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The standard halogen projector headlights on the Impala rely on a single light source with a shutter to control switching between high beam and low beam -- a method more normally reserved for HID installations. The problem with the system is not so much the intensity of the light produced (which is not great, marginal in rainy conditions), but its beam distribution. On both high and low beams very little light is dispersed to the front sides of the vehicle and on high beam the long distance component of the light is very narrow -- approaching a pencil like distribution with limited scatter to the sides. This means that sharp right turns are very tricky (you cannot see the side of the road to the right as you make the turn) and any pedestrians to the side of the vehicle at an intersection are in near darkness, making night driving an unnerving experience.
I believe this represents a serious safety concern, and have registered an entry on the NHTSA Vehicle Safety site in the hope that this receives attention (ODI number 10651739). The dealership has checked the lights twice and tells me that they are performing as designed.
A fix may be as simple as redesigning the projector lens to throw more light to the sides of the vehicle or installing supplemental cornering lights, but ideally the system should have a stronger light source too. The status quo is not satisfactory and potentially unsafe. With so much riding on an otherwise excellent and modern vehicle, I hope GM is responsive in addressing this issue with a design change and a speedy recall to fix the existing fleet.
I believe this represents a serious safety concern, and have registered an entry on the NHTSA Vehicle Safety site in the hope that this receives attention (ODI number 10651739). The dealership has checked the lights twice and tells me that they are performing as designed.
A fix may be as simple as redesigning the projector lens to throw more light to the sides of the vehicle or installing supplemental cornering lights, but ideally the system should have a stronger light source too. The status quo is not satisfactory and potentially unsafe. With so much riding on an otherwise excellent and modern vehicle, I hope GM is responsive in addressing this issue with a design change and a speedy recall to fix the existing fleet.