Headlight issues

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Big Brown

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New to the forum ladies and gentlemen. Have an 87 suburban that has been recently blowing the drivers side headlight. And I mean completely popping the bulb to a fine dust. Was told it could be the three prong plug having a short. But the plug looks fine, no noticeable wiring issues.
Has anyone had this problem, and if so what was the cure?
Any help is appreciated. Thanks
 

bucket

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I've never really seen the problem with sealed beams, but a lot of newer vehicles can have that issue (particularly with turn signals). Usually it's caused by a weak connection in the bulb socket. Going off that, I'd guess your bulb connector is the culprit.
 

Honky Kong jr

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Check the plug to make sure the whole connector is there the springy part likes to rot off and doesn't make very good contact. And welcome to the forum.
 

Big Brown

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Check the plug to make sure the whole connector is there the springy part likes to rot off and doesn't make very good contact. And welcome to the forum.
That makes sense because I see no spring lol
And thanks guys
 

Big Brown

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Well, I found no spring. In either of the plugs.
According to my battery tester I'm get strong voltage at the plug. Wondering if I could be getting a voltage spike.. but if that is the case I don't see why the other one is fine.
Maybe I bite the bullet and install a new plug. And waste a headlight....again lol
 

chengny

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Well, I found no spring. In either of the plugs.
According to my battery tester I'm get strong voltage at the plug. Wondering if I could be getting a voltage spike.. but if that is the case I don't see why the other one is fine.
Maybe I bite the bullet and install a new plug. And waste a headlight....again lol


Did this just start happening out of the blue and without any recent repairs/modifications?

Also, just to be sure, you are running standard factory sealed beams (1A1 & 2A1) - not aftermarket headlights with replaceable halogen lamps - correct?
 

Big Brown

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Did this just start happening out of the blue and without any recent repairs/modifications?

Also, just to be sure, you are running standard factory sealed beams (1A1 & 2A1) - not aftermarket headlights with replaceable halogen lamps - correct?
Yep, a while back a mower or something kicked up a rock and broke the lens of the headlight. Replaced it with a sealed beam halogen (Sylvania 6054) and then the next week saw it was out. Replaced it again and the same thing happened a few days later. The plug fits on there nice and tight also. I'm at a loss lol
It's even all fogged up from the gas out of the bulb.
 

Oldrider

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Replace the plug. Check the insulation on the wires back through the frame.
 

Big Brown

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Insulation looks fine back to firewall. I think I might have to replace the plug and see what happens
 

Cuba

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The connection being loose or too corroded is the only thing I can come up with for "burning" up the bulbs like that. Weak electrical contacts cause heat and draw extra amps...

So good call on replacing those connectors. They're not too expensive anyway.
 

Big Brown

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Well, finally got around to replacing the plug and the headlight.
I think the plug was the issue. Working just fine now.
Thanks for the help everyone
 

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