Camaro Maniac

I find that I'm replacing headlights (both passenger and driver side) one right after another (not to mention power window motors, related?). I changed from Sylvania to Wagner just to see if was the brand with the same result.

In a year, I average two per side which is far more than my other cars. And I don't do any excessive night driving.

Does anyone know what may be causing this to happen? TIA

96capricemgr

I would check grounds first, that is always the first suspect in electrical issues.

Then I would use a multimeter to check charging voltage. One of my wife's old cars started eating bulbs and it turned out the alternator was pumping out over 15 volts at idle. It actually damaged the radio too.

Injuneer

Might want to mention the year and model of the vehicle.

Camaro Maniac

Sorry, '95 Z-28

NJ-LE

Camaro Maniac:
You wouldn't have a big, thumping, triple digit amp and audio system that might be causing large voltage swings and surges? I've replaced one light (have had car since new) and that was because a stone thrown up from a van in front of me cracked the lens. As #2 suggested, be sure all the connections are clean and tight ... follow the wires back to the harness looking for scrapes and nicks from rubbing on metal parts that might cause intermittent shorts.

Camaro Maniac

Thanks for the tips guys, I appreciate it. No, the car has its original radio (new one in garage for installation next Spring) so no high powered audio. Something is amiss for sure so I will investigate and report back. Thanks again

tom2

Any chance you're getting moisture in the lamps? What do the bulbs look like when you take them out?

Camaro Maniac

Dry as a bone, no signs of moisture intrusion

DrRuckus13

Camaro maniac_ I feel your pain with the head lights. I have to change my low beams about every 6-9 months. I ended up making a deal with my neighborhood auto parts store and have been claiming warranty these last couple years on the light's now. save your receipts as most lights are covered by the limited warranty for about a year.

Also Wal-mart started carries the low beams and their about $5 cheaper.

If you find out the cause please post it. I have never been able to pinpoint the root cause. They just burn out a lot.

Z28SORR

Have you ever checked your grounds and sockets for corrosion? Corrosion causes a higher "amp draw" which will shorten the life of the bulbs.