Here's what I know for sure...it isn't strictly a wiring thing...and I'm guessing the wiring isnt a problem at all. The tail light burned out...then a week later, one of the front headlights...then the other morning, the other one went out when I was going to work in the dark. I was getting quite nervous, but I tried the brights and they still worked! When I discovered that I knew it couldnt be strictly bad wires. I checked the bulbs, and indeed they were all blackened and burnt out. Replacing them fixed the problem, but who knows for how long. What is causing my bulbs to burn out? If its a power surge, I thought that fuses prevent this?! I know my battery isnt the greatest, because even when it was new it took a few cranks to get the engine going (my Dad has the same carrand his batt starts the car instantly). But at the same time this seems like an unlikely cause. I know Tauruses have a history of alternator problems, so this might be it too. Which is more likely?
2006-10-05 13:49:58 · 7 answers · asked by CocoaBean316 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
BTW it isnt about cheap bulbs...I had (relatively) expensive Xenons in there. Plus the odds of 3 lights going bad w/in 2 weeks of eachother is kind of miniscule.
2006-10-05 14:07:04 · update #1
it wouldn't be the alternator because if it goes bad you'll lose power not have power surges. It's probably not a bad fuse. it could just be that all the bulbs were replaced at the same time so they'll all blow at about the same time. I agree that its probably not a wiring problem either because that wouldn't create a surge either.
2006-10-05 13:59:10 · answer #1 · answered by joltinjoedimagio 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are lights dimmer or brighter than what you think would be normal. A bad voltage regulator will cause the alternator to produce the improper voltage. Have someone with a digital voltmeter check the alternator voltage output when the car is idling and again when the engine is running much faster say 2000 or rpm. If you don't have a tach, just hold down on the accelerator pedal until the engine speeds up quite a bit. A bad voltage regulator will cause the alternator voltage to exceed 14 volts and exceeding 14 volts will burn out your bulbs. It can also damage your car's computer.
2006-10-05 13:57:29 · answer #2 · answered by notadeadbeat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check all of your ground wires...there should be one coming off the battery to the body...sometimes these look good bur aren't...just grab it and give it a good tug...if it breaks then there is most likely your problem...just simply get a connector to repair the wire and you will be on your way. Also check the other ground wires ...they will for the most part be attatched to the frame...they will be black in color. this sounds like a ground wire problem to me. Also...if that don't fix it...pull the step board where the driver door opens...the wires to the rear of the car go through there...look and see if one of them isn't bad.
Hope this helps
2006-10-05 13:58:33 · answer #3 · answered by Kenneth S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Install the genuine head/tail lights manufactured by the same company as the car.
2006-10-05 14:00:07 · answer #4 · answered by Sam X9 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to get that checked you might have a short fuse or a loose wire. it could also be the alternator or starter.
2006-10-05 13:57:44 · answer #5 · answered by redbone001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Instead of the el' cheapos that they keep putting in your car, try the long life kind. Good luck.
2006-10-05 13:52:38 · answer #6 · answered by Silverstang 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have your electrical system checked, sounds like your getting an over voltage condition.
2006-10-05 13:57:53 · answer #7 · answered by Pobept 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋