1996 Honda Civic EX. Passenger Headlight bulb keeps burning out.
11-15-2013, 01:10 PM
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1996 Honda Civic EX. Passenger Headlight bulb keeps burning out.
Hi guys. I need some help here. I got a 96 Honda Civic, four Passenger. About 5 months ago, my passenger headlight bulb burned out so I bought the a pair of bulbs on ebay that are compatible:
H4 9003 12v 55w OEM Halogen Auto Car Headlights Light Bulb PAIR HIGH/LOW
I replaced the burned out bulb on the passenger side only. Exactly 4 months later, last night to be exact, the new bulb burned out. I got it out and I had never seen a bulb so f..ed up in my life. All black with a big bulge on the side; disfigured. It looked as if 15000 volts had hit it with a vengeance. The previous one wasn't in this state.
So, I replaced that one with the other ebay bulb I had left and this one burned out in less than 1 hour. Same thing, big bulge and black.
Some history:
- Alternator failed about two years ago and mechanic replaced it with a used one. Was working fine so far.
- I installed a used distributor about a year ago and changed spark plugs. Was told later on by a friend that I had missed the "timing" step deal when I installed the distributor. He didn't look at the car, he just told me about it. Been driving the car fine during the last year without doing the timing deal.
- Car is not driven long distances; probably twice a week for 2 miles each day in town. Spends the rest of the time sitting.
- Battery has died multiple times during the last year. Same deal; listening to radio for awhile (sometimes overnight) with engine off.
- I touched both bulbs without putting gloves on, 4 months ago (first bulb) and last night (second bulb). Finger oils might have gotten on them but I think something else is to blame for this one. Bulbs are really really messed up.
- 3 days ago I was listening to the radio for awhile with the engine off and battery died. Jump started it but I didn't re-charge the battery fully, neither the other times (have been having some on/off homelessness problems during the last year). Apparently alternator was/is working fine.
- About a week ago, felt engine hiccups while driving. Was a little bit low on oil so I put some in it and it went away.
- Yesterday morning I tried to start the engine and it misfired for the first time ever but started. Cold morning.
- Driver side headlight and all other lightings, blinkers, etc. are working fine. Never had to replace them.
Do you think the battery has low charge and it is to blame for the bulbs burning out when I start the engine? What could be the problem? A drunk guy last night told me it was most likely the carburator and then asked me for a dollar. :-)
The more suggestions the better. Thank you for your help and let me know if you need to know anything else.
H4 9003 12v 55w OEM Halogen Auto Car Headlights Light Bulb PAIR HIGH/LOW
I replaced the burned out bulb on the passenger side only. Exactly 4 months later, last night to be exact, the new bulb burned out. I got it out and I had never seen a bulb so f..ed up in my life. All black with a big bulge on the side; disfigured. It looked as if 15000 volts had hit it with a vengeance. The previous one wasn't in this state.
So, I replaced that one with the other ebay bulb I had left and this one burned out in less than 1 hour. Same thing, big bulge and black.
Some history:
- Alternator failed about two years ago and mechanic replaced it with a used one. Was working fine so far.
- I installed a used distributor about a year ago and changed spark plugs. Was told later on by a friend that I had missed the "timing" step deal when I installed the distributor. He didn't look at the car, he just told me about it. Been driving the car fine during the last year without doing the timing deal.
- Car is not driven long distances; probably twice a week for 2 miles each day in town. Spends the rest of the time sitting.
- Battery has died multiple times during the last year. Same deal; listening to radio for awhile (sometimes overnight) with engine off.
- I touched both bulbs without putting gloves on, 4 months ago (first bulb) and last night (second bulb). Finger oils might have gotten on them but I think something else is to blame for this one. Bulbs are really really messed up.
- 3 days ago I was listening to the radio for awhile with the engine off and battery died. Jump started it but I didn't re-charge the battery fully, neither the other times (have been having some on/off homelessness problems during the last year). Apparently alternator was/is working fine.
- About a week ago, felt engine hiccups while driving. Was a little bit low on oil so I put some in it and it went away.
- Yesterday morning I tried to start the engine and it misfired for the first time ever but started. Cold morning.
- Driver side headlight and all other lightings, blinkers, etc. are working fine. Never had to replace them.
Do you think the battery has low charge and it is to blame for the bulbs burning out when I start the engine? What could be the problem? A drunk guy last night told me it was most likely the carburator and then asked me for a dollar. :-)
The more suggestions the better. Thank you for your help and let me know if you need to know anything else.
Last edited by jmwhonda; 11-15-2013 at 01:28 PM.
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