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Frequent Headlight Failure

Old 01-19-2009, 01:16 PM
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Frequent Headlight Failure

I got my HHR used in mid year 2007. I put Sylvaina Silver Star headlamps in it fairly soon. So far I have had three bulb failures. In December 2008 I had the third fail and additionally had a foglamp (stock bulb) fail both on the driver's side. Has anyone else had multiple headlamp failures? I made sure the bulbs were actually burned out and it wasn't fusebox related. I used care not to touch the glass when installing.

I have had Silver Stars in other vehicles and never had this problem. Anyone who has replaced a bulb in the HHR knows what a PITA it is to do.
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Old 01-19-2009, 03:02 PM
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Are you sure that there isn't a small crack or something in the headlight enclosure? If the bulbs get wet, they will burn out.
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Old 01-19-2009, 03:06 PM
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i put silverstars in my truck and they had a tendance to burn out. no silverstars in the hhr yet tho.
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Old 01-19-2009, 03:29 PM
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We had the same problems when we put them in some of other cars so we haven't tried them since.
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Old 01-19-2009, 06:33 PM
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There are no cracks or leaks in the housing. The lenses are bright and clear and there has never been any moisture in them.
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Old 01-19-2009, 11:38 PM
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Only 3 things I can think of.......

Poor quality control on the item
Excess heat build up which ultimately causes premature failure
A SMALL "short", which yields with certain movement/turns/potholes, etc. of the vehicle
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Old 01-20-2009, 08:43 AM
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Hi Snoopy,

When I replaced the left headlamp, I got one notch above stock and one below the Silver Star. I am hoping to increase the life. I guess all I can do is drive it and see.
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Old 01-20-2009, 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Snoopy
Poor Quality Control on the Item ?
^^ X2 ^^ We recommend PIAA's ! Very Pricey but have "NEVER" Failed Us !
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Old 01-20-2009, 09:32 AM
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I think I have have replaced the Silverstars in my HHR twice...after this last time I just went back to the Xtra Vision which sounds this is what you have done. So far they have out lived the Silverstars at a much less of a cost. I do keep the Silverstars in the fogs though. The SS were brighter and looked better but not at the cost vs life expectancy. I know some folks here have has better luck but seems like they are in the minority



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Old 01-20-2009, 09:35 AM
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Could also be the SS in this type of bulb which is some weird ass type that almost nobody else uses (9008 or also called H13 I think) just can't cut it.


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