HID projector issues

[Hank3]

HID projector issues (pics included)

Bought my used Speed3 GT a month ago with 8,900 miles on it. Since then I've noticed both of my projector lenses have smudge marks on them. I have no idea how they could've got on the lenses as the headlight unit is enclosed and sealed. They look like a finger could have rubbed up against it and slid down the projector lense. From what I can tell, the headlights haven't been tampered or messed with by the previous owner - but who knows? When I turn the lights on at night, there's a noticeable dark spot on the ground from the driver's side headlight. Could the marks cause this? I'm debating if I should open up the headlights and clean off the lenses myself or bring it into the dealer. Does anyone else have this issue? The marks aren't noticeable if you just look at the lenses, but if the lights are on or if I shine a flashlight on them, you can see them.

 

[chief_wiggum]

I'd take it to the dealer. With my luck, I'd break something attempting to get to the lens -- and typically, when I break something, it's not cheap to fix. While a trip to the dealer is never enjoyable, it probably makes the most sense.

 

[Hank3]

Thanks for chiming in, chief. I was hoping to avoid the dealer. I mean they've been nice to me and all, but I've been there twice since I purchased the vehicle back in August. I just don't know if they'd even attempt to fix this issue since it's not a HUGE deal. I guess it's worth a shot. If they don't, then it's off to baking the headlights...

 

[Hank3]

Just a quick update for posterity: Got back from the dealership and the District Manager was there and approved the replacement of my driver's side headlight. It was the one that was most noticeable and actually casted a shadow on the ground. The passenger side is barely noticeable...and from what I can tell isn't affecting the light output. If it gets worse, they'll replace that one, too. An interesting thing we noticed was that another Speed3 with HIDs had the same issue as mine. It was a customer who had brought his in for servicing. The keys were in there and we turned on his lights and saw the same kind of smudge marks on one of the projector lenses. We then went to a brand new Speed3 (non-HID) and when the lights turned on, there was also a very slight mark on the lense. I'm wondering if some lights are coming from the factory like this. I certainly don't think it's supposed to have smudge marks from the factory but that's 3 out of 3 we saw today - an '07, '08, and '09 Speed3. If you're reading this thread, check your projector lenses to see if you can notice any smudge marks on the them. You can only see them if the lights are on...use the light to see if they show up.

 

[chief_wiggum]

I checked mine after your first post...sure enough, I've got some smudge marks on the lens though it does not effect the light output.

Glad they replaced yours without any hassle.

 

[Hank3]

Hmmm...this is weird. Certainly the lights wouldn't leave the factory like this. So my best guess would be the seal on these lights? I read somewhere that if condensation gets into headlights, once the water wears off, it can leave marks on the lenses. So maybe that's it? I'm glad your marks aren't causing shadow issues at night. I'll try and take some pictures tonight of mine and post them. I don't know if the smudge marks will show up in the picture, but the shadow on the ground should.

 

[mdavis]

ill check mine when she gets back from the dealer....transmission rebuild FTL

 

[Hank3]

ill check mine when she gets back from the dealer....transmission rebuild FTL

Yikes (boom06)

The other '07 Cosmic Blue that we checked the lights on was there for 2nd gear issues. It was popping out of that gear supposedly.

Please report back on what you see on your projector lenses - if anything.

 

[mdavis]

ill check mine when she gets back from the dealer....transmission rebuild FTL

find out more here

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123721336

this is all so lame

 

[Hank3]

So it was going into 1st smoothly? Was it grinding badly or something?

 

[mdavis]

So it was going into 1st smoothly? Was it grinding badly or something?

With the clutch fully engaged it would only go about half way through the throw. If you then let out to the clutch to move forward as normal it would grind the gear. To alleviate this problem you could feather both the clutch and gas and slide the shifter all the way into gear.

 

[Hank3]

Yeah, pretty ghetto. Even worse is how long your car has been at the dealer (headshake

 

[mdavis]

no kidding I left it there Friday night September the 19th.......

 

[Hank3]

Took some quick pics tonight of the driver's side headlight/projector lens - the one that's getting replaced by the dealer:

Driver's Side Light output (you can see the shadow/ghost spot on the ground towards the middle. The dark spots toward the bottom are normal I think):

Passenger Side Light output (this projector lense has minimal smudge marks):

Both beams together:

 

[Hank3]

Got the new headlight in today, but it still has a smudge mark on the projector lense...and even worse, a huge white spot on the top part of the lense. I'll see if it affects the light output and beam pattern tonight. I'll take pics...

Who is Mazda's supplier of these lights? Apparently there is no quality control.

 

[mr_mazda329]

Well the replacement part number is M100153 and its not in Hella's DB. So its not Hella. Hella FTW!!!

 

[Hank3]

What is that part number to? The entire headlight assembly or just the projector?

I just went and aimed the low beams. After that, I found out that the auto-leveling feature doesn't work for the new light they put in. They must've not hooked it up properly. Furthermore, the high beams more uneven than they were and there's a pretty big shadow/ghost spot in the beam pattern with the new light output. And of course the light bulbs don't match now cause the existing light has color shifted and the new one needs who knows how many hours to match that one.

These things cost $880 a piece and they're this crappy?