help with repeat blown headlights

[thatguy]

My wife has a 2002 Honda CRV - Since we have owned the vehicle we have had to replace the headlamp bulb(s) about every 3 month or so. She does not run the headlights everyday, and it does not have daytime running lights.

The low beam side is the only side that is out. Its almost like clockwork once you need to change one side within several weeks you will be replacing the other side.. Then you are good to go for the next few months.

Any suggestions on why this is happening?

Brian

 

[MrJimi]

Are they the same manufacture, like GE etc.? and do you have a loose connection to the bulb?

 

[RonMar]

What is the voltage at the battery with the engine at a normal driving RPM, say between 2000-3000 RPM? Excessive voltage output from the alternator could shorten bulb life, as well as damage the battery and other electronics on the vehicle. Any unusual buzzing or noise on the radio?

 

[jinman]

I was losing lights very quickly in my truck and the lamp was cracked or broken. Then I noticed condensation inside the cover. Moisture was building up and dripping down on the hot lamp. I dried out the light and got a good seal on the bulb and it hasn't been a problem since...knock on wood.

 

[oliver28472]

If they are halogen bulbs, I have been told that you cannot handle them with your fingers. Use a clean cloth.

 

[forgeblast]

Happened to my mustang. It was when the hooked up the automatic start, and they crossed something up. I was driving home and put my lows on and they both went. i only had highs. I took the back roads home but it took a while before the stealership was able to fix it.
good luck if its this.
I ended up telling ford to make sure they crossed the wire so that it would burn the car up and i would not have to ever deal with them again.

 

[WTA]

It's always a good idea to replace them in pairs. Chevy trucks in my experience have been the worst about it with their daytime running lights. If any of you have one and replaced one of the bulbs you probably noticed how burned the connector was. Chances are the other one was just as bad if not worse. I'm no electrician but I was a mechanic quite a while and I had to learn this the hard way about replacing in pairs.

 

[Tig]

Fingerprints will create hot spots and dramatically shorten the life.

 

[tommu56]

thatguy

My previous employer made sealed beam lamps

Look at the guage of the filimant betwen different brands the heavier ones ususlly last longer.
The other thingthat beats them up is rough roads when they are hot the become more fragle.

Usually motorcycle lamps are a heavier duty than standard automotive ones, mabe they would last longer.
Try and avoid touching the lamp glass if it is a cartrage one, oil on your hands creates a hot spot on lamp = earlier failure clean it off with denatured aholchol

tommu56

 

[Eagleview]

As allready stated , have the voltage checked . It should be no higher than 14.2 volts at high idle with the lights on . Use good quality 55w/70w bulbs , Hella etc . In regard to fingerprints on halogen bulbs , the reason is that when the bulb heats up the oily fingerprints emit smoke which dulls the reflector in the headlight over time .