Bulb keeps getting burned-out

TEPUI · 01-15-2007, 07:08 AM

During the last year, I've had to replace the bulb on one of my brake lights at least 5 times. One would assume there's a short-circuit somewhere but i really don't know how to diagnose it precisely. Is there an accurate way to diagnose this? I'd hate to take it to a shop where they do "trial & error", normally breaking something else that ends up being more expensive.

Is it possible that I'm using low quality bulbs? I would eventually like to switch to LEDs but I'd hate to keep burning them if the problem is actually a short-circuit.

has anyone experienced this before?

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AH64ID · 01-15-2007, 07:19 AM

Is your housing cracked?

TEPUI · 01-15-2007, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AH64ID

Is your housing cracked?

Negative.

gregbreakseverything · 01-15-2007, 07:42 AM

Can you notice one brake light brighter than the other?

TEPUI · 01-15-2007, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregbreakseverything

Can you notice one brake light brighter than the other?

Not really...

TEPUI · 01-15-2007, 09:22 AM

Somebody just told me that a short would have affected the fuse and not the bulb, seems accurate.

Could it really be that I'm using crappy bulbs?

gregbreakseverything · 01-15-2007, 09:26 AM

Try a more expensive bulb? I usually use whatever they sell at canadian tire, nothing special. Also, try swapping the left and right bulbs, and see what burns out first. If you are a very gung ho type person, hook an ammeter up to each bulb, and see if they are pulling the same amount of current. Or the easier way of measuring the resistance of each bulb.

rdharper · 01-15-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEPUI

During the last year, I've had to replace the bulb on one of my brake lights at least 5 times. One would assume there's a short-circuit somewhere but i really don't know how to diagnose it precisely. Is there an accurate way to diagnose this? I'd hate to take it to a shop where they do "trial & error", normally breaking something else that ends up being more expensive.

Is it possible that I'm using low quality bulbs? I would eventually like to switch to LEDs but I'd hate to keep burning them if the problem is actually a short-circuit.

has anyone experienced this before?

Short? No.
Higher voltage? Yes.. Check the voltage at the bulb with the brake light on. Probably not the problem as there is no way you could favor that bulb as opposed to the other unless there is a common line between the lights. If that were the case, and you had a poor connection on the other lamp, it would could be dim and the one in question is getting a higher voltage than expected. If the brake brightness the same for both sides, then that is not happening.. could also check the wiring diagram to verify.

Intermittent (poor contact)... possible. This would amount to a stress on the bulb. You should verfiy good contact inside the socket. Visual inspection for rust, loose connector. If in doubt measure ohms from lead input to inside the socket. Both ground and voltage in.

Poor quality... chances are zero to none.

Brake light is on for extended period... could cause early failure. Its meant for higher brightness for short periods. Stuck on would cause early failure.

Wrong bulb: Maybe.. but I assume you have the right bulb in that position.

So the first thing to look for is a poor connection, maybe rust related. Also, convince yourself the light doesn't come on for extended periods. Socket problems etc.

01-15-2007, 07:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
AH64ID Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,637	Is your housing cracked? __________________ -John '05 Dodge 3500 SRW 4x4 SLT 5.9 Cummins QC LB NV5600 6 Spd, Pricol EGT and boost, 2" Level, Jake Brake, Muffler Delete, filtered, lubed and bypassed by Amsoil, Mag-Hytec Rear, Fast Coolers, Baldwin 7977, Smarty JR SW#1, Toyo 285's... 2003 SR5 4Runner, V6 4WD. 1" cornfed lift Previous Toyota's '92 Red Truck NALA Speed doesn't kill, its the sudden stop that hurts.

01-15-2007, 07:42 AM	#4 (permalink)
gregbreakseverything Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Smithers, BC Posts: 696	Can you notice one brake light brighter than the other? __________________ -Greg Sold- 85 4wd toyota pickup. Stock and sweet! '99 SR5 - Deckplate, ISR, Sweet stereo, all synthetic, KC day lighters, headlight wiring harness, Sonoran Steel #7, 285/75's.

01-15-2007, 09:22 AM	#6 (permalink)
TEPUI Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chile Posts: 361	Somebody just told me that a short would have affected the fuse and not the bulb, seems accurate. Could it really be that I'm using crappy bulbs? __________________ '00 トヨタ 4Runner VZN185 '97 トヨタ Land Cruiser Prado RZJ90 SOLD! Get your トヨタ TOYOTA T-Shirts, Hats, Stickers here!

01-15-2007, 09:26 AM	#7 (permalink)
gregbreakseverything Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Smithers, BC Posts: 696	Try a more expensive bulb? I usually use whatever they sell at canadian tire, nothing special. Also, try swapping the left and right bulbs, and see what burns out first. If you are a very gung ho type person, hook an ammeter up to each bulb, and see if they are pulling the same amount of current. Or the easier way of measuring the resistance of each bulb. __________________ -Greg Sold- 85 4wd toyota pickup. Stock and sweet! '99 SR5 - Deckplate, ISR, Sweet stereo, all synthetic, KC day lighters, headlight wiring harness, Sonoran Steel #7, 285/75's.

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