Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

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elma
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Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by elma »

As the title really, bulbs are lasting a maximum of 2 weeks on both sides dipped beam. I'm buying quality bulbs and it's happening consistently. I don't understand modern cars yet so looking for ideas. The connections are clean and solid. I haven't tested the battery and alternator yet but will this weekend. Is there anything else I should be looking at?
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by CitroJim »

Check your charging voltage James... It may well be the alternator...

I have a similar problem on the 207 I have here and will be giving the alternator very careful scrutiny...

The 207's appetite for bulbs may well have some bearing on it's habit of cutting out...
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by Sloppysod »

Hi Elma, you say you have checked the connections, have you also checked the connection between bulb & bulb holder and earth to body.
A friend had a Audi TT, 'eating' sidelight right hand bulbs and after getting a screwdriver to the connections inside the bulb holder he has not replaced a bulb, this aggressive attack on the bulb holder was part of a repair he carried out when it had gotten so bad his lamp started to melt!!

The suggestion from Jim is probable, but if it is so, why not all bulbs and not just the ones that just draw the largest current?
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by white exec »

Hi James,

Also check that battery connections (and main battery cable + split-off point) are really clean and sound. The alternator will be sensing battery voltage, and if there is a voltage drop between the alternator and battery, it could interpret this as low battery voltage, and wind up its output to compensate.

With engine running and battery charging from the alternator, voltage measured at the battery terminals should read 14.4 - 15.4v, IIRC.
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by CitroJim »

That's a very good point Chris ;)
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by elma »

Thank you all, I'll be investigating and replacing another bulb tomorrow. I'll let you know what I find. I forgot to mention earlier that the car has an auto lights function which only works on dipped beam. I've turned it off for now but am wondering if I'll turn it back on. It switches the lights far more frequently than I would and can't be helping the bulbs.
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by white exec »

James,
I presume the bulbs are just standard halogen H1 or H4, decent brand?
Chris
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by elma »

They are h7 night breakers.
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by Peter.N. »

For experimental purposes I would get 'Ring' bulbs from ebay, they are very cheap and very good but they don't do the super bright ones, mine are a couple of quid. As mentioned check the voltage across the battery with the engine running, should be about 14.4 volts.

If the problem persists connect a voltmeter to the cigar lighter so you can check on the voltage when driving, if it goes much above 14.4 you probably have an alternator fault - unusual for it to go high though.

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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by white exec »

elma wrote:They are h7 night breakers.
Top class bulbs. Can understand why you don't want to blow them. Peter's suggestion of using some cheepies while the checks are going on is a good one.
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by CitroJim »

Peter's idea seconded;)
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by elma »

Yes that's a good idea. I'm only just up today after a long week. I'll drop into the local hardware store this afternoon for some cheapies, I need to grab brass polish as well. I think I'm going to do nothing much today, very worn after a busy two weeks. Tomorrow will be fix the lights and clean the car day now. It's due a service too so I might as well pick up the bits today and do it at the same time.
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by CitroJim »

Take it easy James ;) you need to be careful not to over-work yourself... Take it from one who knows...

Mind you, working on cars can be very relaxing and therapeutic :)
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by elma »

Today's all about relaxing, my head feels numb. I'm having lunch shortly then out for a few hours with Kelv. I'll pop into the hardware store and motor factor on the way back and that's about it. I've a friend visiting this evening so I'll enjoy cooking dinner later on and have an early night.
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Re: Scenic eating headlamp bulbs

Post by Peter.N. »

Working on cars can be therapeutic in the summer but I have just come in from fitting new rear tie rods on one of my 406's, apart from being frozen my arms and most other things aching - I now have to check the tracking and hope the new rods were the same length as the old ones. I'm getting to old for this. :?

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