Headlight Burning Out Excessively...
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: Southern Illinois
Headlight Burning Out Excessively...
Since I got my 08 fxdc in Oct. of 07, I have gone through 3 HD headlights and 1 after market headlight from Wal-Mart. I always have my brights on during the day for better visibility The dealership checked the electrical system before and everything check out ok. I would greatly appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks1
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
I don't ride with my brights on unless at night and get years of service from my bulbs.
Maybe the added heat is killing them?
Are you installing the bulbs or is the dealer?
If you are, make sure to wipe the glass down with rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprint oils that will cause a hotspot on the bulb.
Maybe the added heat is killing them?
Are you installing the bulbs or is the dealer?
If you are, make sure to wipe the glass down with rubbing alcohol to remove fingerprint oils that will cause a hotspot on the bulb.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 206
Likes: 1
+2 on cleaning the bulb...or better yet, don't ever let the glass envelope touch anything but air on the way into the housing.
If your dealer didn't already check it, you might want to double check the voltage regulator by putting a meter on the battery while the bike is running. You should read about 14 volts nominally. If the voltage gets much above that when you rev it a little the regulator may be bad. High voltage can burn out bulbs and cook batteries.
If your dealer didn't already check it, you might want to double check the voltage regulator by putting a meter on the battery while the bike is running. You should read about 14 volts nominally. If the voltage gets much above that when you rev it a little the regulator may be bad. High voltage can burn out bulbs and cook batteries.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: Southern Illinois
I have been changing the bulbs. I use a clean paper towel when I pick the bulb up to make sure I don't touch the gloss. I haven't used any dielectric grease on the bulb. Would that make a difference?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
As long as the grease is only being applied to the contacts, it shouldn't be a problem.
For ease of mind, I wipe down the glass on new bulbs before installing.
I re-read your comment. No grease wouldn't cause a problem unless you notice corrosion.
I'd add some though.
For ease of mind, I wipe down the glass on new bulbs before installing.
I re-read your comment. No grease wouldn't cause a problem unless you notice corrosion.
I'd add some though.
Last edited by Kowan; May 3, 2011 at 07:07 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: SW Iowa
My ol shovelhead went thru a couple headlights quickly, flip on the high beam and BAM, darkness. I had checked the charging system and it seemed ok. 3rd headlight went and was at my wits end. I checked my charging system again and checked ok, AT IDLE.... I revved it up to around 3000 rpm and BINGO... voltmeter was reading 19-21 volts.. replaced regulator and all was good.
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Ultimate HDF Member
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I doubt it is the bulbs. I always ran with my brights on in daylight on all my bikes until the current one with running lights and never had a problem. As others have posted, it really sounds like an electrical problem and the more likely suspect is the voltage regulator. Good luck.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Augusta, GA
I had this problem on my old road king. Dealer never could find the problem. I used to replace the bulb about every 5000 miles. Got to the point I always caried a spare. Have not had that problem on any of my other bikes including the one I have now. Always run with the high beam. Good luck finding the issue; let us know if you find the cause.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 910
Likes: 305
On my old '05 Deuce had the same/similar problem used multple bulbs. I checked the voltage and all was OK. I then started partially melting the plastic plug connection on the back of the bulb, Someone suggested a bad ground. I spliced a new ground behind the plug to a new ground on the headlight housing.... never blew another bulb or plastic plug. Good luck.