Hi, Fitted 2 x new headlight bulbs (£14 from Halfords -rip off!) under 2 weeks ago to a vehicle I have just aquired (Mitsubishi Galant) as both lights were out but all other lights OK.
I notice just last night that one of the lights is not working (previously fine) I will check the connection later today but I think it's blown and suspect the other bulb will blow shortly too,
So, has anyone else had this problem? what's the most likely cause of the headlights blowing out.
thanks for any advice
fraz
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most likely cause is wrong bulbs fitted and they cant disipate enough heat away from the filament,check the output against manufacturers specification.
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have checked the spec and it's all as recommended???? thanks anyway oldman.
Anyone else any ideas? could it be the sign of an alternator problem?
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Mitsubishi alternators have quite a reputation for going faulty, so it *could* be the voltage regulator. Check the voltage at the battery (with engine running and loads off) - if it is higher than about 14.5V then suspect the alternator. You won't need a full re-con, just the voltage regulator swapping out.
If the voltage checks out OK then suspect poor quality bulbs. Always go for major brand (Osram, Bosch, Phillips).
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Many thanks Aprila. 2 last Q's - 1, if it is the voltage regulator- as a ballpark figure how much will this cost for an independent garage to rectify (just so i don't get ripped off!) and 2, how much is a decent headlight bulb - i was suprised that halfords charge £8.50 each for individual own-brand bulbs? - presumably branded can't be that much more than this price?
thanks again
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www.consumabulbs.com/index.php
Fraz. Try these people and get yourself a set of Osram Silver Star's. I had a thread running a while ago about my Focus eating up headling bulbs and found these guy's who can supply me lots of bulbs very quickly.
Never found out what is causing it, but the car goes this month, so I've stopped trying to figure it out.
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Last Mitsu alternator voltage regulator job cost me about £60 all-in at local auto electrical rebuilders. Expect to pay about £150 for a full recon - although it does vary depending on the particular alternator model - genuine Mitsu alternators from the main dealer can cost up to £900!! There is also a place near Birmingham (Solihull I think) that sells parts and repairs alternators for just about every vehcile known to man - including Chinese! Let me know if you need the details and I'll do a search (can't remember their name at present).
Agree that Osram Silver Stars are v. good bulbs. I think they are a similar price to what you quoted for the Halfords bulbs.
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Did you touch them ,because if you did that is the problem.
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I've tried Halfords brighter bulbs and I could not see any difference.
Osram SS are very noticeably brighter and cheaper.
A satisfied customer of consumabulbs only.
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I wasna fu but just had plenty.
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thanks very much people. Yes Aprilia i would v.much appreciate the dets. for the company in solihull if you have time. cheers fraz
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I was taught many years ago to let the engine run for about 20/30 seconds to let the alternator/generator and battery settle down and start controlling the voltage properly-can't remember when I last had a bulb go.
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It was Sutton Coldfield, not Solihull - anyway here is the link, they should be able to help if your alternator is at fault:
www.exchange-starters-and-alternators.co.uk/
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If the alternator is at fault would there not be signs of battery overcharging?
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nah, an alternator can go "spikey" enough to blow bulbs but not enough to overcharge battery.
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TourVanMan < yes its RF reborn >
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