The most common causes of bad light output on Octavia 1
Do you feel that the xenon headlights on your Octavia 1 are shining much less than you'd like? The problem could be:
Incorrect headlight adjustment
The headlights may become misaligned due to vibrations or physical manipulation, causing reduced visibility on the road or even blinding oncoming traffic. Have poorly aligned headlights adjusted by professionals using a beam setter.
Burnt bulbs
The bulbs have a limited lifespan and over time, they stop working. Replacing them can solve the problem. We will write a separate article in the future on how to recognize a faulty bulb.
Burnt-out headlight reflectors
The projector reflectors, which reflect light, can burn out over the years. This is a common problem for Skoda Octavia 1. Plastic reflectors dissipate heat poorly, and over time, due to the heat, they may warp, become cloudy, or burn through completely.
There are several options for a solution:
- Buying new xenon headlights. This is an expensive solution.
- Refurbishing old reflectors is a less expensive option compared to buying new headlights, but old projectors often can't be coated with metal due to warping or holes. Additionally, it is only a temporary solution. After refurbishing, the lights do not achieve the same brightness as the new ones.
- Replacement of projectors with new ones. You can't buy new original projectors, but we have an alternative in the form of Bi-xenon conversion kitswhere for the price of plating the lights you get significantly better light output than with new lights.
Here you can see an example of a burnt out projector from Octavia 1 compared to the new Bi-xenon projector:
Faded headlight covers
Headlight covers can become yellowed or cracked due to exposure to sunlight and airborne particles, which significantly affects the brightness of the light. In addition to reducing light intensity, this can also cause the beams to scatter, potentially blinding oncoming drivers.
Warning: In some cases, headlight covers without micro-cracks or excessive scratches can be polished, but this damages the UV coating, which must then be replaced to prevent the headlights from fading again. This can be achieved by regular waxing, applying a protective film with UV protection, or recoating the headlights with UV layer.
If the covers are badly damaged, cracked, replacement is needed. You can buy light covers for Octavia 1 here.
Xenon headlights not working at all
If the xenon headlights on your Octavia 1 aren't working at all, it could be due to the following issues:
- Faulty wiring: The wiring may be damaged or disconnected, preventing electrical current from reaching the headlights. It's also common for the insulation within the headlight to crumble, causing a short circuit in the cables.
- Fuse: A blown fuse may cause the headlights to not work. Checking and possibly replacing the fuse may solve the problem. Octavia has a fuse for each xenon light separately.
- The light switch: A faulty headlight switch could be the reason why the headlights are not working.
- Faulty bulb: It is the most common reason why the light is not on at all. You can try swapping the tubes between the lights to verify that this is indeed the problem. Buy new lamps with a D2S socket.
- Faulty xenon starter: The Octavia 1 does not have an integrated starter in the bulb like other car models. In case you buy a new starter, the part number is: 1 307 329 057
- Ballast (unit): In the xenon you will also find the control unit. It's a grey box on the back of the headlight. That may be the reason why the xenon doesn't light at all. The part code is: 1U0941651
Xenon headlights flickering
If the xenons on your Octavia 1 are flickering, it may be due to the following factors:
- Faulty wiring: Damaged or broken wiring can cause intermittent flashing of the lights. Repairing it may solve the problem.
- Bulb: A bulb nearing the end of its life may start flickering and changing the color of the light.
- Xenon starter
- Ballast (unit)
In conclusion
If you are dealing with headlight brightness issues, in most cases, the biggest improvement comes from replacing the projectors with new ones or replating the old ones. I recommend checking the reflector surface of the projector before purchasing new bulbs. If the headlights aren’t working at all, start by checking simple things like the fuses, swapping the bulbs, and then proceed to check the starter, control unit, and wiring.
CS
EN