Swap the bulbs, placing the driver's side bulb in the passenger's side socket and vice versa.
Reconnect the negative battery cable.
If the issue follows the bulb to the new side, the part is likely defective, and we will replace it based on our warranty guidelines.
If both bulbs exhibit the same issue and do not illuminate, you should inspect your vehicle's factory plug or harness.
Should you prefer not to continue troubleshooting, we can assist you in initiating a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and Return Label (RL) process with a detailed explanation of our warranty and advanced warranty policy.
Concern: Loose Collar
The S3 LED bulb features a collar that can become loose or stripped if not handled properly. We can repair this issue for you, please contact customer service.
Concern: Spacing/Fitment Issue
If you're experiencing spacing issues with capsule headlamps due to the heatsink size of the bulbs, consider the following solutions:
Opt for a smaller footprint bulb such as the V-Series, which is more compatible with these headlamps.
If desired, the dust cap can be modified to accommodate the larger heatsink.
If you require further assistance, have more questions, or wish to proceed with any of the above solutions, please don't hesitate to reach out.