Toyota Corolla (1992 - 1997) - 94 1.6Gli Blowing Headlight bulbs every 4/5 month

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Thu 4 Dec 2008 22:21
94 1.6Gli Blowing Headlight bulbs every 4/5 month - Surrey_Scientist

I seem to be getting through more headlight bulbs than seems normal.....

Last changed both headlight bulbs in March for brand new Osram H4 Nightbreakers, about 4,000 miles ago, and now one does not light on dipped (but stillworks mainbeam)


This seems to be the max I seem to be getting out of bulbs over the last 2 yrs. Any idea what the prob could be ?

Most of my driving is at night, so they do get used a lot, but still seem to be getting through a lot.

Would this signify voltage regulator probs ? Is this easy tochange (on the alternator ?)

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 05/12/2008 at 00:19

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 4 Dec 2008 22:42
1994 1.6Gli Blowing Headlight bulbs every 4/5 mont - Peter.N.
There are really only two reasons for premature bulb failure, one is excessive voltage, check the voltage across the battery with the engine running, it should be 14.0 volts plus or minus a little, the other, excessive vibration or shock, do you have very low profile tyres giving a hard ride?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 4 Dec 2008 23:30
1994 1.6Gli Blowing Headlight bulbs every 4/5 mont - rtj70
Some of the "brighter bulbs" have a shorter life than the original spec bulbs. Could be you're using an aftermarket bulb which does not last very long. You mention bulbs which may fall into this category.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 5 Dec 2008 09:18
1994 1.6Gli Blowing Headlight bulbs every 4/5 mont - Peter D
Speed Bumps. Bulb killers. Regards Peter
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 5 Dec 2008 11:17
1994 1.6Gli Blowing Headlight bulbs every 4/5 mont - Woodspeed
I have found that although these higher light output bulbs are brighter and light the road much better, they do not last as long. The Osram +80% lasted longer than the later 90% and these premium bulb filaments are manufactured accurately than "standard" giving a more accurate and focused output. But they do not last as long. Not cheap either!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Fri 5 Dec 2008 11:30
1994 1.6Gli Blowing Headlight bulbs every 4/5 mont - rtj70
The Osram website basically says they won't last as long. But goes on to say if you do a lot of night driving and you value your safety then these shorter life but brighter bulbs are the way to go.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 8 Dec 2008 11:35
1994 1.6Gli Blowing Headlight bulbs every 4/5 mont - yokel38
correct, these sort of bulbs just don't last very long. If you really want these type of bulbs, then try the Phillips brand, they are of much higher quality (and are standard fit in some of the later toyota's) Osram dare I say it are a bit on the 'cheap' side. The old adage of ' you get what you pay for' applies.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

10 warranty myths exposed

Here’s how to sort the fact from the fiction when it comes to car warranties.

Cheap Car Warranties

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....