Parts for your 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer-Headlights

1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Headlights

Headlights are absolutely fitted and relevant to the 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer. Factory headlamps are specified in the Mitsubishi Lancer service and owner’s manuals for the CE/CK series, and their installation and performance are mandated by Australian Design Rules (ADR 13/00 for installation and ADR 46/00 for headlamp performance) and the New Zealand Land Transport Rule: Lighting 2004. In short, a roadgoing 1999 Lancer runs low and high beam headlights as standard equipment.

On a 1999 Lancer, the headlights do two big jobs: they let the driver see clearly at night and in poor weather, and they make the car stand out to others on the road. Most variants use a halogen setup with a dual‑filament H4 bulb for low and high beam in a reflector housing, designed to throw a clean cut-off on low beam and a longer, centred pattern on high. That beam pattern and brightness are there to meet ADR/NZ lighting rules and keep night driving safe and predictable.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to check the lenses, bulbs, wiring, and aim. Many 1999 Lancers will now show lens hazing from UV exposure, if the lenses are cloudy or yellow, output drops fast. A proper polish and UV-seal can restore a lot of light. When replacing bulbs, go for reputable H4 60/55 W halogens, and replace in pairs so colour and brightness match. Don’t touch the glass—use clean gloves to avoid hot spots and early failure. If a headlight seems dim, also inspect the earth points and connectors for corrosion.

Legal upgrades are fine—quality +30% to +60% halogen bulbs can sharpen night vision without exceeding the standard 55/60 W rating. Avoid fitting HID or high‑wattage bulbs into the stock halogen reflector, that’s typically non‑compliant with ADR/NZ rules and can cause glare. After any bulb or housing change, check the aim. Workshops can align to spec, but a quick driveway check against a wall on level ground helps spot a mis-aimed light.

• Clean lenses and check for cracks or moisture inside the housing.
• Replace H4 bulbs in pairs, verify spec in the owner’s manual or by VIN.
• Inspect fuses, relays, and grounds if a lamp is out or flickering.
• Have headlight aim checked at next service, WoF/rego, or after front‑end repairs.

If the lenses are severely crazed or the reflectors are dull, complete headlight assemblies are available and can be swapped with basic tools. Correct aim and a quick function test (low, high, indicators, parkers) finish the job.

What headlight bulb fits a 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Most 1999 Lancer CE/CK models use an H4 60/55 W halogen for the headlight. Park/position lamps are typically W5W (T10). Some trims and markets vary, so it’s best to confirm against the owner’s manual or by checking the existing bulb markings.

How do you adjust the headlight aim on a 1999 Lancer?

There are vertical and horizontal adjusters on the back of each headlight. Park on level ground facing a wall about 7.5 metres away, set tyre pressures and fuel to normal, and adjust the low-beam cut-off so it sits just below head height at that distance. For precise alignment to ADR/NZ specs, have a workshop aim them with a beam setter.

Why are the headlights cloudy, and can they be restored?

Polycarbonate lenses can oxidise from UV exposure, turning cloudy and reducing output. A proper restoration kit (wet-sand, polish, then UV seal) often brings them back. If the lens is heavily cracked inside or the reflector is tired, replacement assemblies are the better long‑term fix.