Hello-

I have had my car for almost 3 years now. Granted I bought it used but, it was still in great condition with very few miles. My Mazda3 is a 2005. Anyways, since I have had the car, I have had to replace the lowbeam headlamps 4 times. Never the same one at the same time but seperate one at different times. When I replace them, I always replace both at the same time.

Has anyone out there had this same problem? Is it just this year (2005) and this model (Mazda3)?

Please help me figure out what the problem is.

Thanks
-DoubleE

 

No, not that I know of. I own a 2004 and know others w/2005's w/o this problem.

Are you replacing w/quality bulbs, or eBay specials?
Have you had the alternator output checked for overcharging?
Could you have a wire, connection or grounding problem that would cause excessive current draw?

 

halogen bulbs I assume... the brighter ones usually have a shorter life, but #1 would be to verify the charging voltage. if there's gunk on the battery terminals that's probably just an overcharging issue.
If you have no voltage problem, you can limit the current on the headlights so they don't come on so fast - therefore last longer. PM me if you want to complicate things and make a fix for it.