Low Beam headlights keep burning out

[Benster]

The low beam headlights on my son's 2001 Pathfinder SE keep burning out. We have replaced them at Walmart because it is the cheapest alternative. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[Q451990]

How quickly are they burning out? What bulbs have you been using? Some of the higher performance/blue tint (e.g. Silverstars) have a greatly reduced lifespan.

Heath

[Kompresshun]

If you're having Wal-mart replace them for you, then that could be why. They are likely using the cheapest bulbs and there's a good chance they're not installing them properly. Wal-mart hires guys at a very low wage to work in the tire and battery center, so they typically don't get the most experienced technicians...

If they aren't installing them, then let us know which bulbs you purchased and that may be the issue.

[Benster]

Just using the cheapest bulbs at Walmart. $8.97 plus $8.00 to install.

[nickelghandi]

That would do it for sure. I had bulbs that weren't very bright and I was eating through them for a while. I thought it was a grounding issue (and it might still be), but my solution was to buy one of those Kensun HID kits from Amazon. Cost me about $70.00, but the bulbs last much longer, and are significantly brighter. My kit came with a 2 year warranty for any sort of defect including the bulbs. I am not advertising Kensun specifically, but an HID kit is an option. Significantly more up front cost, but you may have paid that much in replacement bulbs already.

[Kompresshun]

Yeah cheap bulbs with Walmart installing them is probably part of the problem.

I'd buy at least a slightly higher quality bulb and if you don't feel comfortable installing them, then stop by an auto parts store to purchase them. Usually they will install them for you if they aren't too hard to get to.

[Q451990]

So how quickly are they burning out?

[Benster]

Every 3 months or so.

[Q451990]

Wow... that is bad. I'd step up to a LL bulb. Make sure that the installer doesn't touch the glass... skin oil can cause problems. I'm assuming your headlamp assemblies are water tight and in good condition?

Heath

[Benster]

Sorry, what is an LL bulb? I am going to check the headlamp assemblies for cracks.

[nickelghandi]

LL stands for Long Life.

[WillyNilly2005]

I am having the same issue with my 2009 Nissan Altima Coupe. I replaced the low beam light on the driver's side and the following week the passenger side went out. I replaced that one and two weeks later the drivers side went out again. Not a cheap bulb issue has to be something within the system. Electrical is not exactly my forte. Anyone have any suggestions other than buying a Long Life bulb? Even a cheap bulb should last more than a week or two.

[Benster]

We had a similar problem with our 2001 Pathfinder SE. Had the bulb replaced several times by Walmart, and finally, out of desperation, had the local Nissan dealer replace. Now, it no longer burns out. We figure it was either a difference between factory and aftermarket bulbs, OR, whether they were installed correctly, which could mean not touching them with human hands, or BOTH. Hope this helps.