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Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: Bullkllr on October 05, 2013, 07:27:10 AM

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Title: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: Bullkllr on October 05, 2013, 07:27:10 AM

Anyone have any experience with what could be causing headlight bulbs to blow out. Driver's side only- 1996 F150.

Sometimes it has been a week or two. Last time was like 1 or 2 days.

I'm certainly no auto electrician- but is there a likely problem to start looking for?

I'm suspecting:

• too much current
  too little current
  movement in/of socket or fixture
  could moisture in the light fixture do it?

 :dunno: :dunno:

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: dontgetcrabs on October 05, 2013, 07:31:18 AM

Did you touch the bulb with bare hands?

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: Bullkllr on October 05, 2013, 07:37:02 AM

Quote from: dontgetcrabs on October 05, 2013, 07:31:18 AM

Did you touch the bulb with bare hands?

1st time I considered that, but I had definately tried not to. Last couple times I have actually worn rubber gloves while  also avoiding contact with the bulb. That may be the one thing I have ruled out.

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: rtspring on October 05, 2013, 07:38:16 AM

Is rain getting into the bulb??

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: Smossy on October 05, 2013, 07:39:22 AM

HID's?

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: Bullkllr on October 05, 2013, 07:41:41 AM

Quote from: rtspring on October 05, 2013, 07:38:16 AM

Is rain getting into the bulb??

I have noticed a build up of condensation inside the cover. With some liquid in the bottom at times. I imagine if that hit the hot bulb it would be pretty instant blowout  :dunno:

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: Mudman on October 05, 2013, 07:45:23 AM

Likely its moisture.  Loose fitment possible too. One drop of water touches hot light and its toast!  Hit a bump and game over.  Some people drill drain holes but that's temp fix.  Fix seal or replace light assembly.

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: rtspring on October 05, 2013, 07:46:27 AM

Yep, seal up the lamp cover with silicone and you should be good. Any moisture is bad bad bad

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: Bullkllr on October 05, 2013, 08:02:58 AM

Thanks for the help guys! :tup: :tup:

Definately will give that a try. Looking for a quick fix I'm pretty good at overlooking the obvious.

Much appreciated.

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: Alchase on October 05, 2013, 08:38:26 AM

Rock ships in the cover, can let condensation in as well.

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: philepe on October 12, 2013, 11:40:47 AM

Moisture will kill it, but don't overlook the mounting.  If it is not seated securely it will shake around/bounce and that will make them burn out quickly to

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: Sportfury on October 24, 2013, 07:09:30 PM

I had the same issue with a Highlander that we owned. One of the times that I had it at the dealership for an oil change the Toyota mechanic asked if I was using electrical grease (a type of silicone). Once I started using it (you can buy little packets at the auto parts store) I didn't have any more issues.

Title: Re: Frequent headlight blowout ?
Post by: coachcw on October 25, 2013, 06:30:56 AM

water and lamps bad . you mayalso want to through a volt meter across the battery running and make sure its not over 15 volts . I have drilled small pin holes in the bottm of the housings to let water out but really the best bet would be to just replace it not a big deal.