Headlamp Bulbs Blowing Mk7

[shabazmo]

I have had the fiesta for 4.5 years and have gone through 6 H7 headlamp bulbs. Is this common or is there some thing wrong with the car. 4 of the bulbs have been performace bulbs from Philips and Osram. I have now switched to cheaper versions.

[shabazmo]

I heard that there is a TSB which requires the fitting of a resistor to stop the problem.

[CarlW]

I'd see how you get on with standard bulbs first. My guess is that to get more light from the performance bulbs they are designed to run the filament slightly hotter with the result that they are more fragile and don't last as long if a resister is fitted in series with the supply to the bulbs it will reduce the voltage at the bulb resulting in less light output - probably meaning the performance bulbs give out light more equivalent to a standard bulb anyway.

[shabazmo]

Thanks for the feedback. I will get my local Ford dealer to investigate. The original bulbs lasted just over a year, so I think a resistor will be justified.

[shabazmo]

I have just purchased 2x wires for the headlamps and fitted them today. A fairly simple job but he cost of the wires were £34. What a rip off, and for a TSB which is a design fault in the forst place. I think Ford are trying to be a Ferrari for parts prices.