95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

Replacing headlight bulbs

Old Oct 7, 2006 | 02:56 PM
  #1  
darkglass's Avatar
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Replacing headlight bulbs

Just got a pair of the sylvania 9003's Super brite bulbs. However, something weird is going on. One is bright as it should be..and the other is dull. I replaced the dull one and still the same problem. Then, I checked the fuse box and swapped the fuses... ala now the the dull one is bright and the other side is dull. Soooooooo... I changed the fuse... still the same problem. I am clueless about this. There is a larger fuse of sorts called "head" in the box...could that be the problem?
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Old Oct 7, 2006 | 03:00 PM
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From: Bay Shore, NY
Did you try putting back in the bolbs that you took out to see it they have a problem. Not sure about the fuse marked "HEAD" sorry
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Old Oct 7, 2006 | 03:03 PM
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the original stock bulbs worked fine. Unless, the problem occurred durring changing to the new super brites... I dont know.
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Old Oct 7, 2006 | 03:06 PM
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If the old ones work fine, then I woul say it is a problem with the new bolbs. If the old ones work ok still, then I would also say that it has nothing to do with the fuses. I'm sure somone will come along with the answer. Sorry I wish I could be of more help.

Keith
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Old Oct 7, 2006 | 03:09 PM
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thanks anyways keith. These bulbs are recommended by the manufacturer for Toyota 4runner. I got them at advance auto parts...but, they dont have a clue either about whats going on.

here is the sylvania links:

http://www.sylvania.com/ConsumerProd...r/ProductLine/

http://www.sylvaniaautocatalog.com/s...%20ST,%20%20ST

Last edited by darkglass; Oct 7, 2006 at 03:14 PM.
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Old Oct 7, 2006 | 03:37 PM
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take them back and get a different set
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Old Oct 7, 2006 | 03:42 PM
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Silverstars are not the OE replacement. They are the bling replacement for the headlamps. If the bulbs you got have a blue tint to them, you have lost usuable light from what I recall.

www.danielsternlighting.com

Test your wires with a volt meter and see if you are losing current.
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Old Oct 7, 2006 | 03:43 PM
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well he said super bright bulbs im thinking one is pulling to much current
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Old Oct 7, 2006 | 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Elton
well he said super bright bulbs im thinking one is pulling to much current

I think that is it. Once again these bulbs are recommended for replacement. Could this be a battery issue?
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Old Oct 8, 2006 | 07:48 AM
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From: Upsate SC
I had the exact problem.... Check the bulb itself and make sure it isn't cracked anywhere on the prongs. Mine was and I kept blowing fuses after awhile. High resistance = dimmer lights. What's funny is that I DID swap fuses and the same thing happened? I never could figure that out.
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Old Oct 8, 2006 | 03:07 PM
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Mike,

Unless lightening strikes twice... I did replace the bulb in question. Yet, still the same thing. Maybe, I am not getting good conncection from the harness connector.

btw: thanks for the reply.. I dont feel so alone anymore.

Last edited by darkglass; Oct 8, 2006 at 03:08 PM.
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Old Oct 8, 2006 | 03:41 PM
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i dont think you said if you put the old ones back in or not. i doubt it would be your harness if the old ones were working fine UNLESS you pulled em out by the wires.....come on...fess up!
at least try the old ones again!
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Old Oct 8, 2006 | 03:47 PM
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also, it wouldnt hurt to spray some electrical contact cleaner in their, if you wheel, could be dirty!
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Old Oct 9, 2006 | 07:12 AM
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Problem solved... I think. I replaced one of the headlight 10a fuses with a 15 and now both headlights are burning bright as they should. Could this cause a problem using a higher amp fuse?
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Old Oct 9, 2006 | 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by darkglass
Problem solved... I think. I replaced one of the headlight 10a fuses with a 15 and now both headlights are burning bright as they should. Could this cause a problem using a higher amp fuse?
I don't recommend putting a higher amp fuse. If the amps are higher than what the wires are rated for and you have a short to ground then either you have a fire or some burnt wires. I'm thinking now you may need to upgrade the wiring harness. I don't know anything about it, but I'm sure others can tell you about Roger Brown's wiring harness upgrade kit. In fact you might want to PM him about your problem. He would probably better tell you what is going on. Roger is a genius
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Old Oct 10, 2006 | 04:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Ironmike4x4
I don't recommend putting a higher amp fuse. If the amps are higher than what the wires are rated for and you have a short to ground then either you have a fire or some burnt wires...

Ditto what Ironmike said. That's asking for trouble...
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Old Oct 10, 2006 | 06:39 AM
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Ditto again
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Old Oct 10, 2006 | 03:14 PM
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From: so.cal
ditto X3, but a higher amp fuse should not cause what he is talking about, its a safety feature, a 10A and a 15A should both let 10A flow w/o causing a voltage drop.
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