[randolphRS1]

Within the past eight months to a year My RS has blown 3 H-3 bulbs in the passenger side foglight, 2 PIAA's and as of tonight 1 Hella Yellow Star. When they were installed each bulb was handled carefully to avoid contaminating the glass and this particular bulb has seen less than 75 hours of service, I would guess. If any of you lighting guru's have any ideas please feel free to let them loose.

 

[Guest]

1) Are those stock wattage? If not, that is a major factor. They burn hotter and therefore they burn out faster.
2) Do you turn your lights off manually before turning the ignition off? If not, the voltage irregularity when the motor shuts off/starts up can cause spikes that stress the filament.
3) If they're higher wattage, did you replace the wiring?

I quit buying Piaa bulbs after my first one blew. At ~$75 a set for headlights, they're too expensive to replace every other month. The fog lights lasted a lot longer, but still too expensive. Now I'm back to 55w standard bulbs in the fogs and 80/100 watt Hella H4s in the headlights. At ~$7 per bulb, they're pretty cheap.

 

[Fabulous12]

AHH IM NOT CRAZY... same crap keeps happening to me... ive used those xenons from ebay, ive used bulbs from pep boys, ive used bulbs from the dealer... THEY KEEP BLOWING

 

[yamarocket630]

You should check that you alternator isn't overcharging. Too high voltage will cause a bulb to fail prematuely. Also it has been my experience that H3 bulbs are just a weak design, filament wise they can't handle much jarring or shock.

 

[Fabulous12]

how do i check the charge of the alternator?

 

[RS25.com]

I've never had a problem with H3's myself, but I think the alternator would have to drastically increase involtage, and then everything on the car would go (brake lights, side lights, etc.)

I'd recommend (1) find a buddy who is real good with wiring or (2) take it to a reputable off-road shop (they wire lots of driving lights I am sure.)

 

[randolphRS1]

Just to fill in the blanks, I am pretty well up to date on causes of blown bulbs (power spikes, etc.) I mainly wanted to know if anyone else has experienced the same problem on the same side of the car. After receiving an e-mail from Ken at http://www.rallylights.com/ I feel confident that it was just time for that bulb to go. Now, for anyone that doesn't know, there is no warranty or replacement for Hella bulbs if one blows prematurely. I was a little disappointed but I will get over it. Its not like I spent $70 thank goodness.