Problems with headlight

[mason5]

So I replaced my left front headlight 6 months ago and it went out again already. Could it already be broken or could it be like a loose connection?

[Supercharged98]

Did you touch the bulb? Touching halogen bulbs shorten the length of burn time. Are you use standard bulbs? Hopefully not silverstar style bulbs, they don't last very long.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by mason5

So I replaced my left front headlight 6 months ago and it went out again already. Could it already be broken or could it be like a loose connection?

Bulbs are pretty unpredictable. They can last a couple of years or just a few months. If you did touch the bulb prior to installation the oil from your fingertips will shorten the life of the bulb considerably. Also Silverstar bulbs are known for burning out prematurely.

Make sure there is no moisture going into your headlight housing. If there is moisture build up you may need to reseal the headlight housing.

[mason5]

I don't think I've touched the bulb but i was just puzzled since it was only 6 months and it had already went out.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by mason5

I don't think I've touched the bulb but i was just puzzled since it was only 6 months and it had already went out.

That really isn't unusual. They don't make bulbs like they used to especially since a lot of them come from China.
Silverstars don't last as long as some other brand. Get the German Made Phillips Nightbreaker bulbs. No guarantees but they are a lot brighter than Silverstars and believe will last longer.

[Oh Randi]

at least you don't have to tap the headlight to get it to turn on! That's what I have to do sometimes.. I'm just too lazy to investigate the connector.

[janitz]

Originally Posted by Oh Randi

at least you don't have to tap the headlight to get it to turn on! That's what I have to do sometimes.. I'm just too lazy to investigate the connector.

I suspect you've got some corrosion on your wiring harness connectors.

I replaced my headlights entirely, due to age and also bad wiring on the 98 model (poor design made it really easy to short) and I was constantly having to do the "Fonz" on the headlights. I even got to the point where I'd get out of the car, bump it backwards with my fist, **** my thumbs upwards and say, "Ehhhhhhh....." To the delight of onlookers.

One thing I'd suggest for anyone changing their bulbs is to get some dielectric grease and when you change the bulb smear it on the connectors to prevent moisture from corroding the connections.

[mason5]

Ok thank you all. I'll see what's up with it.