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View Full Version : Things to do if your constantly blowing halogen bulbs

prc
10-10-2003, 02:38
If your blowing bulbs every other month check the following:


1st and foremost, don't expect those mega expensive & even the +50% bulbs to last as long as normal halogens.

1st bulb killer = vibration
Check the metal wire that holds the bulb in place ( is supposed to act as a spring). Make sure it's putting enough pressure on the bulb.
(I've seen this problem 2-3x on mk3 ibiza's but I'm sure it happens on others)

2nd bulb killer = voltage drops
Grab a few brew's + the multimeter and go measure the voltage between the terminals. If you've got <~11.8V or >14.4V then you've got a problem (less being worse).
If you've got <-11.8V then:
You've probably got old wiring or the light switch is going. This also sometimes happens because you've upgraded the bulbs to 100W torches using the stock wiring and just swapping the fuse. After checking the switch, check wiring and get a harness on.
If you've got >14.4V then:
your charging system is most likely overcharging everything. Best to get this checked by a professional.
jerry
17-10-2003, 14:35
on a previous i had car oil leaked from the engine onto the alternator. i would get sporadic power surges that blew the lights a couple of times.
so another thing for people to check is if anything appears to be dripping on your alternator.
mcmail
24-12-2004, 02:01
the other thing is touching the glass of the halogen bulb with your bare fingers.

dont do it. the heat gernerated from these bulbs will make even a finger print melt the oil from your fingers thus over heating the bulb and frying it. alway hold the halogen bulb with a clean dry cloth or the metal end.
basstard
24-12-2004, 21:27
the other thing is touching the glass of the halogen bulb with your bare fingers.

dont do it. the heat gernerated from these bulbs will make even a finger print melt the oil from your fingers thus over heating the bulb and frying it. alway hold the halogen bulb with a clean dry cloth or the metal end.

How true!!

Another thing is on mine I had bulbs going first one side, then the other, then again the first and so on,,,
Once I changed the bulbs both sides it went ok, and none did ever blow since then,,, touching wood! Dunno if it's just luck or there's a relation with changing both bulbs at once.

Another important thing IMO is to try and pay attention to always turning off the lights before engine which might kill the bulbs. Or so I think I noticed.
magic77
27-12-2004, 13:50
when fitting bulbs I find best thing is just use some latex gloves that way no chance of touching the bulb with oily fingers plus stops getting covered in dirt from engine bay
Daz_gibbo
11-01-2005, 15:27
When fitting gloves eh? :p
nick radwell
01-09-2005, 18:53
also check for bad or faulty earths all the electronic kit i work on has this from time to time!
PlatinumR
01-09-2005, 19:44
How true!!

Another thing is on mine I had bulbs going first one side, then the other, then again the first and so on,,,
Once I changed the bulbs both sides it went ok

Your supposed to change them as a pair anyway otherwise one will be brighter than the other. :whistle: