00 SS
Jan 25 2006, 04:27 PM
Has anyone else had bad luck with the head lights on a TA or Firebird? I noticed this morning that I have another one burned out. This makes 4 in 3 years. I've tried Sylvania and GE lights and they seem to be about the same. Is it just me, or do the small head lights in these cars just not last very long? I gues I'm just trying to see if there is a problem with my car or if it's a common thing.
Crazy Canuck
Jan 25 2006, 04:34 PM
the PIAA lasted the longest, i found.
Also, before installing, make sure you clean the bulb to avoid them having any hot spots... I use a tissue and put some alcohol on it and clean the bulb, making sure the bulb is never touched afterwords.
2manyfbods
Jan 25 2006, 04:40 PM
I own 3 4th gen Firebirds and have never replaced a headlight.......just several headlight motors
00 SS
Jan 25 2006, 05:26 PM
QUOTE (Eugenio_SS @ Jan 25 2006, 10:34)
the PIAA lasted the longest, i found.
Also, before installing, make sure you clean the bulb to avoid them having any hot spots... I use a tissue and put some alcohol on it and clean the bulb, making sure the bulb is never touched afterwords.
Thanks, but I think you're talking about the Camaro lights. They are different. The TA has the older sealed beam style. You can't touch the bulb itself.
00 SS
Jan 25 2006, 05:30 PM
QUOTE (2manyfbods @ Jan 25 2006, 10:40)
I own 3 4th gen Firebirds and have never replaced a headlight.......just several headlight motors

I guess I should feel lucky then, I've never had to change a headlight motor (knock on wood). The headlights are easier and I'm sure cheaper. What brand of headlights have you been using?
2manyfbods
Jan 25 2006, 06:04 PM
Factory
killer_bluebird
Jan 25 2006, 08:49 PM
I had to replace 1 headlight and one side marker and a blinker after 2 years.

I bought my car new.
CMC #37
Jan 26 2006, 01:00 AM
Ironically my 3rd gen Formula had a headlamp motor failure after about eight years of ownership. The 4th gen headlight motors failed much sooner and more often. Still love that car tho!
00 SS
Jan 26 2006, 02:32 PM
I must have been a real site driving home last night. I thought I'd be smart by running the fog lights since one of the headlights was out. The parking garage at work has windows in it and at night you can see your reflection as you drive down. I noticed that the right fog light was also burned out. So I drove home with the left fog light and right headlight. I stopped bought 2 new headlights and 2 new fog lights and now everything works again.
BTW, they now have the Silverstar lights for the fogs but still nothing for the headlights. At least, that the first time I'd seen them. I adjusted the fog light aim a bit as well and now they are almost as good as the regular low beams.
firehawkclone
Jan 26 2006, 03:11 PM
Myself, 1 light 2yrs ago, and 1 motor last year.
But i just removed them 3 days ago, 2 lights, rings, and bezels/ trim piece's= 3lbs
zlexiss
Jan 26 2006, 05:44 PM
No problems with the headlights - there was some corrosion on the terminals when I pulled them once (to get to the horns), so I cleaned them and put them back in with bulb grease to keep them dry. Looks like the factory never did it.
I did have major problems with my front DRL/turn signals. Replaced each side a few times in a couple months, finally pulled them and replaced the whole assy. Bulbs had melted the sockets partially, and wouldn't seal out water. New parts from gmpartsdirect came with much better gaskets and should last longer.
Stang Killer
Jan 27 2006, 02:55 AM
Im having tons of problems with my front turn signals, but not so much headlights.
severous01
Jan 27 2006, 12:22 PM
got a camaro...also had problems in the past with DRLs and turn signals. same thing as above...no seal. i bought a new socket, wiring, and bulbs with seals. new parts had thicker seals that did a better job. i had to do it on the other side shortly after. that one had a seal though
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please
click here.