I have just failed an MOT in my MkII due to one of my O/S headlamp pointing up and to the off-side direction. This suggests that it is a European headlamp. I believe my car belonged to a forces guy previously who had a UK spec'd RHS car while in Germany.

The other headlamp was OK which was not a surprise as I had it replaced when I bought it as the seal was blown and showing condensation on the inside.

I noticed this guide from VRStu's website (which I think was info courtsesy of VRSCarl??) showing how to convert UK headlamps into flat-beam lamps temporarily for short periods of driving in Europe:

http://www.octavia-vrs.com/technical/EU_headlight.htm

I am wondering if it is possible to adjust a continental headlamp to make it a UK one using this or a similar procedure.

I have confirmed that this can not be a warranty claim as their is no defect therefore I am now trying to get a good-will replacement from the Skoda dealer where I purchased it or I am into ££s for a new one.

Edited 22 July, 201015 yr by muckipup

I have just failed an MOT in my MkII due to one of my O/S headlamp pointing up and to the off-side direction. This suggests that it is a European headlamp. I believe my car belonged to a forces guy previously who had a UK spec'd RHS car while in Germany.

The other headlamp was OK which was not a surprise as I had it replaced when I bought it as the seal was blown and showing condensation on the inside.

I noticed this guide from VRStu's website (which I think was info courtsesy of VRSCarl??) showing how to convert UK headlamps into flat-beam lamps temporarily for short periods of driving in Europe:

http://www.octavia-vrs.com/technical/EU_headlight.htm

I am wondering if it is possible to adjust a continental headlamp to make it a UK one using this or a similar procedure.

I have confirmed that this can not be a warranty claim as their is no defect therefore I am now trying to get a good-will replacement from the Skoda dealer where I purchased it or I am into ££s for a new one.

Do it yourself it only takes 5 mins to do pop the lamp out remove cover and bulb slide leave inside down and replace mine was like yours when i got it

Do it yourself it only takes 5 mins to do pop the lamp out remove cover and bulb slide leave inside down and replace mine was like yours when i got it

Thanks Skippy,

Does that not simply change the beam to a narrow beam (as shown in the earlier link) as opposed to changing the beam angle pointing towards the off-side (per driving on the right) to pointing to near-side (per driving on the left)?

I have just failed an MOT in my MkII due to one of my O/S headlamp pointing up and to the off-side direction. This suggests that it is a European headlamp. I believe my car belonged to a forces guy previously who had a UK spec'd RHS car while in Germany.

The other headlamp was OK which was not a surprise as I had it replaced when I bought it as the seal was blown and showing condensation on the inside.

I noticed this guide from VRStu's website (which I think was info courtsesy of VRSCarl??) showing how to convert UK headlamps into flat-beam lamps temporarily for short periods of driving in Europe:

http://www.octavia-vrs.com/technical/EU_headlight.htm

I am wondering if it is possible to adjust a continental headlamp to make it a UK one using this or a similar procedure.

I have confirmed that this can not be a warranty claim as their is no defect therefore I am now trying to get a good-will replacement from the Skoda dealer where I purchased it or I am into ££s for a new one.

I would think you could surely insist the garage replace the headlamp under the sale of goods act as the car is clearly not "fit for purpose" if its effectively illegal to use on the road in the UK.

I would think you could surely insist the garage replace the headlamp under the sale of goods act as the car is clearly not "fit for purpose" if its effectively illegal to use on the road in the UK.

That's my current plan. I called the Skoda dealership today. Someone was due to call me back. Guess what - they didn't!

I would think you could surely insist the garage replace the headlamp under the sale of goods act as the car is clearly not "fit for purpose" if its effectively illegal to use on the road in the UK.

I would agree, If you have time before they call back have a chat with Citizens advice or trading standards, you may get a few pointers as to what to say.

Even though they didnt do it deliberately its still not fit for UK roads & as it wont pass an MOT, you are technically & have been driving illegally & I guess shouldnt really carry on driving it but as it appears many cars are allowed to drive with only one working headlight you are unlikely to be stopped.

Thanks Skippy,

Does that not simply change the beam to a narrow beam (as shown in the earlier link) as opposed to changing the beam angle pointing towards the off-side (per driving on the right) to pointing to near-side (per driving on the left)?

If your lamp pattern looks like this \--- ---/ then you need to get the lamp unit changed, if it looks like this \--- ---- you can change it yourself.

your uk lamp \----- \----- looks like this

Edited 23 July, 201015 yr by skippy41