Is it just me? The Protege5 goes thru headlight bulbs like its food

[xchristopha]

I used to burn out lightbulbs several times per year. Then I stopped using my headlights during the day and magically they only burn out maybe once per year. This is still too often though.

I pose this question: For those people who are burning out fast, do you have any aftermarket amplifiers drawing off the battery? I have two amps and I know they make the lights flicker. That can't be good for the longevity of the bulbs.

 

[alexcited]

i recently made the exact same post about my bulbs blowing really quickly.and i got the same response 'GO HID's". someone mentioned that some p5's have a ground issue? maybe we're of the unlucky few?

 

[Mounty]

I am all stock. It was going through bulbs every 6 months with Sylvania Silverstar. I went to GE regular and it was about 9 months. Since then I have switched to the $9.99 (per bulb) regular Phillips from Meijer and I just had to replace the passenger bulb last week, but it lasted 4 years! The driver side is still going strong.

I also have a lot of deposit on the battery terminal (negative side).

 

[Clarkbug]

Im on my second P5, and the first one I had went through several sets of bulbs, some of which were silverstars. I wont ever buy them again, since the brighter light seems to shorten the life quite a bit.

What I found was that it had a lot to do with how I was positioning the bulb in the headlight, since its somewhat of a strange mounting/securing mechanism in there. After going through a GE bulb, then the silverstars, then back to a Phillps bulb (all on the drivers side), I realized that I wasnt really seating the bulb well in the headlight.

I sold that car to my gf, and she just now had that one blow out, but it was changed last over 3 years ago, so thats pretty good IMHO.

So maybe its the vibrations that can get transferred if its not seated properly that messes with the filaments?

 

[carter1551]

in other news, my p5 ate another bulb, this time the bulb exploded so now ive got nice shiny bluish glass all over the inside of the housing

 

[lasermp5]

purchased in sept 2003. Just under 50k miles. I've had to replace one (1) low beam bulb. That's it... touch wood. Also, I know it's not good to start your car with your headlights on. I've always started the car, then turned on my lights. Might that help?

goddam I knew as soon as I posted this that I was asking for trouble. Sure enough a couple night ago... driver H7 goes out. Anyone thinking about tempting fate, take my advice and just don't lol.

 

[Qcpro5]

My passenger side just blew out last night! I seem to change them every 6 months...

I am ordering Apexcone HIDs this week

 

[Rockin03mp5]

man, i better get hid's before mine blow now!

 

[mx-p5]

HID is the way to be! lol

 

[magnumP5]

Damn this thread. I read this last Thursday and thought to myself, "It's been a while since I've had to replace any headlights". Sure enough, Friday morning as I was driving to work I noticed one less reflection on the car in front of me. Last set of lights lasted me 2 years (give or take) and even survived an accident.

 

[mx-p5]

If anyone wants some spare bulbs, i gotcha covered. I think i have 6 H7 stockers in the garage not being used anymore.

 

[maxchao]

It is really just weird. I blew one of mine last week, and everyday, and I mean everyday, I see at least one car on the street like me driving with one headlight on. Because of the cold weather? That just doesn't make sense....

Josh

 

[P5nMD]

Do the fog light mod. Seemed to fix the prob for me. Plus its easy and cool

 

[lasermp5]

Damn this thread. I read this last Thursday and thought to myself, "It's been a while since I've had to replace any headlights". Sure enough, Friday morning as I was driving to work I noticed one less reflection on the car in front of me. Last set of lights lasted me 2 years (give or take) and even survived an accident.

Exactly! This thread is cursed. I Move to delete!!!! All in favor raise your hand

 

[mx-p5]

Aye!

 

[iLisa]

Exactly! This thread is cursed. I Move to delete!!!! All in favor raise your hand

crapcrapcrap.. i just read this thread.... (ughdance)

 

[NRRfrogmanP5]

i replaced my driver side one about a month ago..and my passenger one blew last night....

 

[iLisa]

im over 6yrs with the same stockers that came in the car..

 

[mx-p5]

Go check your lights Lisa. lol

 

[petergriffin]

Hello everybody, just got my protege 5 about 3 weeks ago. 2002, white, 5spd, 110km's. I joined this forum about the same time. Read this thread about 2 weeks ago. My driver side low beam just went out. I think this thread is definitely cursed