Jon_Slider

Thanks for the info. You really know your stuff, to recognize that the left lamp was not seated properly.

Problems solved, after swapping the two bulbs left for right.

I learned that the left one had not seated properly, I put it on the right and vast improvement in cutoff shape.

the lamp from the right side that had good straight cutoff to begin with, stayed good in the left side, once I made sure it seated all the way.

Im happy to have learned that the issues are installation,

and bulb related.

fwiw

the dark shadows that divide the single beams are still there when only one side is lit. The shadow line is in the same place as the cutoff line, if you look at the bottom of each band of light, the shadows show on the wall also.

But the shadows get overlapped by the beam from the other housing. I would be curious if anyone can duplicate this observation with stock light housings.

Im still not sure what differences the Depo housings have, in terms of optics.

thats a 2006 outback, I cleared the rear corners and now also the front corners

low beams:

I notice my right beam, has a larger dark shadow, on the wall, more than the left beam.

The right is now also dimmer than the left (reverse of before, iow, the dim bulb just moved to the other side). I checked with my light meter and the right now reads 22, while the left reads 37!

the bulbs were brought over from my OEM housings.. time for new ones..

these housings or bulbs, not sure which until I buy new bulbs, do produce a dark line in the middle of the beams, but the other beam sits on top of it, and mostly cancels it out

The shadow lines are almost hidden, when both bulbs are lit, now that the bulbs are seated flat..

(in my defense, the lamp that was not seated properly was from a shop install).. I at least can take credit for finally figuring it out.

Im glad I don't have to return these DEPO housings, that was turning into a very unpleasant interaction. I sent the seller the street photos, but they could not tell the left lamp was not seated… what a mess one cockeyed half dim lamp created.

Fwiw, the seller claims they checked their stock, and they ALL have the dark shadow in the middle of each low beam. You can verify this on a dark street, by covering one of the lights.. it should look like the pics I posted of the single beams, even when the bulbs are properly seated.

I have never tested a stock light for the dark shadow.. kinda curious..

Has anyone tested a stock housing on flat pavement, not shining onto a wall, just along the ground… any dark shadow?

post a pic please..

Im not impressed with the swirly handlebar mustache artifacts on the out side edges of this beam

Now that I know the main issue was an unseated bulb, I have cancelled my dispute with the vendor.

The DOT standard for headlamps alignment is as follows

Thank you for this outstanding effort. I has helped me a great deal.

A recent installation of new headlights left me with some very worrisome dark shadows in my beams.

here is a visual aide

I did call the mechanic to ask if they want to try and adjust the lights better, they said "contact the manufacturer of the lights."

waiting till dark...

===

update.. Fail

the left beam is U shaped, the right beam has straight horizontal pattern.I had hoped the shadows could be covered by raising the left beam, but it did not work.

here it is on the pavement

each lens produces a pair of illuminated petals, with a dark shadow in-between.

Im negotiating with the vendor to return the lights. I asked them if they would pay for the installation and removal, since I paid a shop to do the job.. we shall see...