HELP, blown-bulbs!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 414
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From: SC
HELP, blown-bulbs!
My C5 right side front running/turn signal bulb seems to blow every 3-4 weeks, WHY? It is also very hard to replace unless someone has a trick I don't know about! Thanks for ANY help! kpaul in SC
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
bulbs
Was having the same problem with mine usually caused by rain or car wash. I found a small crack in the lens which I sealed with clear silicon. There are several DIY type threads regarding bulb removal that you can find with a search. There is one with access through the top with the head light in the up position. I found it the easiest. Perhaps one of the other members can direct you to it.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Re,bulbs
I change my front bulb on my 97 by pushing the front nose air opening for the brake down and out of the way..then i put my hand inside the opening ( up and to the right or up and to left depending on the side of the light) you can feel the lamp connector,push in the tab and twist....Tight squeeze..Dont forget to put the brake vent back...Good luck
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,394
Likes: 6
From: Melbourne FL
I change my front bulb on my 97 by pushing the front nose air opening for the brake down and out of the way..then i put my hand inside the opening ( up and to the right or up and to left depending on the side of the light) you can feel the lamp connector,push in the tab and twist....Tight squeeze..Dont forget to put the brake vent back...Good luck
I also use this method; going through the brake duct opening. Not so popular for those with large hands, but for me a few scrapes was worth not having to jack the car up.
If the bulb keeps burning out. Be sure you are not touching the bulb during install or your housing most likely has a crack in it and is allowing moisture inside.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I would take off the headlamp plastic surround, then the hood adjuster and its easy to reach down there and get to the lamp. Are you using the correct lamp? If I remember correctly, there are two diifferent ones listed for it...3157NALL or 4157NALL. I too was burning out the 3157's and when I went too the 4157, it was fine. Please don't hold me responsible as I'm trying to remember the numbers from memory. I gave away my '99 to my son in May, so I can't run out there and look at it any more....3,000 miles away.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 1
From: Littleton Colorado
Coat the connector on the bulb with Dielectric Grease, it will help a LOT. It will keep the connection from corroding. My Dodge ram has a similar issue, used dielectric grease on it and it solved the issue for a long time. Eventually the grease will wear off and the bulb will die, but unless its a strong sream of water on it it should last quite a whle.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,997
Likes: 36
From: Ocean Springs MS
Was having the same problem with mine usually caused by rain or car wash. I found a small crack in the lens which I sealed with clear silicon. There are several DIY type threads regarding bulb removal that you can find with a search. There is one with access through the top with the head light in the up position. I found it the easiest. Perhaps one of the other members can direct you to it.
I agree, take the fixture out and look to see if there is a crack on the top above the bulb. Over time the heat from the bulb causes these to crack, one reason I went with LED's.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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Former Vendor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 718
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From: Riviera Beach FL
Coat the connector on the bulb with Dielectric Grease, it will help a LOT. It will keep the connection from corroding. My Dodge ram has a similar issue, used dielectric grease on it and it solved the issue for a long time. Eventually the grease will wear off and the bulb will die, but unless its a strong sream of water on it it should last quite a whle.
I used to blow out a light (some times both) at least six times a year. We have a lot of rain and large standing puddles in southern Florida. My C5 rides some what lower than stock due to suspension changes and is a daily driver. Over a year ago I coated the inside of the socket, installed the bulb and covered the outside of the bulb and socket with dielectric grease. I haven't had to replace one yet.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 889
From: South Western Ontario
Look down at the light from above. There is a round hole in the black plastic holding the lamp housing right above lamp (which plugs in at the bottom). In this hole, look to see of the thinner plastic of the housing has a crack or hole in it. It's really close to the bulb and tends to burn through right there. Water drips right onto the bulb and kills it.
You have to get the right angle with the lights up but you can see it. You may have to pull the headlight surround to see down in there well enough.
Peter
You have to get the right angle with the lights up but you can see it. You may have to pull the headlight surround to see down in there well enough.
Peter
7th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7
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I am curious as to how many of us C5 owners have had the same problem with the turn/drl lights blowing out. GM has acknowledged that there was a design flaw that has been corrected with the C6. However, they don't want to correct the problem with the C5's out there. Not the was to build customer satisfaction.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
i kinda have this problem. It is definatly realated to rain/water. But for me it seems i have to get caught in a torential down pour for one to blow. I need to replace the housing but lol im so lazy! Ive changed the bulb 3 times this year.