Lighting

UPDATED

Several owners who have installed PIAA products have experienced blown bulbs just after 2 or so months usage.  Beware if you intend to invest in a set of PIAA bulbs for the fogs (H1) and main (H7.)  These have been blown on several cars after around 300-400hrs usage.  Some of which have ICE installation and some without, this would not be a factor in their lifespan.  

The OE lighting system on your 206 uses normal bulbs such as Osram and so.  One of the best lighting systems to use is the "Xenon" type which was introduced in 1991.  Since that time the Xenon has improved immensely producing brighter and safer driving conditions for drivers all around the world.  Some of the major car manufacturers  now only use Xenon lighting systems in their production car.  If not, there will most likely be a option for such a wonderful invention.  Sadly for the due to the high costs of such a system it is not available for the 206 to enjoy.  There are many manufacturers who market Xenon bulbs and how one is better than the other.  Truth is you cannot have the original Xenon beam by just changing a bulb.  

However, we can produce a beam that is similar to the Xenon bulb by changing the bulb.  There are various manufacturers that produce these bulb but only buy what you trust.  Most of the branded names are very expensive so consider carefully what type of light beam and appearance you require.  Remember the higher the wavelength from the bulb the more blue you will get in the beam, opposite for a whiter beam.  There may be a compromise in the wavelength somewhere which would produce a white light with a hint of blue but not yet confirmed.  Some people have commented this to be around the 4000k but when I asked the shop they said 4500K.  Different tastes and definition of what is blue and what isn't.  Just have you see for yourself before you buy if you want to make sure before spending around HK$1,000 for a set main, fog and side lights.

Table above shows the type of light intensity that may be produced from the different wavelength bulbs.

Below is a table showing the OE specs compared to the new bulbs.  

Installation of bulbs as below from my own experience.  If in doubt, follow your car manual for the removal and installation of new bulbs.  If you are not familiar with what you are doing, get a professional to do it.

Main:  To change the RH side you must remove the wiper tank pipe by using a narrow stick (I used a wooden chopstick, no joke!).  Once out you can easily remove the black plastic cover behind the light and change the bulb by releasing the metal clip.  The LD side is a trouble maker because you don't have any space to work with.  I managed to remove the cover completely by twisting and turning the cover and finally pulling it out.  UPDATED By un-pluging the ABS wiring you will have easy access to change the bulb.

Side:  Twist the adaptor a quarter turn and it should then come out freely.  Change the bulbs over and twist back the opposite way.

Fog:  The fog light installation could cause problems for some people because of the confirmed working space.  To have easy access to the front fog light turn the wheel towards the fog light you are changing.  Then you may open up the flap fully to work on the light housing.  Twist the cover anti-clockwise and then pull off the connector.  Then release the metal clip to remove the bulb and the reverse procedure to complete. 

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Page last updated 17/10/00