frequent headlight bulb replacements

"Bucky" wrote in


> My friend's 2002 RSX has had quite a few burnt out bulbs in the past
> year. First, the right blub died after about 3-4 years. Next, the left
> bulb died after a couple months afterwards. Then the right bulb died
> again after less than 1 year (I think it was a generic non-Acura bulb).



Four main causes:
1) Overvoltage condition due to alternator defect;
2) Headlights being used all the time as though they were DRLs when they
are not;
3) Vibration due to incorrect installation;
4) Aftermarket bulbs, especially "ultra-bright" or "blue" bulbs.

Check the failed bulbs. Do the ends of the filaments look melted or just
broken?



>
> Does 3-4 years seem kind of short for a factory bulb lifetime?
>



Yes, unless your friend is one of those people that drives around with his
headlights on all the time, in which case it's normal for bulbs that were't
designed for that.



>
> I definitely know that 1 year is way too short for any bulb.
>


Some aftermarket units last less than that.


>
> How long should typical bulbs last?
>


Well, I replaced my original OEM Stanley bulbs in my '91 Integra last year.
I'd say 14 years is pretty good, wouldn't you?


--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/
 >> Stay informed about: frequent headlight bulb replacements 

"TeGGeR®" wrote in


> "Bucky" wrote in
>
>
>> My friend's 2002 RSX has had quite a few burnt out bulbs in the past
>> year. First, the right blub died after about 3-4 years. Next, the
>> left bulb died after a couple months afterwards. Then the right bulb
>> died again after less than 1 year (I think it was a generic non-Acura
>> bulb).
>
>
>
> Four main causes:
> 1) Overvoltage condition due to alternator defect;
> 2) Headlights being used all the time as though they were DRLs when
> they are not;
> 3) Vibration due to incorrect installation;
> 4) Aftermarket bulbs, especially "ultra-bright" or "blue" bulbs.
>
> Check the failed bulbs. Do the ends of the filaments look melted or
> just broken?
>
>
>
>>
>> Does 3-4 years seem kind of short for a factory bulb lifetime?
>>
>
>
>
> Yes, unless your friend is one of those people that drives around with
> his headlights on all the time, in which case it's normal for bulbs
> that were't designed for that.
>
>
>
>>
>> I definitely know that 1 year is way too short for any bulb.
>>
>
>
> Some aftermarket units last less than that.
>
>
>>
>> How long should typical bulbs last?
>>
>
>
> Well, I replaced my original OEM Stanley bulbs in my '91 Integra last
> year. I'd say 14 years is pretty good, wouldn't you?
>
>

Also replacing/handling the halogen bulbs without using gloves or other
means to keep skin oils off the quartz envelope will shorten their life.

"wiping" them off after installation does not work,you need to use alcohol.
--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net
 >> Stay informed about: frequent headlight bulb replacements