Headlights keep blowing out!!

[Al Fingers]

I have a 2006 CR-V I bought new and I have had to replace headlamps more than any vehicle I have owned since 1969. It just blew another lamp two days ago. Sometimes it is the driver side somteimes the passenger side. What the heck is going on?? What causes this? My instrument panel lights on the left side have become dim also. I suspect I have blown lamps in there also. Any suggestions? I am tired of replacing light bulbs!!!

[JCat]

Is it possible that water is getting in the headlight housing ?

If water or moisture gets in the housing, it would cause this.

Also, with the car running, what is the measured voltage at the battery? If it is much higher than 14 volts, you might have a problem with the voltage regulator and or alternator.

[Al Fingers]

No water in light housing I checked for that. I will test for high voltage,I did not consider that since I bought the vehicle new and I have not messed with electrical system.

[M_tech79]

These headlight bulbs are very sensitive to the way they are installed. Most common problem is the socket that holds the bulb. Remove the bulb and socket and check the center terminal in the bottom of the socket. If it is burnt than replace it. If just the prongs are loose, than use a small flathead screwdriver to bend/ crimp them tighter before installing the bulb. The other 2 tabs on the socket that touch the bulb base provide the ground path and must also make good connection. Also make sure the socket is right side up when installing so that the 2 bumps fit in the housing properly.

[Shryp]

These headlight bulbs are very sensitive to the way they are installed.

This just reminded me of something. You are not touching the bulbs when you put them in are you? The headlight bulbs might be sensitive to the oil on your skin.

[Buffalo4]

What Shryp suggests is true, but it will usually cause the glass of the bulb to fracture or explode. If your bulbs are breaking, than that could be a likely cause.
Oil or contaminants on the bulb, can cause this to happen. Yes, oil from your fingers, etc.
Buffalo4

[Doug Just Doug]

And you're not using those extra bright bulbs (e.g. Sylvania Silverstars)? Those only last 6 - 12 months by Sylvania's own admission.

[Al Fingers]

I know about touching the bulb. I believe I might not be getting the assembly positioned correctly when installing back into the housing. I will make sure I get it installed right when I change it out. I will check the voltage also at the battery. Thanks for the help!!

[Carbuff2]

Based on others experience, excessive blown headlight bulbs are a sign of a weak battery.


Change the battery (before it leaves you stranded) and your headlamp bulbs will last a long time.

[Philosaw]

I may not any help, but more of a fellow crv light bulb hater. My 05 EX cqonstantly blows out the headlight and has been driving me nuts too. I never touch the bulbs, and water doesn't enter the housing. They blow out year round at 3 or 4 per year. They get 12 volts and really are hardly ever even used. Talk about a cop attractant! Good luck, I'll be watching your results with great interest!