exponential Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Hi guys. Just a quick one. On starting my car this morning, I noticed that only one of my dipped beams came on so I thought, great, will have to buy new bulbs then 30 ish seconds later as I'm starting to drive off, the other dipped beam came on? This has never happened before. Any ideas as to why this would happen and if so, what would cause it?? Mike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjt Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 I'd guess the bulb had blown and the movement of the car caused the ends of the broken filament to touch and weld together. This will be a weak spot so it's quite likely to go again before too long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigD Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Never heard of that before. Not convinced by what Mike said because the filament would be stone cold with no current through it - not to mention the billion to one chance of the ends touching anyway. There is no way it would weld itself together. I'd be more inclined to think that you might have a problem with the wiring. Check the multiplug at the back of the headlight for any sign of corrosion, and give it a spray of switch cleaner while you're in there (not WD40). You could also check the connectors and terminals for each bulb to make sure there's nothing there that shouldn't be there, i.e. dirt, rust, water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 13, 2014 Author Share Posted February 13, 2014 Yeah, I'm thinking about faulty wiring to be honest. Had the odd niggle here and there like the radio switching off and on again at random and flickering lights. Pinpointing an electrical fault though is a tricky affair!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigD Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Now that you've said that, I'm thinking there's a faulty earth. I have no idea where all the earthing points are on your car but I'd wager a large turnip that all the problems you've had share a common earth. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjt Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Well, BigD, if I had a large turnip I'd take you on. :D My money's still on the bulb. It'll be interesting to see who's right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 13, 2014 Author Share Posted February 13, 2014 I'll see your turnip and raise you an asparagus for probably being correct bigD. It's in the garage next week so I'll get them to check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 13, 2014 Author Share Posted February 13, 2014 They're new (2 month old) bulbs mjt so I can't see it being that bud.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjt Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Ah - that does put a slightly different complexion on it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 13, 2014 Author Share Posted February 13, 2014 Will report back with any answers once it has been looked at. Mike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke23 tdci Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Mine did this one bulb would flick on and off when driving. Be on for days then off for 5 mins then back on. Quick question what bulbs do u have in at the moment ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share Posted February 14, 2014 I went for the cheap option pal... Don't know if that is the problem? Could be I guess... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesm182 Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Cheap bulbs are cheap for a reason generally. I have seen some pretty poorly made Chinese bulbs in the past so my money would still be on the bulbs. Give some quality OE spec ones from Osram of Phillips a try and see how you get on :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share Posted February 14, 2014 Yeah. I agree completely mate. I never buy cheap usually but people were raving about these but to be honest, I might aswel put two candles on the front of my car for all the light they produce! Might give the nightbreakers a go? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjt Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Never heard of that before. Not convinced by what Mike said because the filament would be stone cold with no current through it - not to mention the billion to one chance of the ends touching anyway. There is no way it would weld itself together. The way it works is that if the ends touch they form a high-resistance connection that instantaneously gets hot enough to spot-weld them together. I've had this happen so I know it can though admittedly that wasn't with a headlamp bulb. If Exponential takes the bulb out it would be interesting to have a look with a magnifier to see if anything like this has happened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share Posted February 14, 2014 Im leaning towards the nightbreakers but am concerned about longevity....any recommendations guys. P.S I will take a pic of the left hand bulb once the new ones arrive (when I've decided on which to go for). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke23 tdci Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Ye I'd go with the night breakers. I've had them fitted since jan and much better than crappy bulbs. The life time says it's not so great but it's got to be better than buying cheap bulbs from china. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigD Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I have Philips Bluevisions, had them coming up to two years now. I really should get some spares in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share Posted February 14, 2014 I'm reading thathe the nightbreakers are quite bad for not lasting too long so I may plumb for the bluevisions I think... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jg321 Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 My nightbreakers lasted less than a year. Both blew within a week of each other. Back to Halfords standard now, much more important things to do than battle with those headlights! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share Posted February 14, 2014 I might give the Philips xtreme a try, think they're an update on the blue vision? Nightbreakers don't seem to last (in the majority of cases anyway) so will skip them.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigD Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 Maybe they're called Night Breakers, because that's what happens to them, and when? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share Posted February 14, 2014 LOL Good one! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share Posted February 14, 2014 Guys. Is it an H7 I need for dipped beam? I've looked online and it says H7 but it's a 59 plate mk2.5 estate and there's only reference to mk2 or mk3. Don't shoot me down for asking! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exponential Posted February 14, 2014 Author Share Posted February 14, 2014 Just read the bulb list......lol H7 it is then. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Ford UK Shop
Sponsored Ad
Name: eBay
Ford Model: FordUK Shop
Ford Year: 2024
Latest Deals
Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessoriesDisclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.