I have a 1999.5 SE-L Max and my fogs keep going out. Not really both of them at the same time, but they do nonetheless. I just replaced the bulbs about a month or so ago, and one of them is already out. Before one went out the first time, I went about 15,000 miles with them working fine. I got the car in March, and I think the OEM bulbs were still in there. Ever since I put new ones in, not good success.
I think it might have something to do with the bulb make. I got them at O'Reiley (sp?) Auto Parts (Chain here in the SouthEast), and I am wondering if they are just sub-par quality?
Any suggestions are welcome. Please advise and help.
Thanks...

 

you're not touching the bulbs with your hands when installing are you???

 

nope. I put them in using a t-shirt so that I didn't touch the bulbs.

I know when it comes from the factory, there are those little insulators around the wires. Well, you have replaced fog bulbs, right MaxedOutOfCash? You have to at least put a little cut in that insulator to even get the new bulb in there. It doesn't look like moisture is getting in there. My other fog is doing fine. And the housings are tight in the sockets, so that they are not able to bump all around the place. I think it might just be the bulbs....don't know.

 

'lil help...anyone?

 

Does anyone know of a good brand fog bulb to get that you can pick up at like NAPA or AutoZone that is as bright as you can get without rewiring the harness?

 

I'm using PIAA xtreme whites h3's and they've been working fine for half a year almost and I'm at buffalo so that's pretty cold weather and they're holding out fine (knock on wood)

 

wariow, where you get those from....custommaxima.com?

 

I got Sylvania Silverstars H3 bulbs in my foggers.

 

I have those Sylvania Silverstars in my headlights. I bet the fogs are pricey, because the headlight bulbs were.

I just want some bulbs that are good and bright, but are going to last me a while.

 

You should also make it a habit to wipe new bulbs down with paper towel and alchohol before installing. This will remove any oil that may already be on it.

I've never had to cut anything to replace my fogs, and I've done a few. This may be hinting on your problem. Sounds to me like the metal the insulation protects is getting out and touching the sides of your fog assembly. Had this problem once. Seated the insulations firmly and the problem went away.

Hope this helps!

Capitone

 

Thanks, capitone. I will have to try that. Should I try to re-wrap with different insulation, or just seat it better like you are talking about. **sorry for the slow response...ha ha

 

Since you said you've already cut the insulation, I'd first try seating it then taping the cuts you've made with electrical tape. Make sure the insulation isn't sliping and exposing any connectors while you replace the bulb and you should be ok. If this doesn't work then you've probably got something else going on with your fogs.

Let me know how it works out.

Good luck!

 

Thanks. I never thought about it slipping out and touching any of the metal to short out. That might be it. I think a little electrical tape will go a long way on this. I will prob do it this weekend when I get time. I will let you know.

 

I used the electrical tape on the fog light harness. So far so good, Capitone. We will see if that works. Thanks again...

 

Thanks to all who helped me. So far so good, over a week, and no bulb burnout. I cannot tell yet if it is from going with a good bulb brand (sylvania) or just taping around it with electrical tape. Time will tell. Just updating.

 

Fogs still doing great since I taped them. Just an update.

 

Glad to see that seemed to have done trick! Feels good to have a nice ride with no "eye's" missing doesn't it?!!

 

I go through a fog light bulb about once a month. $7 a bulb x 2.5 years of ownership = $210 spent on foglight bulbs alone.

 

tape them up with electrical tape like it says in this thread, Bluebird. It has worked so far. Also, don't be spending $7 on one bulb. Even Sylvania brand H3 is only a little less than $4.

 

I'll try the tape.

Its $7 for the ricey hyper-white ones

 

no need....the OEM's from Sylvania are pretty good as far as being white. They are good quality from what I have seen.