A vehicle's headlights (or headlamps) serve to illuminate the road during nighttime driving and to make the vehicle more visible during daytime driving. The headlamp system includes a low beam used for normal driving, and a high beam that is only to be used when no other cars are present on the road. While cars of the past relied on round, sealed-beam lamps, modern vehicles feature headlamps with aerodynamic shapes and replaceable halogen bulbs. Some headlamps are powered with high intensity discharge (HID) bulbs that put out more light. These lamps are also known as "Xenon headlamps" and stand out by their bright bluish-white glow.
How does the headlamp bulb work?
A headlamp incorporates a bulb placed in front of a reflector (or a series of mirrors) that projects a beam of light through a lens and directs the beam to the road ahead. Halogen lamps produce more light with less heat output than older incandescent bulbs due to the halogen gas injected into the bulb. HID, or “Xenon,” headlamps provide even more light by producing an electrical arc for illumination rather than a glowing tungsten filament. Some late model vehicles feature self-leveling headlamps that that remain level with the road regardless of the angle of the vehicle. Vehicles with "adaptive headlamps" use a motor to shift the focus of the lamp to follow curves in the road.
What are the symptoms related to a bad headlamp bulb?
The most common symptom of a headlight bulb that needs to be replaced is a lamp that does not work. Some headlight bulbs will work intermittently when they are wearing out.
Can I drive with a headlamp bulb problem?
While it is possible to drive a vehicle with a burned out headlamp bulb, it is not legal in most states, and in others a burned out headlamp bulb is considered an equipment malfunction. Care should be exercised when driving with a burned out headlamp, as the lights serve not only to illuminate the road, but also to signal drivers to oncoming traffic. A burned out headlamp bulb should be replaced as soon as possible.
How often do headlamp bulbs need to be replaced?
The lifespan of a headlight bulb depends on how often the lights are used, how roughly the vehicle is driven, and how the bulb was handled on installation. A standard halogen headlight bulb can last as long as one thousand hours of operation, and a high intensity discharge (HID or "Xenon") bulb can last twice as long. Since headlight bulbs may contain sensitive filaments, rough driving or frequent driving over rough roads can cause the bulbs to wear out faster. Also, oil from a technician's hand during installation can create hot spots on a headlight bulb, which causes the bulb to burn out faster.
How are headlamp bulb issues diagnosed?
A technician can check a headlight bulb that does not appear to be working by performing a few tests. First, a technician will check to make sure that the connector that leads from the wiring harness to the headlight bulb is clean and in contact. Sometimes a faulty connection to the headlight bulb can cause the lamp to fail. Next, a technician will check to make sure that the bulb is getting power by probing the connector with a multimeter and checking for proper voltage. The bulb itself can be checked by holding it up to the light to see if the internal filament is broken, but sometimes it is difficult to tell if it is intact. A better way to check the bulb is to test for continuity with a multimeter. Finally, a technician can test a bulb that appears to be burned out by plugging it in place of the other headlight that is working to see if the bulb is inoperative.
How is a headlamp bulb replaced?
To replace the headlight bulb, a technician will need to gain access to the back of the headlamp assembly. Many vehicles require that a cover be removed on the back of the assembly to access the headlight bulb. The technician then unplugs the wiring harness connector from the bulb, releases the bulb retainer, and removes the burned out bulb. It is important that the new headlight bulb not come into contact with the technician's bare hand during installation, otherwise oils from the skin can create hot spots on the bulb during operation that will significantly reduce the life of the bulb. On some vehicles, it is necessary for the technician to remove the headlamp assembly completely in order to access the headlight bulb.
We recommend always using a bulb of the same style and wattage as the original bulb. Bulbs outside the range recommended by the vehicle manufacturer may cause a bulb warning light to come on and even damage wiring or the headlamp unit.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) and Xenon bulbs are very expensive and often only available from the dealership parts department.
RepairPal Recommendations for headlamp bulb issues
RepairPal recommends always using a replacement headlight bulb of the same style and wattage as the original bulb. Bulbs outside the range recommended by the vehicle manufacturer may cause a bulb warning light to come on and even damage wiring or the headlamp unit.
