Car Bulbs. Is this normal?

DeanoVilla

DeanoVilla

One Bloody Number
One of my main headlight bulbs went a few weeks ago.

So I've been driving with just 1 main headlight, and the 2 sidelights.

This morning on my way into work.....

30 minutes in the 2nd main headlight bulb went.

60 minutes in one of the sidelights went.

I arrived at work and only had 1 sidelight working.

Went into the office, set myself up and then went back down to the car to check which one was still working and which 3 needed replacing.

Turned on the lights... nothing! Nadda! All 4 of them out!!!!

is that normal for 3 lights to go in the space of 90 minutes?

Worried I'm gonna spend £42 (YES 42 fcuking QUID!) on new bulbs and fitting only for them to all blow again if there's something more fundamental going on.

:23:
 
Doesn't sound normal to me mate, sounds like something is tripping them but I'm no car expert
 
A fewof points, bulbs often go close to each other as they have been in use the same length of time.
Second point, some cars go through bulbs faster than others, so this will mean that they go closer together.
Thirdly, when one bulb goes it can put extra strain (for want of a better word) on the other builbs due to current rerouting there, this can lead to bulbs going in quick succession.
Finally, at the point that a bulb is either switched on or off there is a voltage spike that can lead to bulbs going, this is most likely what happened with the 4th one.

All this said, I've never heard of 3 bulbs going in just 90 minutes, over the space of 2-3 days, yes, I've come accross it several times but 90 minutes seems a little excessive.

 
I feel like it.

I should probably add that I have warning lights on the dashboard for the airbag, and also when I stop the engine another warning light saying 'Steering Not Locked' and the steering doesn't lock.

I'm suspecting a more generic wiring issue is at play here.

Booked the car in for Monday to get the airbag and steering lock issues looked at, but I phoned the garage to ask if the bulbs going is connected and he said no. He said if it was a wiring fault or a fuse, then they all would have gone at the same time rather than individually.

I'm in the situation now where I have to get them done in order to be able to drive home after work, yet I'm convinced they will just end up going again.

I hate cars.

 
Fulford, I was going ask the same question, we have a Peugeot 5008.

It is a nightmare for going through bulbs. Exactly the same pattern as Deano's car. Latest theory caused by spikes in the supply from the battery. Halfords have an offer at the moment for replacements.

Coincidentally (interestingly), I replaced my rear brake lamp today. The bulbs are very inexpensive and we used the internet/youtube to fit the new one. Straightforward, but potentially more expensive if you damage the sealed plastic fittings (pulling them off!).
 
Not a Peugeot. A Renault. So still useless French crap.

Just been to get them all fitted. £48. ouch!

He did point out that the weather protection cap was missing on one side though, so I'm thinking moisture is the cause of them all blowing?

And possibly the cause of the other issues too? (airbag and steering)

So will try and find a cap on ebay to put on that.
 
Renault and Peugeot cars are prone to electrical problems. My wife used to have a lovely Clio which eventually went the same way and a new ECU was the only answer. Luckily our local dealer had a virtually new one in stock and Renault agreed to pay for it.
 
You can grow cars from bulbs now?! I'm definitely gonna start gardening if thats the case.


I'm guessing you meant 'lamp'. :13: :17:
 
Of course, rather than sharing our wisdon, we could just refer you to Villan57, he's an automotive engineer (or was that a lego builder? :17: )
 
My light bulb went in my bedroom lamp.

I changed it without a thread or any fuss at all.

Just sayin.....
 
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