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AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING
SYSTEMS
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Question # 1
How many light bulbs are on a modern
vehicle?
Taillights8
Front6
Side - 4 Interior15
IP & Controls2224
Total - 56
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Lamps
Double and single tungsten filaments
Filament is in a vacuum
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Lamp RatingsTrade Design Design Wattage
Name Voltage Amperage
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Types of Headlights
Sealed BeamUsed between 19391975
HalogenBulb filled with halogen, Burns
hotter, lasts longer
Compositefixed housing with replaceable
bulb
HIDHigh Intensity DischargeLight
emitted by a spark
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HID
Brighter
Wider & deeper fieldof vision
Use 37% less power
Last up to 100,00
miles
* As compared to
Halogen bulbs
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HID
Separate Ballast
produces 80v Ark tube (bulb)filled
with Xenon gas
Electrons excite salts inXenon gas creating the
ark which produces
light
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Headlight Switches
Controls driving, parking and IP
illumination (dimming)
Locations
On dash or steering column
Separate switch for high beam activation
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Low Beam Circuit
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High Beam Circuit
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Exterior Lighting
TaillightsContain parking, brake, turn
signals, backup, license plate lights
Can be housed in one unit or in several units Incandescence bulbs or LED
Separate 3rd brake light asm. - CHMSL
Side Markers
Part of parking lights circuit,makes vehicle visible from the side
Fog LightsCan be clear or yellow, factory or
aftermarket, controlled by separate switch
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Interior Lighting
Courtesy LightsTrunk, glove box, under
hood, roof & floor lighting
Ip & Panel Lighting
Illuminate gauges
and controls with dimmable lighting