Constant Headlight Blows

GordonG · **Reply #150: November 10, 2011, 12:47:51**

Okay, the latest is that I got a call from the Service Manager asking me to bring the car back, which I did, and while they fed me coffee the workshop foreman fixed the problem of misalignment. All over in 15 minutes. Got a follow-up call from the Service Manager today to check everything was okay. Told him it was fine, and that I've ordered a pair of Xenon globes for it from eBay (about $AUD40), he said they would be happy to fix them for me. Agrees that it's not exactly clever for everything else to be disabled while the starter is engaged - except the headlights.

neoto · **Reply #151: November 13, 2011, 15:19:31**

@steinrk: We definately have some differences in the alternator settings. See the graphs below - I logged the voltages over OBD-II at 10 Hz.

After the initial drop in voltage due to engine starting, there is a nice linear ramp from 11.5 V to 14.5 V (normal charging voltage for the car battery).

neoto · **Reply #152: November 14, 2011, 07:24:18**

A few hours after the last post, left headlight bulb died... First one after 28500 km.

Phil №❶ · **Reply #153: November 14, 2011, 07:41:18**

This site suggests that 13.2 volts is the correct operating voltage.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Prevent-Your-Headlight-Bulbs-From-Blowing-Too-Frequently&id=3219913

neoto · **Reply #154: November 14, 2011, 09:03:56**

Quote from: 847563 on November 14, 2011, 07:41:18

This site suggests that 13.2 volts is the correct operating voltage.

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Prevent-Your-Headlight-Bulbs-From-Blowing-Too-Frequently&id=3219913

The above site states

Quote

...The typical expected lifespan of a standard halogen headlight bulb is around 350 to 400 hours...

I have done 28500 km with the average speed of 76 km/h - that gives 375 hours, which is apparently normal lifetime

Anyway, the car has an appointment today at Hyundai dealer to replace the bulb under the warranty.

constipated · **Reply #155: November 14, 2011, 10:31:08**

Quote from: neoto on November 14, 2011, 09:03:56

Anyway, the car has an appointment today at Hyundai dealer to replace the bulb under the warranty.

Would they do it under warranty at that age. I would have thought they would have said it was a wear item by then thus not under warranty.

neoto · **Reply #156: November 14, 2011, 12:43:16**

They did replace it, no questions asked.
I was planning to replace it myself this afternoon, but I stumbled upon a discussion on the slovenian Hyundai forum, where someone stated that Hyundai gives 2 years warranty on light bulbs.

Pikapolonica · **Reply #157: November 15, 2011, 01:46:31**

I'm having this problem too. Most recently, both globes were blown when I went to turn my lights on after finishing work....at midnight. I called RACV but they couldn't do anything as 1: He didn't have the globes anyway and 2: If he did, he'd have to take the whole bumper off yada yada yada.

I had to call my sister to come and get me (an hour up, an hour back). Had to leave my car at work and then had to come back the following morning with dad. He took my car to Huyndai, got the new globes and the fuse replaced in my cigarette lighter, as I don't think it ever worked (could never charge my phone and the lighter didn't even heat up, wouldn't even stay in when pushed).

$100 later...

I think both sides have already blown on 2 occasions, both times they were fixed at home. A bit tricky, but it was done.

rustynutz · **Reply #158: November 15, 2011, 02:03:51**

I'd be pretty cheesed off with the RACV's response.....

Pikapolonica · **Reply #159: November 15, 2011, 02:08:50**

I was....called at midnight, they came at 1am, had to call my sister, who arrived at 2am, bed at 3am and up again at 6am for 8am start at work.

Grumpy me on Friday.

rustynutz · **Reply #160: November 15, 2011, 02:22:51**

I bet you were grumpy...

At the very least you'd think the RACV could've organised a taxi....

Pikapolonica · **Reply #161: November 15, 2011, 02:39:08**

Well he did tell me it would be a 'very expensive tow'.

And no offer of taxi.

WTF am I paying them for?

neoto · **Reply #162: November 15, 2011, 06:12:04**

@Pikapolonica: just short off-topic - where did you get your nickname?

Dazzler · **Reply #163: November 15, 2011, 08:46:22**

Sorry to hear that PP, I would have been right peeved too...

Pikapolonica · **Reply #164: November 15, 2011, 22:13:16**

Quote from: neoto on November 15, 2011, 06:12:04

@Pikapolonica: just short off-topic - where did you get your nickname?

Mama in ata so bili rojeni v Sloveniji:)

Zato moj vzdevek je Slovensko:)

neoto · **Reply #165: November 16, 2011, 06:04:53**

Quote from: Pikapolonica on November 15, 2011, 22:13:16

Quote from: neoto on November 15, 2011, 06:12:04
@Pikapolonica: just short off-topic - where did you get your nickname?

Mama in ata so bili rojeni v Sloveniji:)

Zato moj vzdevek je Slovensko:)

I thought it was something like that

Lepe pozdrave v poletno Avstralijo!

Phil №❶ · **Reply #166: November 17, 2011, 11:27:27**

This discussion has highlighted a couple of points that need to be considered.

1. In some European countries, there is a requirement to drive with headlights on at all times. If the average lamp life is between 200 - 400 hours, depending on the brand & intensity, it will be normal for lamps to burn out at regular intervals and is not a fault with the vehicle electrics at all.

2. There are a number of members whose lights are clearly not lasting anywhere near their normal lifespan, to these people, I have purchased some equipment that I will commence testing as soon as it arrives from overseas. It is not overly expensive and may offer a solution to your problems. I'll keep you posted.

Dazzler · **Reply #167: November 17, 2011, 11:32:50**

Sounds good Phil...

ElleB · **Reply #168: November 20, 2011, 10:28:36**

Just did another Passangers bulb...10,600 KM... 3 1/2 months..

Elle B

Dazzler · **Reply #169: November 20, 2011, 11:08:13**

Quote from: ElleB on November 20, 2011, 10:28:36

Just did another Passangers bulb...10,600 KM... 3 1/2 months..

Elle B

2i30s · **Reply #170: November 20, 2011, 11:12:14**

i blew my first head light globe only two days ago,and yes it was only seconds after starting my car.

l/h side.

rustynutz · **Reply #171: April 25, 2012, 16:46:46**

Well, I had one of my Osram Night Breaker Plus H7 globes blow yesterday....

It's been 14 months since I installed them so I guess that's not too bad. I replaced it (for the moment) with one of the originals.
I've just ordered another full set (both high & low) from the UK as I figure the others are probably not that far from blowing too.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #172: May 01, 2012, 08:55:05**

Quote from: rustynutz on April 25, 2012, 16:46:46

Well, I had one of my Osram Night Breaker Plus H7 globes blow yesterday....

It's been 14 months since I installed them so I guess that's not too bad. I replaced it (for the moment) with one of the originals.
I've just ordered another full set (both high & low) from the UK as I figure the others are probably not that far from blowing too.

I haven't had a single blow in three years

rustynutz · **Reply #173: May 01, 2012, 10:42:58**

Dave, are you running Night Breakers too, or are you referring to your love life?

rustynutz · **Reply #174: May 08, 2012, 04:12:57**

Quote from: rustynutz on April 25, 2012, 16:46:46

Well, I had one of my Osram Night Breaker Plus H7 globes blow yesterday....

It's been 14 months since I installed them so I guess that's not too bad. I replaced it (for the moment) with one of the originals.
I've just ordered another full set (both high & low) from the UK as I figure the others are probably not that far from blowing too.

My new Night Breakers arrived today.
I certainly can't complain about the service and I reckon $44 including shipping was a bargain....

Dazzler · **Reply #175: May 08, 2012, 11:11:45**

That's good value Rusty

accim · **Reply #176: May 08, 2012, 12:02:55**

Quote from: db08 on May 01, 2012, 08:55:05

Quote from: rustynutz on April 25, 2012, 16:46:46
Well, I had one of my Osram Night Breaker Plus H7 globes blow yesterday....

It's been 14 months since I installed them so I guess that's not too bad. I replaced it (for the moment) with one of the originals.
I've just ordered another full set (both high & low) from the UK as I figure the others are probably not that far from blowing too.

I haven't had a single blow in three years

Do you have your lights on all the time? Day & night?

I'm still running on xenon kit from previous i30 and still working fine.

SteenP · **Reply #177: May 14, 2012, 19:08:41**

I've just blown another headlight bulb, think it's number 8 in 43000 km. I allways change them in pairs.
This time I bought Osram Night Breaker Plus, but without luck, they didn't last longer.

I've measured the voltage on the battery and with the engine running its 14,2 volt. That might explain the short life of a bulb.
It's getting quite expensive in bulbs if I've gonna change every 6000 km.

Asterix · **Reply #178: May 14, 2012, 19:42:49**

Hi Steen

Peugeot had some problems with lots of blown headlights, maybe they have a solution that can also be used on the i30..

AlanHo · **Reply #179: May 14, 2012, 19:45:17**

I recall reading a test in the UK Auto Express magazine of H7 globes. They tested standard and high light emission bulbs from several manufacturers including Osram, Phillips, Autolamps etc.

Their conclusion was that if you go for globes with a higher light output than standard ones - the price you pay is reduced bulb life.

The winner of the high output bulb test was the Philips X-Treme Vision which gave a 120% increase in light output but a life of only 50% compared with standard bulbs. They cost £30 per pair.

Second was the Philips VisionPLus which gave a 50% increase in light output and a life of 75% compared with standard bulbs. They cost £23 per pair.