Headlight Help

[joe_s79]

Hi

I recently encountered a problem with my headlights,
on the right side, my low beam bulb burnt out and after i replaced it,
it burnt out quite quickly again,
about 3 week intervals and i have to change them.
any ideas to what the problem could be and how to fix it?

 

[StealthWyvern]

Are you puttign the rubber boot on correctly after you install the headlight? What about the metal clip that holds the light in place? Is it their?

 

[joe_s79]

ya i think i'm puttin it on properly and yes the metal clip is there.
if i'm not puttin the boot on properly could it be water getting in thats wrecking the bulb?

 

[StealthWyvern]

could be, when it rains does the light get filled up with condensation?

 

[joe_s79]

i havent checked yet in rain, we're in the middle of winter right now so not getting a lot of that lol

 

[StealthWyvern]

That could be it.

 

[mx-p5]

are you touching the bulb itself? ONLY TOUCH THE METAL BASE!! Touching the glass GREATLY reduces the life of the bulb.

Tylor

 

[P-Funk!]

Are you SURE the bulbs failed? A visual inspection will show the filament hanging loose inside the bulb.

Mine has an issue where the bulb isn't making a good contact with the socket and 'going out'. A 'Fonzie' bop on the headlight lens fixes it. I will remove and re-install tomorrow.

 

[joe_s79]

i checked it and the filament was not connected so the bulb did burn out.
i dont believe i did touch the bulb itself so that should not be the problem

 

[P-Funk!]

Make sure it is secure - if it is vibrating that would wear it out faster. Do you have very stiff motor mounts(=much more vibe and stress for the bulb (and other components)).

Moisture inside the lens?

 

[Qcpro5]

Isn't this a common electrical problem?

I see plenty P5's driving around with burnt out headlights.

I have early 02 model and never had issues except on the day I bought the car, brought it home and BOTH lights failed at once...strange...

 

[gsmooth]

the first few years every 20,000 kms one bulb would burn out and then the next week the other side......until warranty was over and I replaced them the last time maybe 100,000 kms ago and they haven't burned out since! go figure


even had tests done on teh wiring and they found nothing was wrong with the electrical