Headlamp issue on 2005....

[fkovalski]

I replaced my driver's side lamp last night for the 4th time (30 months old- 38,000 miles. ) Each time, the lamp element itself has been completly shattered. Anyone else experience this? The passenger side is still original factory and working fine. I replaced each time with NAPA brand 9007. I must mention- I do have the Brite Box.



ALSO- I removed the headlamp housing from the truck to replace the bulbs. The upper portion of the housing reflector is distorted (melted?) from heat!!! Could this be from both HI and LOW beams on at the same time from the BB? If someone out there in TDR land who does not have the BB confirm that your upper reflector is not melted. ALSo- anyone else with the BB- could you check and report back as well.



Thanks,

-frank.





.

 

[fkovalski]

~bump~



Since this post, I have replaced the driver's side bulb TWICE AGAIN!!



One unique aspect of the bad bulbs... They are SHATTERED! not just intact and not working, but completley broken.



I am going to take the Brite box out and see if I last longer than 4 weeks. ... but any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

 

[RMaguire]

Any sign of moisture?

 

[fkovalski]

Any sign of moisture?

There no moisture whatsoever in the housing. I also insure that I do not touch the lamps bulbs when installing. I also shake out and use compressed air to get all of the loose remnants of the shattered bulb.

 

[tkerrigan]

Check voltage left side against right side. See if bad side is getting higher voltage. Right after you put a new lamp in it.

 

[fkovalski]

Check voltage left side against right side. See if bad side is getting higher voltage. Right after you put a new lamp in it.

If I understand you correctly... . am I to check voltage with the lamp in?... . or with it out by just sticking the leads of the meter into the plug?

 

[liberty]

I've seen this often in cold weather, I've replaced several in my truck in the winter months, and as soon as it gets cold I notice dodges all over with burned out headlights.

Not sure hot to solve it tho.

I havent looked closely, but I didn't notice anything melted on the headlamp assmbly. I dont have the brite box.

 

[tkerrigan]

I'd check voltage every way you can, Make a list of voltages read for left and right. Also take resistance readings with the lamps in but not on. If you see one side has lower voltages and higher resistance, that would tell you to replace that socket. If one side just had higher or lower voltage than normal, look for problems at the other end of the wire. Maybe even the computer. Check wires by scraping a small bare spot, then tape up when done.

 

[fkovalski]

Thnaks for the input on checking voltages.



I spoke with a person who is auto savvy and familiar with all types of vehicles... he commended going with Sylvania brand bulbs over Wagner brand (which is what I have been using. ) He stated that Wagners are no longer OEM because of thier quality. I will see how long this on lasts. Other wise, I will be checking voltage, removing BB, etc...

 

[thashane]

goodluck, interested to hear if the BB has any affect or not.

 

[TMarszalek]

Silverstars

I put Silverstars in my headlamps and fogs just after I bought it in February of '05 and the same bulbs are still in there!