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headlight bulb keeps needing replacement

Old Apr 17, 2013 | 09:59 AM
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Default headlight bulb keeps needing replacement

My main headlight bulb on the passengers side never seems to last more than a month, I'm tired of replacing it. Anyone have any idea what could be wrong?
 
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Old Apr 20, 2013 | 04:52 PM
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Check the wiring that goes to the headlights.
It sounds like a bad connection causing the bulb to get too much power
 
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 08:17 AM
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Don't forget to check the ground connections as well. You need a voltmeter.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 08:29 AM
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keep your gresy fingers off the bulb! If the oils on your skin get on the glass bulb, it can burn out prematurely. If you must touch the glass, do so with the tissue.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2013 | 10:47 AM
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great point by noggin. He maust have experience with greasy fingers!
 
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Old Apr 23, 2013 | 07:06 AM
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I am also having this problem but the bulbs only last a day or two. I have also noticed that I am now getting static shocks every time I leave the car. Could the two be related?
 
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Old May 7, 2013 | 07:45 AM
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I did see one go after only a few days, I'm not doing much night driving at the moment and the one I changed two weeks ago is still ok. I do also get occasional static shocks when closing the car door. I'm always very careful not to touch the bulb when I replace it (and I'm actually getting quite good at replacing them now). No more clues on what the problem could be though, but wonder if excessive vibration could be causing it?
 
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Old May 7, 2013 | 11:16 AM
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Static is difficult to track. For example the friction of the belts can cause static. I recall back in the days people mounted straps under their cars that touched the ground. These straps supposed to drain static to earth, the real earth.
Vibration definitely can damage the filaments in bulbs. But the worst would be excessive amps going through. Typically flicking the switch to ON sends a power surge to the receiving device.
I would try to take some measurements in the circuits.
Here is a useful website: Voltage Drop Testing

Let us know if you can track it down.
 
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