macjohnw
Headlamp keeps blowing
My left side headlamp keeps on blowing. The dim works fine, but the bright keeps on fusing. What can the problem be and where do I start to look?

Every time it costs me R300 plus :evil:
Dirty Boy
Re: Headlamp keeps blowing
As a matter of interest, what bulbs are you using ?
The fact you mention R300 makes me think that you may be buying Osram Nightbreakers.

They are very bright and long 'reach' but I don't think they have a very good lifespan.
macjohnw
Re: Headlamp keeps blowing
DB,

This is my 2nd set of Nightbreakers. I Just put them in a few weeks ago and it is he same side that blows every time - so it shows me there is some kind of fault on the left side. The original bulbs also blew on the left side and now 2 sets of Nightbreakers.

I am no sparky and will manage to kill myself with 12V :roll:
Re: Headlamp keeps blowing
Maybe a loose light bulb fitting that allows the bulb to vibrate enough to break the filament? Is the bulb firmly seated in the socket, with spring clip and all?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Nicholas Gibson

2005 Gen 3 Pajero 3.2 DiD Auto LWB
Mods:
ARB front bumper, OME, Lynx Bash Plate, Lynx Rock-sliders, Lynx rear steel bumper, Front Runner 40lt Long range tank, Madman EMS2 with EGT, dual battery system, 700FF spots

Corsa 1.4 Club (swambo)


Cape Town

"In my house I'm the boss, my wife is just the decision maker." - Woody Allen
macjohnw
Re: Headlamp keeps blowing
Yes, the bulbs are firmly fitted. I install them myself and also make sure not to touch the bulb's glass itself.
Re: Headlamp keeps blowing
HI John.
With my limited knowledge about headlight bulbs, I understand there are 4 basic reason why they blow:

1. Age (Ruled out)
2. Vibration (also ruled out)
3. Incorrect voltage (High voltage - it can be a alternator overcharging or low voltage - grounding/wiring issue)
4. Natural 'oils' on you skin can be transferred to the bulb when fitting and this oil essentially 'cooks' on the bulb surface and cracks the bulb itself.

I think over charging can be ruled out as it is only one bulb that keeps on blowing, maybe have a look at the voltage present on the bulb terminals when the lights are switched on. I think a volt or two drop is acceptable when compared to the battery voltage.
Nicholas Gibson

2005 Gen 3 Pajero 3.2 DiD Auto LWB
Mods:
ARB front bumper, OME, Lynx Bash Plate, Lynx Rock-sliders, Lynx rear steel bumper, Front Runner 40lt Long range tank, Madman EMS2 with EGT, dual battery system, 700FF spots

Corsa 1.4 Club (swambo)


Cape Town

"In my house I'm the boss, my wife is just the decision maker." - Woody Allen
DeonvdC
Re: Headlamp keeps blowing
Hi. I had the same problem on my vehicle ( not a Pajero) . I solved the problem by replacing headlamp relays. R25 each and globes still ok . Hope your problem is as simple as that !
macjohnw
Re: Headlamp keeps blowing
DeonvdC wrote:Hi. I had the same problem on my vehicle ( not a Pajero) . I solved the problem by replacing headlamp relays. R25 each and globes still ok . Hope your problem is as simple as that !
Thanks Deon.

Anybody know where the Gen 3's headlamp relays are situated?
Re: Headlamp keeps blowing
It's probably a loose contact somewhere in the connection which can make some sparking that discharges in the lamp's filament and blows it off.
I'm not sure if the Headlamp relay are separate for Left and right or not. If they are, then you can start trying to replace the left side's relay. If there is only 1 relay for both sides then you can skip the relay and look further by shaking the wires while the light is on.
Can be a loose fuse or its connector or a loose cable to the lamp somewhere.
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