Recurring headlamp failure

[ring5blue]

Long-time lurker, first-time poster.

My '09 5 keeps blowing headlights every few months. I've replace them w/ OEM, Sylvania, etc. and have had the same results. Has anyone else had this issue? Any suggestions how to address this would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[rodslinger]

Long-time lurker, first-time poster.

My '09 5 keeps blowing headlights every few months. I've replace them w/ OEM, Sylvania, etc. and have had the same results. Has anyone else had this issue? Any suggestions how to address this would be appreciated.

Thanks

I'm on my third 5 and never had a headlamp go out. Is it always the same side or random. Both? You said you replace them with the OEM Sylvania units? I think I'd try a different brand. Maybe GE or Phillips bulbs.

 

[mazdadude]

Several ideas..

First, the High-output lights like ultra or silverstar have a limited life. In my experience they last 9 mos. I went through 4 sets of them and that was the avg.

2nd idea, and forgive me ahead of time if you are aware of this, you must never touch the bulb, only the base.

3rd idea, are we certain that the metal tab on the bulb assembly is clocked to align with the notch/groove on the back of the headlight. The bulb can still be installed without being in the notch, but there will be excessive movement between the bulb and housing.

I have installed a lot of bulbs in a lot of different cars, and the design of this bulb and clip and adapter assembly is among the worst user friendly systems I have encountered.

 

[thaxman]

If your installation procedure is correct, then I would look to voltage issues. I kept blowing bulbs in the lighting fixtures in the house and when I did some home improvement, I had an electrician come to take care of the necessary electrical upgrades. He dug into the existing wiring and found all sorts of issues like pigtails without wire nuts & stuff. Anyway, since he did all this, I haven't blown any bulbs. The point I'm making is that there could be a fault somewhere that is causing irregular current to the lights and the surges are killing them prematurely.

 

[S_]

Electrical gremlins, my favorite.

I think this "there could be a fault somewhere that is causing irregular current to the lights and the surges are killing them prematurely." is exactly what's going on . @thaxman

 

[Secondtyme]

HID bulbs don't blow nearly as often as halogens and you get the added benefit of much cleaner light. IMHO why spend $50+ bucks per set on Silverstars when for about $150 spent once you can convert to HID and maybe change bulbs every six years. The ballasts do a dandy job of smoothing out voltage surges as well...