exterior lights constantly needing replaced
 

I have an 08 HHR the exterior lights are constantly going out weather it be the headlights break lights turn signals or reverse lights. I can't go more then a few months without one going out. Does anyone else seem to have this problem or know how to fix it.

Check your connections, make sure there are no bad wires or frays. Then I would check bulb seating. Also, I would suggest that when you are putting the bulbs in, make sure you are not touching the bulb with bare fingers. Oil from skin has caused blowouts. It's happened to me. Clean Jersey gloves would work.

If all else fails, use LEDs.

No. & No.

Are you buying all your bulbs from the same place ??

A lotta Junk bulbs being sold.

If you don't come up with a good possible other solution you might try a different supplier and make sure they are a different brand. Not CHINA for sure.
Maybe try a NAPA store.

Silverfox

Thanks I will have someone check the wires for me.

I do not always buy the bulbs from the same place I've even bought from napa and had the same issue

Call this a long shot, and remember I carry a "geezer" card, so I'm thinking a check of your charging system might be in order.

A failing diode pack in the alternator can either stop the alternator from charging, or the output voltage can go higher than spec, leading to bulb failures.

If it were just the headlight bulbs, I'd jump on "finger oils" bandwagon, but you're losing bulbs that should last for 1,000-1,500 hours before failing.

If a diode fails in the "right way" the alternator starts providing AC voltage, so that could cause trouble.

The oils from your fingers would cause the glass envelope to physically deform or break. I'm betting that is not happening.

As far as I know all but the headlights in my '06 are original.

I did have some problems with the trailer lights after I started pulling it with the HHR, but that was intermittent grounds to pretty much all the sockets on the trailer. A small batch of heavy copper wire to each of the light sockets cured that problem.

It seems the Chinese steel frame of the trailer is not all that great of a common ground.

Hey joe94585,

First off, welcome to the forums! The users here have helped countless HHR owners fix their vehicles and you'll be in good hands with them. If you'd like any assistance in taking your HHR to your local Chevrolet dealership, we'd be happy to help you. Just send us a PM with your VIN, mileage, contact information, and preferred dealership, and we'll have them contact you to set up an appointment. Feel free to send any other questions our way as well.

Geoff G.
Chevrolet Customer Care