I discovered that the reflectivity INSIDE the low beams (ie., the reflectors) of our 2009 Outback had deteriorated due to heat from the halogen bulbs. So, even a brand new bulb that looks “white hot” outside the mount projects dim orange once in it. This problem seems to accelerate once it starts — I suspect that a little deterioration leads to more heat absorbed —> more discoloration —> yet more heat absorbed —> ... sort of a feedback loop. Eventually the deterioration covers enough area to re-radiate the heat that things reach a sort of equilibrium, but by then the low beam headlights are pretty impaired. Interestingly, the high beams are fine - possibly because they were never on long enough in the right conditions (headlights turned on, on a hot day) to start the process.
The clusters “can” be disassembled, but no chrome paint I could find can stand up to the heat from halogens. So.... I’m ordering brand new front headlight clusters. Ouch! Not cheap. At least I can do the work (requires removal of front bumper, grille, and a little fender, on this car!)
Hopefully, making SURE to not have the headlights on during hot sunny days will prevent a recurrence. (The DLR mode uses the high beams IF the headlights are switched off.)
The real solution would be point source LED low beam bulbs with the Canbus resistor EXTERNAL to each bulb —like mounted to the nearby metal frame of the car. But, I don’t know if anybody’s thought up such a sensible combo at a reasonable price...
Oops - DRL. It’s late...
I already have new headlight clusters, just awaiting summertime when I switch them. The small lights inside the instrument cluster is what I am really wanting to get to, along with the backup lights. Older cars have such dim lighting behind the speedo, IDK if that is because of cracked panel solder or what.