nortynorty

Didn't realize that I haven't been to this forum since November and while I tried a search so as not to bore you with repeated postings, I don't think this issue was addressed.

I have a 2000 SE and replaced the stock headlamps with PIAA SuperWhites (the stock 55W). While I have been happy with them, I find that their life is extremely short, lasting several months only. I contacted PIAA and they have been very gracious about sending me replacements, but just yesterday, I think the 6th bulb blew.

I don't know why that would be. I don't plan on sending these bulbs back to PIAA...they can't all have been defective. Perhaps I'll put the stocks back for awhile while I look for a replacement.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Try the Sylvania Silver Stars.

freda

Are you sure not to touch the bulbs....
Do you wipe them off with isopropal to be sure they are clean?
Are they in tight so they don't rattle??
Is your voltage regulator working?

Just some troubleshooting questions.

nortynorty

I am always careful not to touch the bulbs, although I have not wiped them with alcohol beforehand. I am confident that they are insterted properly, but do not know if the voltage regulator is malfunctioning.

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

Even if you don't end up touching it, it's adviceable to clean it with alcohol just several minutes before you seal it all back up again. The PIAA's has a tendency to blow even with minute fingerprints or dust on it after some time.

I was very careful to do so when i had one in my Civic. It lasted for 1 1/2 years before i sold it. It may still be working up to this point.

PhatGuy

PIAA SUX!

Get these best price/performance:
H4 VisionPlus 12 volt 60/55 watt (per pair)
http://www.autolamps-online.com/products/orderform.htm

These are much cheaper and output more light.

acMAX

I'm thinking of getting these bulbs but
how do they look?
Do they emit a clean white light?

max34

iTrader: (1)

Great prices on that site. What's the difference between the "Blue Vision" and the "Vision Plus"...I'd like a hint of blue in the light.

Thanks for sharing the wealth PhatGuy. I'm trying to stay away from PIAA after reading these posts.

PhatGuy

go with the vision plus for the headlamps for sure! H4

blue visions are fine for for fogs h3

Dany

iTrader: (1)

Mine PIAA SW were burning out fast too on my 2000 SE. But I never got replacements from PIAA

I replaced PIAA coupled times and after that I tried Phillips BlueVision. Those bulbs burned out fast too.

So, I never found a good aftermarket bulb that doesn't burn out fast.

CIRCO

iTrader: (1)

I agree with you on this one mine keep blowing but I always replace with PIAA by returning to the store I bought them from. When they stop letting me do the return thing, then I will get something else. I agree with everyone PIAA's suck.

sascuderi

I have had good luck with Eurolites. Clean white light, cheap, stock voltage but brighter than stock.

ZIPPIN

iTrader: (32)

i have had PIAA's extreme whites on head lights and fogs, for 6 months. i even run them during the day time, haven't gone out yet,,,, perhaps it's in how ppl handle the install

maximadave

iTrader: (10)

I've had my PIAA superwhites on for over 1 1/2 years on my Max....and I've never replaced them.

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

It's not a "perhaps" but a fact. Almost everyone i know who installed it themselves had it burn out after a while.

Even PIAA admits to the fact that mishandling of the bubls can cause premature blow-up.

ZIPPIN

iTrader: (32)

touching PIAA's willthem

soundmike

iTrader: (24)

"can't touch this... hammer time, dun-dun-dun..."

ZIPPIN

iTrader: (32)

PIAA'S = PROS IN AUTOMAGIC ANNIVERSERY EDITITON'S

maximadave

iTrader: (10)

X-Factor

Thats a nice thing about PIAA, if you can get a hold of their customer service phone #, they are always willing to help and send out another (FREE) pair of bulbs.

rubman

Last car I owned had PIAA Superwhite's for about nine months(no problem). This car (200 Max SE), headlights as well as fogs PIAA Extreme's(no problems and have had them on for about eight months). The difference might be that I had them professionally installed at a local speedshop(Jotech in Garland, great service, never any customer service problems).

yongjun

PIAA nothing... PIAA does suck. Don't spend that 80 bucks on another pair. Go with CATZ bulbs. THey are like 40 to 50 bucks cheaper and they produce the same color and output as the PIAAs.
Good luck

radpp16

Yeah PIAA suck , i can verify that. I went through the Superwhites, then to PLasmas. Plasmas are OK still but i dont use them ne1more.

I blew out a PIAA foglight. just 1, jeez.. I am gonna buy the ghetto Nokya superwhites. THats good enough for me. 20 bucks on ebay

Roger

ToYLeT902

iTrader: (12)

6 sets?! could you buy HID's with that money? unless you sent it back 6 times?

PhatGuy

Please post that number.

PhatGuy

This pro install vs self install is hillarious.

Open box. Do not touch bulb. Use a soft cloth to handle it. Install bulb in 5 seconds. Do not let it touch anything. Period!

Igor911

iTrader: (10)

I have had PIAA H4 Plasmas for about 6 months now... No Problems yet! (Knock on Wood!) Do you guy's use electrical grease when you install your bulbs... This grease stuff really works and you can buy it at your local car shop for about a buck or so.

Try it out...

PhatGuy

What do you use the grease for?

X-Factor

The only thing I find what grease does is after a couple months, it sticks to the light bulb like glue and it makes it hard to remove the bulb from the electrical plug.

For PIAA's number, try www.piaa.com and then email their customer service center and explain to them your problem. They should email you back within one business day and will give you the phone number if they can't resolve your problem through email.

X-Factor

Any sites for CATZ? Also which one has a purple color? Any Pics?