Lights!

[dtulip8]

Hi all,

The lights on the Focus seem to be blowing at the moment. First it was the brake light a few months ago, then the sidelight and number plate light (not sure which) failed in October and now the offside dipped beam and the right hand number plate light have gone! Just wondering if thes are connected or whether it’s just coincidence. I guess it’s probably hard to say for sure but even a potential cause would help me.

[F0CUE]

Mines sort of went in that order too check the rear lamps for cracks/water as the brake light holder gets corroded had to replace mines not long ago.

[Botus]

bulbs don't last for ever - cheap replacements will do 10% to 25% of the originals lifespan

with the exception of the headlights were ford have a wiring / software fault that sends over current at every start up

 

 

[isetta]

I bought a light bulb set in Poundland sometime ago. Lunchtime at work I replaced headlamp bulb mk6.5 fiesta, not very easy. Drove 33 miles home at end of day and by time I got home bulb had blown. Bearing in mind effort needed in changing some bulbs cheap bulbs are not worth it, but any bulb can go at any time

[dezwez]

4 hours ago, isetta said:

I bought a light bulb set in Poundland sometime ago. Lunchtime at work I replaced headlamp bulb mk6.5 fiesta, not very easy. Drove 33 miles home at end of day and by time I got home bulb had blown. Bearing in mind effort needed in changing some bulbs cheap bulbs are not worth it, but any bulb can go at any time

Poundland it a wonder it didnt go before you got out of the carpark without it blowing ☺️ 

[dtulip8]

Been using Bosch for my replacements so should last for a decent while hopefully, just irritating that various ones keep going kaput!

[isetta]

My Poundland one may have gone before I got out of car park, I just didn’t notice until I got home

[Micro]

On 1/12/2019 at 10:17 AM, Botus said:

with the exception of the headlights were ford have a wiring / software fault that sends over current at every start up

Voltage spikes are an inherent problem in a cars electrical system due to the starter motor, alternator, and other components (relays if not properly filtered!) -  filament bulbs tend to draw the most current when cold, and increase in resistance as they warm up (hence why they normally go when first turned on!). No amount of software or wiring can prevent this. The other systems in the car will have appropriate filtering on their power supplies to ensure that clean power is provided to the delicate electronics and dissipate voltage spikes. The battery also plays a significant role in smoothing out voltage spikes and also voltage drops (hence why duff batteries can cause other intermittent gremlins!)

I fitted a standard relay to my Corsa's electronics (without reverse diode/resistor) and every time it turned off it "stunned" the central locking for about 15 seconds - unlocking all the doors and refusing to then respond to the fob for that time. I chose (more wisely!) relays with an integral flyback diode for my Focus's front cig lighter socket and boot socket.

On 1/12/2019 at 10:05 PM, isetta said:

My Poundland one may have gone before I got out of car park, I just didn’t notice until I got home

😁 Can get Lucas and other known brands from ECP for very few pounds. Currently got a £3 Lucas H7 in one of my headlights, and a borrowed Osram bulb that I intend on returning to it's original owner once I no longer have a use for it in the other...

[dtulip8]

Fixed it myself today, quite easy to do and I'll be honest its pretty much the most DIY thing I've done on it so far.

[CrazyInWeston]

On 1/12/2019 at 10:17 AM, Botus said:

with the exception of the headlights were ford have a wiring / software fault that sends over current at every start up

Does that mean it'll flash the lights every time you start the ignition? I made a thread asking why if you know perhaps answer there for future peoples references