Continually replacing stop lights (Fairmont AU )

ynneb/benny · 08-11-2011, 09:20 AM

Hi, I tried to post this in electrical but it seems newbies dont have sufficient permissions. ???

I am needing to replace the stop lights on my AU at least 3 times a year. They continually blow. At one stage I installed some LED ones but over time individual LEDs stopped working, and they also stopped my cruise control from engaging.

I have read in other places that AUs are knowing for blowing rear lights, but I am yet to find out a solution.

It's not that replacing them is a pain, its more that I never know if I am driving around without brake lights until another motorist tells me.

Any Ideas or solutions?

galaxy xr8 · 08-11-2011, 09:33 AM

What kind of globes are you using, are they a cheap set from supercheap/autobarn, etc.

As I was told that the cheap ones will do this time after time, might need to get a better globe from an reputable Auto elec.

Smoke Pursuit · 08-11-2011, 09:36 AM

And be careful how you install them.. Dont touch the glass.

Mr Hardware · 08-11-2011, 09:49 AM

Quote:

I have read in other places that AUs are knowing for blowing rear lights,

nah, they're not. someone's made that up.

how many volts is your alt outputting?

ynneb/benny · 08-11-2011, 09:59 AM

Thanks for the responses guys. The globes were Narva brand from memory. I might ask at Repco if they have better quality globes.

Mr Hardware, Without using a multi meter and reading the dash voltage meter, it shows about 14.5 volts. (How accurate are those meters?)

Mr Hardware · 08-11-2011, 10:02 AM

i don't trust any of my cluster guages.
get a multi-meter on it.

if you want long-lasting globes get some 'tungsram' ones

galaxy xr8 · 08-11-2011, 10:23 AM

Yeah the dash cluster is just a guide, not totally accurate.

kempy311 · 08-11-2011, 10:53 AM

Maybe caused from slamming the boot to hard.

blueoval · 08-11-2011, 11:34 AM

I found this an issue too in the past, but when I checked my globes they were fine, the terminals weren't in good shape though with visible signs of surface rust as well as the connection of the terminals of the globe being a bit loose too. I cleaned up the terminals and made sure the points of contact were firm and (touch wood) I haven't had an issue since.

Jim Goose · 08-11-2011, 07:12 PM

Does your car have a tow bar fitted?

Reason i ask is that my old EL wagon would constantly blow the RH rear brake light... eventually i poked around and found that the brake wire for the trailer plug was connected near there. I dissconnected it and it didnt blow a bulb until i reconnected the wire (almost immediately).

v8falconsrule · 08-11-2011, 10:13 PM

i used to run the narva brand ones and was constantly blowing lhd brake light globes, switched to motorcraft (part # elb380b) and never replaced one since.

antisocial · 08-11-2011, 11:11 PM

Our AU II Fairmont wagon used to blow drivers side brake lights every few months.

Fixed it by trading it in on a Focus....

z80 · 09-11-2011, 12:40 AM

When you are buying replacement bulbs just be sure that there are at least two filament supports.

Filament supports are the thin wire posts that help suspend the coiled bit that glows white hot.

Cheap bulbs have only the end posts and are susceptible to vibrations when hot.

you might pay a lot more though.

galaxy xr8 · 09-11-2011, 06:54 AM

I went out and checked mine and what do you know, the driver's side brake light has blown...doh..

ynneb/benny · 09-11-2011, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by v8falconsrule

i used to run the narva brand ones and was constantly blowing lhd brake light globes, switched to motorcraft (part # elb380b) and never replaced one since.

Interesting ! I replaced the globes today and all the blown ones are Narva. Unfortunately I replaced them with the same brand this time. I will certainly try a different brand next time.
Repco had 3 brands there. The sales person said that Narva was the best. I wonder if they WERE the best, until they started outsourcing to China.