I thought my Sylvania Super Blues (65/45 watts) had burned-out. When I went to remove the bulb, I moved the connecting plug and the light came on. When I removed the plug, I noticed it was smoking. Part of the female socket was starting to melt.

Can someone tell me what caused this? The stock lights were also 65/45 watts.

 

just a guess, but maybe you touched the bulb. i know you aren't supposed to touch the bulbs.

 

touching the bulb causes it to break. the oils on your hand cause uneven heat displacement over the bulb. usually bursts or will cause gas to escape at base. could have been a bad connection when you hooked them up or maybe a defective bulb?

 

I didn't touch the bulb. The problem was with the connection. Make sure guys have a snug fit with the plug when replacing bulbs. A loose plug makes for a bad ground. The loose connection caused the ground wire pin to heat up and started to melt the plastic. I have to get new plugs and ensure a snug fit.