Hello-

I really hope that someone can help me with this:

I have a 1997 SE. Within the last year, I have went through an abnormal number of headlight bulbs (5 total). What makes this problem odd is that it is not consistently occuring on one side of the car or the other and seems to essentially alternate. What is even stranger is that only the low-beam portion burns out but not the high beams.

I have been using Sylvania Silverstars and I was wondering if anyone else has experienced abnomrally short burn out times (less than 6 months) with these bulbs.

I am very familiar with changing bulbs and all the safety precautions involved in swapping them out properly so I do not believe it has anything to do with the way or manner I am installing them (i.e. touching the bulb with my hands, touching other surfaces, etc...)

I am hoping that it is not an electrical problem but it seems to be leaning more and more towards that. I wouldn't even know where to begin diagnosing something like that eitther since I have not had any other electrical problems with the car before this and have little knowledge of wiring in cars.

Any insight anyone could provide as to what could be possibly causing this or if it is simply a known problem with that particular brand of bulb would be grealty appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

-Dan

 

check your harnesses. if they have dirty connections, it causes more resistance, which creates more heat. I had this problem after running higher wattage bulbs, and I just bought new harnesses and spliced them in. after that, i've had no problems.

 

Listen to his advice. I had the same problem with my headlights until I installed a new harness.

 

Thank you for the input! I guess then my only questions are:

1) Where to get new harnesses and recommended brand?
2) Difficulty of installation (Is it something I can do or should it only be handled by a mechanic)?

Thanks again for the information! I apologize if I am asking dumb quesitons but I admit I am a complete newby and rather clueless when it comes to things like this!

_Dan

 

Go to Advance Auto Parts, or any big name auto parts store. You'll have to ask for them, at least I did. They run about $5-$6 bucks. If your getting factory 9004 replacement harnesses. High wattage kits are anywhere from $15-$40. Installation: If you can cut, strip and crimp you're in there. Just make sure the wires go to the right spots on the new harness.