Keep blowing headlights

I have an 06 Tacoma and keep blowing the headlight bulds, In the last year I have had to replace them 4 times. I am currently stationed in Germany and the local toyota dealer cant find the problem. $20 a pop are starting to add up.

Any help would be great.....any suggestions?

Thanks

 

This might sound stupid but are you being careful when you install them, making sure you don't touch the glass at all? Touching the glass when you install them can create hot spots and make the bulbs burn out quickly.

 

Yup this is true. I don't touch the bulb at all.

Welcome to TW

 

The first time that may have been the case, but since then I have worn latex glove when installing them. Thanks for the advice though

 

Next thing I'd try is a volt meter plugged into where the bulbs would normally be connected. Watching it for a couple minutes and make sure you're not getting spikes or drops. It might help to have someone give it a little gas, mess with the A/C controls, etc to see if anything makes the voltage change drastically. Any other electrical problems with the truck? Also, I'm assuming you're using OEM headlights and stock sized bulbs, correct?

 

What setting on the multimeter should I use....I am assuming DC correct, also what level should I be looking for i.e. how many volts. Yeah I am using factory 9003 bulbs. The only other issue that has happened is the "low tire pressure warning" The tire pressure is good and I tried resetting it using the button under the steering wheel, but after reading about it since its using RF transmissions I dont thing the issues have anything to do with one and other. Thanks for all the help

 

Did you check the spare?

 

The spare, not tracking! Both head lights seem to be blowing at different times. I am going to check the grounds tonight, and buy some dielectric grease in the morning. I just want to check that Im not getting a power surge, and hope that there isnt a short somewhere. How would I check to see if the rubber connector is working correctly(I know really technical but the piece that connects to the bulb through the rubber cover)? how many volts/amps should it be putting out?

 

watts = volts x amps. I believe 55 watts for low beam, 12v system. Visually check the wires for chaffing, make sure the fuse is pressed in tight also. I'm running out of ideas! Are the housings getting water in them (fogging up)?

 

Thanks for all of the advice man, no there isnt any moisture in the housing. I have scored the forum for info and I have found some good info, but no one has posted what "fixed" their issue. There seems to happen to a lot of people. If I do find the solution, I make sure I post it!

 

I have heard that a bad alternator could cause this.

 

My dad's 2008 had this same issue.. He took it in and they had to replace the harness for the head lights.. Hasn't had a blown bulb since then.

 

Any how to advice on how to check for a bad alternator?

 

dam you would think the dealer would be able to solve this. x 2 on harness problems if nothing else electrical is causing you problems.

 

i blow my left headlight every 6-8 months

 

Take it to autozone (On or off the truck) and they can test its output.

It's a harness issue.