Blown headlights

[Ryan]

For some strange reason the headlights on my 97 legacy GTB only last a
couple of months max before they blow, I have checked the earthings and they
all seem fine and have had the alternator checked out also. I thought this
may be something subaru specific that someone else has encounted.

Suggestions??

Ryan

 

[Jim Stewart]

For some strange reason the headlights on my 97 legacy GTB only last a
couple of months max before they blow, I have checked the earthings and they
all seem fine and have had the alternator checked out also. I thought this
may be something subaru specific that someone else has encounted.
Suggestions??

A) Don't get fingerprints on the bulbs
B) Check the connectors for oxidation/corrosion

 

[Henry Paul]

I had this problem on a Mazda MPV mini-van. It ended up that the voltage
regulator in the alternator blew and anytime the engine got a fair amount of
RPMs the headlights would blow.

I'm not sure what design Subaru uses for voltage regulator. Some have it
inside the alternator, some separate from it, and some have one in the
alternator and another one separate in the system.

 

[Rick Courtright]

A) Don't get fingerprints on the bulbs
B) Check the connectors for oxidation/corrosion

Add check voltage at the bulb connector to the list. I had a car years
ago that ate one headlight consistently. Turns out it had a voltage drop
at that side of nearly 2v. Mighty hard on halogen bulbs. BTW, if you DO
get fingerprints on the bulbs, a bit of alcohol on a tissue takes 'em
right off. I clean mine before installation just on principle.

Rick