Headlight keeps blowing...HELP$$$

[struckaccord]

My 2000 accord lx coupe has a prob where the headlight keeps blowing..Ive had it for a lil over a year and ive bought 4 new bulbs...After today it will be 5 bulbs...it seems to happen on both sides but never at the same time...I wear latex gloves or use a towel to install the bulbs so as to not get oil on the bulbs, and i see no moisture in the assembly...Anybody have the same problem...Is it electrical??? Please help, I hate spending money I dont really have on this...Thanks!~!

[Inspector1]

1. What type of bulbs are You using?
2. Do You do a lot of nighttime driving?
3. Do You have any large amperage draw items installed?
4. Has the Car had any front end damage repairs made?


I1 :)

[princess]

In addition to those questions.... it COULD be the alternator......

[BenjiBoy650]

Have you modified the headlamps in any way?

[struckaccord]

Ive used a couple different kinds...Super white,standard bulbs...etc... I do have a 400 watt subwoofer amplifier drawing off the battery....It was profesionally installed...No I havent altered the assemblies at all.I do alot of driving day and night...The front quarter panels do appear to have been replaced, a slightly different shade from the rest of the car..I really appreciate the replies... The positive battery cable isnt as tight as it should be...Could that cause a power surge of some kind and blow the bulb? If it loses connection then reestablishes i mean???I will tighten it either way...thanks

[BenjiBoy650]

The title doesn't say salvage or flood damage on it does it?

[struckaccord]

No not at all. I bought it from a reputable dealer, and even called the former owner to ask how well it was maintained and if it was in any accidents...There was a receipt in the owners manual with his name and number on it...lol...

[Inspector1]

First thing Repair Battery connection!! You could increase your chances of more expensive damages to other electrical equip. in car with poor main power connection...

Check inside edges of frt fenders and Hood for vin# stickers..
If missing or don't match they have been replaced.....see photo

Check inside left fender(drivers side) for ground connection for lights and make sure its secure.. If it had any repair work this could be loose and creating a problem also.... check headlight wires for repairs...

I1:)

[struckaccord]

Awesome...I didnt know the ground connection for lights existed, its was loose so i fixed that and the battery terminal....Im sure that was the prob!!!Thanks for all of your help everybody!!!!

[Inspector1]

Glad you found them problem!!

Thanks for letting us know......

I1:)

[struckaccord]

After I tightened down the ground for the light and the ground and positive on the battery my gas mileage jumped way up... I have three hundred miles on a half tank and my headlights havent blown...Could the battery having a poor connection have affected my gas mileage that much? Either way... Sweet!!!

[BenjiBoy650]

300 miles on half a tank....sweeeeeet!

[princess]

The lack of extra load on the charging can improve your gas mileage & make a positive effect on the computer! Congratulations!!:D

[PBMW]

A loose connection to the battery terminal generates higher resistance to the circuit and places a greater load on the alternator. This make the alternator harder to turn and thus lowers your MPG. If it blows again, consider the most common cause. Headlamps are cases which are intended to be watertight. When an accident occurs, this seal is often compromised and as a result water vapor enters the lamp case, the light will blow. Look for slight darkening of one light case versus the other, condensation inside the case, and residue on the blown bulb when you remove it. I believe this is what Inspector1 was getting to with his fender and accident questions.