Fire Hazard (?) Rear Overhead Lamps

[Rider90]

I'm in the process of changing all my interior bulbs to red and upon doing the lights above the back seat I noticed some smoke after installing the new [red] bulbs. "So it must be a crappy bulb..." I pull it out, put the stock one in, and observe. Sure enough, it smokes too! The plastic just above the bulb is melting. I don't think these lights have been used more than once, could that be a reason? Is this normal some how? This same light setup has been used on Town Cars for a long time. Can this be a fire hazard? You cannot tell it is smoking with the covers on, those covers seal very well by the looks of them.

[wchain]

Perhaps its the first time and some of that new plastic residue is burning off in there? I've never used mine....

[ckadiddle]

I had the Marauder several weeks before someone pointed out the rear set lights to me. Changing interior lights to red? That's a creative idea - I trust you'l post pics when you get things the way you want them? I don't think I would do it to mine, but I always love to see what ideas the rest of you guys come up with! I am pretty dull-witted and cannot come up with any original ideas on my own. :)

[MarauderMarc]

Ive only used the back lights when I was looking for my pants.........

[Rider90]

After an hour of "testing" and taking things apart, I've concluded that the OEM bulbs must not burn as hot as the aftermarket red ones. With OEM, they begin to melt the plastic after 30 seconds and it stops then does not start again. It must be a "Break-In" thing :rolleyes: The red bulbs continue to melt away...OEM bulbs are in, I guess I'll just skip this set of lights...

[King Fubar]

Try red nail polish on the oem bulbs

[wchain]

Try red nail polish on the oem bulbs
Or a red sharpie!

[ckadiddle]

Redrum! Redrum!











(Too much sugar intake today.)

[twolow]

What I have done in the past (but haven't yet on the MM) is buy some brake light repair tape (sold at auto stores to tape over a broken tail light so it still illuminates red) and line the inside of the overhead clear plastic cover with it...you end up with the same effect but without changing the bulbs out and the tape can withstand a good degree of heat. No problems in the past.

[Blackened300a]

Ill make it simple. You touched the bulbs! I been through this before with colored bulbs, If you touch them, the oil on your fingers leave a residue and it will smoke and discolor the bulb. It sucks but you'll have to use gloves to insert them. Same deal with the OEM, If you have sweaty oily fingers and handle the bulbs, they will smoke. Its the same Reason why you cannot touch a Halegen Headlight Bulb, The little bit of oil on your fingers will make the bulbs burn up cause of all the heat they are putting out which is Way more then the little interior bulbs! Thats why the headlamps burn out and the little ones Smoke.

[jgc61sr2002]

Ive only used the back lights when I was looking for my pants.........


Ha Ha :rofl: :laugh:

[Rider90]

Ill make it simple. You touched the bulbs! I been through this before with colored bulbs, If you touch them, the oil on your fingers leave a residue and it will smoke and discolor the bulb. It sucks but you'll have to use gloves to insert them. Same deal with the OEM, If you have sweaty oily fingers and handle the bulbs, they will smoke. Its the same Reason why you cannot touch a Halegen Headlight Bulb, The little bit of oil on your fingers will make the bulbs burn up cause of all the heat they are putting out which is Way more then the little interior bulbs! Thats why the headlamps burn out and the little ones Smoke.
I understand your point of view, but here is a picture of what is burning. The copper/brass whatever in the middle is meant to be disconnected but you can see where it is too hot in the center...
http://midwestpanthers.net/assemweb.jpg
Thanks though.

[twolow]

I say use the OEM to be safe, try the brake repair tape and see how it looks.

[Rider90]

I say use the OEM to be safe, try the brake repair tape and see how it looks.
I'll check out the local "Zone" and give that shot. Thanks for the other ideas, fellas.