Faulty Headlamps or bulbs?

[chigram]

Hello All:

This is my first post and reason for joining as I really need help diagnosing the problem with my headlamps. I've taken the time to read posts and now see the issue could be anything from humidity to Sylvania bulbs to wiring. Your insights are great!

I've replaced my bulbs alternately 2-3 times within the last year, which seems far too regular for me. At my last visit to the dealer during oil change, they quoted $250 for labor to remove the bumper. Since it was Halloween, I determined NOT to participate in Trick O Treat, and now both headlamps are out. Where to begin?

Please help this damsel!

[fordem]

The headlamp is a two piece plastic shell, nothing much in there to be faulty - frequent lamp failure can have many causes - certain brands of lamp are reputed to have shorter service lives, incorrect handling during installation can also cause premature failure.

[GSXRMyers]

if you use sylvania bulbs they run hotter and thus do not last as long.
I tried to install a few pair and got a year max out of them. I now run the standard bulbs and they last much longer.

[*Kiwi]

A few more details might be helpful - like why would the dealer quote you to remove the bumper? Year of Grand Vitara, type of lights fitted.

[edsersolis]

Originally Posted by *Kiwi

A few more details might be helpful - like why would the dealer quote you to remove the bumper? Year of Grand Vitara, type of lights fitted.

+1

Also I would advice buying some other brand like Luminics or Philips, however lots of cars bring Sylvania bulbs from factory and they perform well and last long, so don´t know what is happening with yours.

And I don´t know about your location or others in this forum, but where I live halogen bulbs are becoming hard to find, except for the 4300k (factory color). I´ve noticed that even on internet these are becoming rare to find.

So if it´s in you, you could try a HID Conversion.

[Sev3n]

Make sure not to touch the glass of the bulbs when installing, its a common mistake thats all too easy to make. grease from your fingers will cause the bulb to heat beyond operating temps and pop way before it otherwise should.

[DBO]

Originally Posted by chigram

At my last visit to the dealer during oil change, they quoted $250 for labor to remove the bumper.

Wow! I should take up a part time job as 'GV bumper removalist'. Takes all of 10 minutes (and that's with a nudge bar).

Why are they quoting to remove the bumper anyhow? You certainly don't need to in order to replace bulbs (any of them).

First and easiest thing I would suggest trying, is a higher quality brand of bulb. Sure they cost more, but can be worth it if you're having issues. Failing that, get the output checked for voltage spikes etc, by an auto electrician. Faulty alternator or the like can cause some serious electrical gremlins which take patience and know-how to track down and fix.

I can't remember who it was, but there was someone else on the forum a while back who had the same issue. Might be worth doing some searches through the threads to see if you can get any extra tips.

[Sev3n]

Other things Id look for would be inside of the housing you should be able to see if its sealing or not, moisture is bad. Check for loose mounts, as vibration is a killer of bulbs. The last thing I can think of is perhaps a short or running hot, but with proper fuses it shouldnt be likely...

[fordem]

Originally Posted by GSXRMyers

if you use sylvania bulbs they run hotter and thus do not last as long.
I tried to install a few pair and got a year max out of them. I now run the standard bulbs and they last much longer.

I've seen posts like this before and wondered about them - I have three vehicles equipped with Sylvania SilverStars - the first has the original SilverStars which have been in there for a minimum of four years (consider it to be for so long that I don't accurately remember), the second & third have SilverStar Ultras, three years, and one year respectively.

[chigram]

Tahnk you all for your responses. Here's a bit more info as Kiwi and DBO suggested. Up to now, I purchased the bulbs from Autozone at about $25 and either had them or the purchase dealer (Carmax) technician replace them. The riduculous and insulting quote came from Suzuki dealer, where I questioned to inflated quote. Not dressed as the holiday pumpkin, but obviously mistaken for it, he simply said the unit was complex to get to, despite my telling him that I'd had the bulb replaced before. He challenged my response as to my certainty that it was the headlamp.

Edersolis, HID conversion not in me, as I haven't actually tackled the bulb replacement myself. However, I will explorethe unit today as it is now daylite in Chicago to apply what I've learned thus far.

Fordem and Sev3n, can u guide me on accessing the housing unit for moisture checks? Am I under the hood also? Should I do a fuse check? Hi beams and other lights are fine.