View Full Version : Warning aftermarket headlamp bulbs
Bradley G
11-29-2006, 09:47 AM
Just a warning to the members,
I used aftermarket Headlamp bulbs, Silverstars,
My connecters melted, resulting in no headlamp operation.
My not be related,to the higher wattage they require.
The dealer will only replace, with oem.
Vortech347
11-29-2006, 09:59 AM
I learned this lesson with my SHO. Don't ever run higher wattage bulbs than stock. Ford has a hard enough time putting the correct size wiring in for the stock bulbs. The Fox Mustangs have the wrong gauge wire and will frequently melt if you don't install your own relay system.
To properly install higher wattage bulbs you need to get a heavy duty harness adaptor.
Haggis
11-29-2006, 10:01 AM
Just a warning to the members,
I used aftermarket Headlamp bulbs, Silverstars,
My connecters melted, resulting in no headlamp operation.
My not be related,to the higher wattage they require.
The dealer will only replace, with oem.
Huh...I have had mine in for 3 yrs now and no problems. :dunno:
I had problems with my aftermarket headlights in 2004.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8493&highlight=street+glow
Rider90
11-29-2006, 10:14 AM
Huh...I have had mine in for 3 yrs now and no problems. :dunno:
Two years for me, heads and fogs, no problems. Possibly a quality control issue from either side?
KillJoy
11-29-2006, 10:15 AM
Also running Silverstars....no problem at all.
Perhaps now would be a good time to install the Relay Mod??
KillJoy
Bradley G
11-29-2006, 10:26 AM
I was just thinking of the time , almost a year ago, I shorted the battery cable to the block.
That may have contributed to the headlamp connector(s) failure.
KillJoy
11-29-2006, 10:30 AM
I was just thinking of the time , almost a year ago, I shorted the battery cable to the block.
That may have contributed to the headlamp connector(s) failure.
Yup.....that COULD do it. Or...it could be just a fluke???
KillJoy
MM_BKK
11-29-2006, 10:30 AM
My car's previous owner had the 100W Silverstar installed and they also melted my factory connectors which are only rated for 65W. Which is why I switched to HIDs, they only draw 35W and is at least 2.5 times brighter than the 100W Silverstar that were in my car. The first time that I turn my HIDs on at night I was in shock and awe at how bright they are.
KillJoy
11-29-2006, 10:56 AM
I switched to HIDs, they only draw 35W and is at least 2.5 times brighter than the 100W Silverstar that were in my car. The first time that I turn my HIDs on at night I was in shock and awe at how bright they are.
Got a linky???
KillJoy
fastblackmerc
11-29-2006, 11:43 AM
I've had my Silverstars (head & fogs) in for at least 2 years, with no problems.
grampaws
11-29-2006, 11:57 AM
5years in 4 different fords and no problems
other than they burnt out a little sooner..
1 1/2 to two years average regular use..
Using bulbs greater than 70watts will
burn up most auto headlight wiring..
MM_BKK
11-29-2006, 12:17 PM
There's auction going on all the time for them on ebay. Here's the seller that I got my system from. I've found that he's got the lowest total price with shipping on ebay. As far as color goes, IMO I would go with 6000 K. It's got a slight bluish tint to it that's not over the top, unless of course you really want to stand out of the crowd and you could go with 10000 K or higher.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Bi-xenon-HID-Conversion-Kit-H4-H13-9004-9007-Dual-Bi_W0QQitemZ170045925047QQihZ0 07QQcategoryZ20334QQssPageName ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Master
11-29-2006, 12:29 PM
Is there a comprehensive "Relay Kit" forum out here somewhere? When I do searches, I find I could be rummaging all day to find the useful thread. The relay kit plus HID would be a good combo, I would think.
KillJoy
11-29-2006, 12:45 PM
Funny you should ask....
I am working on something as I type ;)
KillJoy
Hotrauder
11-29-2006, 01:04 PM
I am using PIAA Extreme White Plus-Cool Blue white, 4000K 65/55 equiv. 120/110. More light and handled by OEM wiring. they are also avail in 100W. Perhaps the Silver Stars are also available in the different wattages and that may explain why some melt and others do not?? Dennis
Master
11-29-2006, 01:19 PM
Send me the link when its ready? Will it work with the DRLs? Every Canadian car has them, so its important up here that any conversions work with the DRLs.
duhtroll
11-29-2006, 01:20 PM
I have also had Silverstars 3 years w/no problems.
MM_BKK
11-29-2006, 01:22 PM
If you are using aftermarkets bulbs that is drawing 100W or more, you WILL eventually melt the connectors and/or the wiring. :)
Dennis Reinhart
11-29-2006, 01:32 PM
Just a warning to the members,
I used aftermarket Headlamp bulbs, Silverstars,
My connecters melted, resulting in no headlamp operation.
My not be related,to the higher wattage they require.
The dealer will only replace, with oem.
I have Sylvania silver stars, 9007 ST and I have on coming traffic flashing there lights on and off at me when I am on low beams. I just pulled a headlight getting ready to go to Gainesville tonight and I looked at both connectors and there pristine, so I have no idea why you are having this issue, I don't want mine any brighter or the Police are going to get involved, none of us want that especially after having a cold :beer:. There is a upgraded plug and play harness available that uses a external relay to apply battery power to the head lights, and it uses the OEM signal lead wire to activate the head lights, but this is close to 75.00 but I could see about a GB, if there is enough interest, I am not having any issues so far. Also the ST are now being offered in a lower wattage but are still the same candle power.
Master
11-29-2006, 01:42 PM
For my money, I'd love to GB the HIDs AND the relay kit. be a nice conversion all around. How about that one?
KillJoy
11-29-2006, 01:48 PM
There is a upgraded plug and play harness available that uses a external relay to apply battery power to the head lights, and it uses the OEM signal lead wire to activate the head lights, but this is close to 75.00 but I could see about a GB, if there is enough interest, I am not having any issues so far.
I would be interested as well. ;)
KillJoy
gonzo50
11-29-2006, 02:04 PM
Huh...I have had mine in for 3 yrs now and no problems. :dunno:
I'm getting closer to the four year mark with my SilverStars in, and no problems here too.....:confused:
RF Overlord
11-29-2006, 02:25 PM
3 years with SilverStars and no problems with the connectors...
ckadiddle
11-29-2006, 02:36 PM
Posts 24 and 25 above are why I purchased Silverstar bulbs. I try to let the rest of youse guys test things out for me!
Dr Caleb
11-29-2006, 02:59 PM
For my money, I'd love to GB the HIDs AND the relay kit. be a nice conversion all around. How about that one?
Illegal. Transport Canada doesn't allow anything not DOT approved, and IIRC, there are no aftermarket HID's that are DOT approved.
grampaws
11-29-2006, 04:45 PM
Illegal. Transport Canada doesn't allow anything not DOT approved, and IIRC, there are no aftermarket HID's that are DOT approved.
Even exceeding the 55/65 watt bulbs can result in a ticket..
The wattage is regulated in Canada..
MM_BKK
11-29-2006, 07:04 PM
So how about "Tail lights blacked out" mod, are they DOT approved in Canada?
03SILVERSTREAK
11-29-2006, 11:19 PM
Two years for me, heads and fogs, no problems. Possibly a quality control issue from either side?
Samething here no problems whatsoever...
MM_BKK
11-30-2006, 07:55 AM
It doesn't matter what aftermarket bulbs are used as long as the stock wattage is kept, there SHOULDN'T be any problems with melted connector or wiring. When the wattage is increased to 100W or more that's when there'll be problem down the road. When the current is increased in a circuit and if the wiring or connectors are not rated for, they WILL BE running hotter than before. Like Dennis said, there are relay kits and heavy duty connector upgrades for them so that you could run the higher wattage safely. My car's previous owner had installed 100W bulbs and one day I noticed one of the bulb was out, so I began to replace the bulb and that's when I noticed my connector was totally melted. A few people on this thread had this problem, we're not making this up. If you're not having the problem, that's great! All I'm saying is it can happen IF the bulbs WATTAGE has been increased without using the relay kit and upgrading the connectors. Peace! :)
ckadiddle
11-30-2006, 08:30 AM
I googled...the Silverstar headlights are 55watt/65watt so I should be fine.
Dr Caleb
11-30-2006, 10:34 AM
So how about "Tail lights blacked out" mod, are they DOT approved in Canada?
Transport Canada adopts many regulations that are approved by the DOT to harmonze vehicles for both the US and Canadadian roads. So long as the tail lamp visible area meets minimum requirements for area and brightness - yes.
http://www.tc.gc.ca/acts-regulations/GENERAL/m/mvsa/regulations/mvsrg/100/mvsr108.html
No need to get snarky.
Master
11-30-2006, 10:46 AM
Wattage is a funny way to regulate lights. Wattage is merely a measure of consumed power and not a measure of lumens, frequency, intensity - the things that really matter. Its a carryover from home lighting systems that were incandescent, always rated by W since with a common technology it could provide its own scale. More watts meant a brighter light. Not so now days, either at home or in the car.
I could put a 55W bulb in a car that produces 500,000 cp at the 1000kHz in an area of 1ft-sq or a 55W bulb that produces 1,000,000 cp at 6000KHz in 0.3ft-sq. Which one would you rather meet on the highway? They are both 55W. Government agencies are pretty dumb.
grampaws
11-30-2006, 02:05 PM
No motor vehicle shall carry on the front thereof more than four lighted lamps that project a beam having an intensity of over 300 candela. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 62 (9).
This is the spec for the max lighting for the front of a vehicle..
Halogen H/lamps at 65amps are the limit of this spec..
Bradley G
11-30-2006, 05:21 PM
Ford has a TSB regarding aftermarket headlamp/ foglamp bulbs.
I got the whole thing read aloud to me, by my friend. (service manager):o
I am not sure if this contributed to my particular failure.
I have the Daytime running lamp module installed by the selling dealer.
I got a lookie see at the failed connectors today, they are toasted :flamer:
I looked at the bulbs they have 55/100 stamped on them(base).
I would not intentionally over drive the circut(s) and components.
I thought these are/were safe to use in the Marauder, based on much like the responses' here.
Your results may vary!
Master
11-30-2006, 07:09 PM
Is this the same law book that says our motor carriages must be preceeded at night by a footman not less than twenty paces ahead bearing a lighted lamp? I'm not sure if the new Mercedes was subject to this law. Their headlightss are brutal!
talalman
12-02-2006, 01:40 AM
GOOD LUCK
eimil Talalman2004@hotmail.comMY car MAURUDER 2003
MarauderMark
12-02-2006, 04:09 AM
GOOD LUCK
eimil Talalman2004@hotmail.comMY car MAURUDER 2003
:welcome: aboard:up:
2 1/2 yrs w/ silverstars. so far so good.:coolman:
jgc61sr2002
12-02-2006, 07:07 PM
Welcome to the MM site.:D
MENINBLK
12-02-2006, 08:00 PM
I wouldn't say that it only happens with Aftermarket bulbs...
I am using Sylvania H1 bulbs as replacements for the OEM Fog Lamps bulbs.
I used SilverStar twice for the fog lamps and I won't use them anymore.
Their fog lamps are rated at 1000 hours (ONE THOUSAND).
I can't see paying 10 times the price of an H1 bulb to get
only 1/100th the life of the bulb.
Anyway, the Syvania plain old H1s are melting my sockets too.
I think it is just the cheap **** that FORD uses for the sockets.
I have been using SilverStar 9007 lamps for the 9007 headlamps
without any problems to the sockets.
They are rated EXACTLY THE SAME as the OEM bulbs.
MENINBLK
12-02-2006, 08:01 PM
I'm getting closer to the four year mark with my SilverStars in, and no problems here too.....:confused:
2 1/2 yrs w/ silverstars. so far so good.:coolman:
After 2 1/2 years you need to replace them.
The light output diminished with time,
and you won't notice the gradual change.
You will see the difference with a new pair of bulbs...
MarauderMark
12-03-2006, 04:11 AM
After 2 1/2 years you need to replace them.
The light output diminished with time,
and you won't notice the gradual change.
You will see the difference with a new pair of bulbs...
Thank you for the info sir i didn't know that.i just happen to have anew pack sitting here.:D
Bradley G
12-03-2006, 04:32 AM
OK, drove the MM home last night.
It got to sit inside the dealer garage, a few days, till the storm cleared.
Both headlamp bulbs replaced and both foglamps and all new connectors replaced.
Plus, they replaced my wiper motor due to irratic behavior.(blades stopped in the middle of wipe cycle, swich on).
I had a discussion with some of the techs, they claim they have seen the aftermarket bulbs, actually melt the connectors, to the headlamp housings, de$troying both!
I realize once again, that many people have been using these for, X# of years.
I thought the aftermarket bulbs were more stable than earlier versions.
In my case, they were not.
Mine were in for just over a year.
They would still be there, if I did not have the meltdown.
AzMarauder
12-03-2006, 07:55 PM
There is a upgraded plug and play harness available that uses a external relay to apply battery power to the head lights, and it uses the OEM signal lead wire to activate the head lights, but this is close to 75.00 but I could see about a GB, if there is enough interest,
I would be interested in this as well.
Tony_the_Brit
12-03-2006, 08:37 PM
I have the HID's from ADTR - no more trouble seeing at night! The Silverstars I had before (60,000 miles) gave no trouble.
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