Driver side fog light keeps burning out?

[License2Bill]

As the title says, the drivers' side fog lamp bulb keeps burning out. This is now the third time in as many weeks. I've gone so far as to even wear clean latex gloves while installing the bulbs, to no avail. I think that would eliminate the oil on the hands causing it to blow. I think it may be a short somewhere but I have no idea where to start looking. These bulbs are too expensive to keep having to replace like this.

-Bill

[fastblackmerc]

As the title says, the drivers' side fog lamp bulb keeps burning out. This is now the third time in as many weeks. I've gone so far as to even wear clean latex gloves while installing the bulbs, to no avail. I think that would eliminate the oil on the hands causing it to blow. I think it may be a short somewhere but I have no idea where to start looking. These bulbs are too expensive to keep having to replace like this.

-Bill

Make sure the seal around the base of the bulb socket is intact and not damaged. The socket should lock into the housing, about a 1/4 turn. You should not handle the halogen bulb as the oils from your fingers will cause the bulb to burn out. Wipe off the bulb with some rubbing alcohol and let it dry before inserting into the housing.

BTW... I have some spare bulbs and sockets if needed.

[License2Bill]

The socket does lock into the housing. I'm wearing gloves to prevent any oils from my hands contaminating the bulbs. Even then, I don't handle the bulb part of the assembly. I just do it as a precaution and have never had an issue before. When I get back from Florida, I'll shoot you a PM about the bulbs.

Side note- I read in one thread that you can remove the shroud and make the fogs brighter or something to that effect. I am confused as to which part actually needs to be removed.

[fastblackmerc]

The socket does lock into the housing. I'm wearing gloves to prevent any oils from my hands contaminating the bulbs. Even then, I don't handle the bulb part of the assembly. I just do it as a precaution and have never had an issue before. When I get back from Florida, I'll shoot you a PM about the bulbs.

Side note- I read in one thread that you can remove the shroud and make the fogs brighter or something to that effect. I am confused as to which part actually needs to be removed.

If you separate the lens from the housing, there is a deflector the can be removed. Just move it from side to side and pull it out. Don't scratch the shiny surface.

[ctrlraven]

What kind of H1 bulbs are you using?

The driver side is usually the most common to go out as it's open to the wheel well area unlike the passenger side which has a full wheel well splash shield in it.

[License2Bill]

I am using Sylvania Silverstars at the moment.

[ctrlraven]

I am using Sylvania Silverstars at the moment.
I've used them twice before, both bulbs lasted maybe 100 hrs of use.

A wise idea would be to go with an HID kit for the foglights, will give you more light output, look better and last a whole lot longer. Fastblackmerc can hook you up with that.

[fastblackmerc]

I've used them twice before, both bulbs lasted maybe 100 hrs of use.

A wise idea would be to go with an HID kit for the foglights, will give you more light output, look better and last a whole lot longer. Fastblackmerc can hook you up with that.

Once you go HIDs, you'll never go back!

[License2Bill]

Once you go HIDs, you'll never go back!

That's what I'm afraid of. I need to nail down a new job first since I lost mine at the beginning of February

[DOOM]

Just move it from side to side and pull it out. Don't scratch the shiny surface.


That's what she said!

[bigmerc'03]

and u wont have to worry about them burning out....HID'S FTW!!!!

[License2Bill]

I had forgotten about this thread. I solved the problem. The bulb itself was not burned out. It was a build up of corrosion inside the little 90* connector piece. I sanded down the contacts and put some dielectric grease in. Lights turned on.

[lji372]

Good to see you found the problem:beer:

[camelgrundle]

Fbm how much are the fog light hid kits?

[fastblackmerc]

Fbm how much are the fog light hid kits?

Here is a link to the price in my forum.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74670

[tbone]

I was going to recommend the di-electric grease and then scrolled down to see you discovered the solution. Glad you got it sorted out.