SVX Headlights

[Rick Fischer]

Had problems with the headlight throw ever since I purchased the SVX. I couldn't really get a good spread/throw on low beam. Anyway finally reckoned I wasn't doing to well with my normal shed wall align, and the parabolic reflectors were not similar to normal headlights.

Gave up, and gave it to an Auto Elec with the proper optical aligning gear.

A 15 minute aligning exercise turned into a $434 dollar problem, and I think he gave me an hour or so off the book. Labour and new Hella H4 headlights!

The auto electrician found that the SVX WIPAC reflectors/light units were for Left Hand Drive and marked RHT ie "Right Hand Throw". Looks like someone made a blue at Solihull!

How the factory drive out QA didn't pick up something like that ??????????????? Would have thought headlights would need to be aligned in every new vehicle because no two would be the same; or is that a dealer pre-delivery item?

I dropped the whole problem off at the local dealer and I am advised that after 4 years and no complaints LRA are not interested. Just a one of? Maybe, maybe not. SVXs (re)built by "Special Vehicals" separately off the main line????

Worth a "Recall", failure to comply with ADR, failure to comply with each State's rego rules. In my case failure to comply with full test procedure for a rego check at change of ownership; that might bite a few other people in a few other States if the defect is widespread.

Anyone else had any Wipac headlight problems, just haven't noticed, or simply blamed it on continually crappy LR headlights??

Will be dropping an email to DoT.

Cheers

RF

[nismine01]

I worked for a Ford dealer some time ago, a bloke bought a 2 litre Cortina, his mate had a 2 litre as well. Our guy complained to us that his didn't go as well as his mates, we checked tune, compression, valve timing everyting but to no avail.
Called in the Ford rep, took the head off, his was a 1600cc motor, there're not imported into Australia. Somehow a 1600 motor had got packaged up as a 2 litre and shipped out here.
Ford did come to the party and give him a new 2 litre motor, but it just goes to show what can happen at times.

Mike
:angrylock:

[Tombie]

Well that's something that's illegal.. I'd seek further advice, as its something they must fix...

But not worthy of a recall.

A service action perhaps.

[Tombie]

Having said what is above here is the issue that you and LRA have:

You took the vehicle to a shop to have lights aligned and they found the lights to be incorrect (LHD market).

What you did next is the issue.

You had them changed at a cost which you paid and are chasing them for reimbursement.

What you should have done (left face it; four years what a day or 2 more) is taken it to LR and shown them the issue!

Then if they fixed it... Cost of 2 lights to LRA, 20 min to fit...

Not a >$400.00 bill.

There is a process/procedure to adhere to.