Car question.

"Joe_Limon" (Joe_Limon)
10/28/2013 at 11:07 • Filed to: None

I have a 2009 Impreza and a few weeks ago one of my headlights went out. I went out, bought some replacement bulbs and when I went to install it the headlight was back on again. Now it just went off again.

This leads me to believe faulty wiring, or maybe a worn out mfs switch is the issue. Should I open the bulb package, and see if a new bulb fixes the problem? Or keep the bulb in its package in case I can return it and get my money back?

DISCUSSION (19)

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 11:09

Is it an HID system? Or just regular Halogen or whatever.

CalzoneGolem > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 11:09

I've had bulbs like this. I replaced it and didn't have an issue again. I'd replace it anyways and hold on to the old one. If there is still an issue you'll know it isn't the bulb.

Squid > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 11:11

check the connectors on the bulbs, and as far back as you can. do the lights flicker on bumpy roads? do the parking lamps work still? both lamps out at same time leads me to suspect wiring or connections.

Joe_Limon > Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT
10/28/2013 at 11:11

Its a stock bulb/system

Joe_Limon > Squid
10/28/2013 at 11:13

No flickering, all other lights are working, even both high beams.

Joe_Limon > CalzoneGolem
10/28/2013 at 11:14

Thanks, this gives me a little hope. I wonder what causes a bulb to do that.

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 11:14

How much did you pay for the bulb?

Some cars came with HID and I'm not sure if that Subaru has them or not.

If you paid absurd money for it then yeah its an HID, you may need a ballast.

If its a normal system then just clean the contacts on the bulb, see if it stays on.

If it doesn't go out again its a connection issue remidied by cleaning.

CalzoneGolem > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 11:16

Kinja'd!!!

Squid > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 11:17

pop the new bulbs in and hope it takes care of it then. just inspect the connectors going to the bulbs for evidence of a short and dirt.

SkarTisu > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 11:23

Did you keep your bare fingers from touching the glass on the bulb when you installed it?

Joe_Limon > Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT
10/28/2013 at 11:23

$30 for two bulbs. I will play around with the connection tonight.

Joe_Limon > SkarTisu
10/28/2013 at 11:26

I haven't installed anything yet. It is still 100% factory. Also, touching the bulb is sacriligous I would never do such a thing.

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 11:26

If it stops working again give the headlight a solid hit, not hard enough to break anything, but hard enough to jolt it, if it kicks on it a connection issue.

If it was an HID system I would push for a Ballast, but those are just Halogen bulbs based on price.

SkarTisu > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 11:32

Okay cool, and I just realized my reading comprehension is crap. lol

thebigbossyboss > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 12:07

Probably the headlight socket.

GreenN_Gold > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 12:12

My 2010 Subaru had a faulty right front turn signal socket right out of the factory. Some days the signal would work, other days it wouldn't. Dealer fixed it under warranty.

Steve Zissou > Joe_Limon
10/28/2013 at 12:39

Agree with Squid. I find it hard to believe that both headlights would go bad simultaneously AND come back on together.. More likely an issue elsewhere. Replacing both bulbs wouldn't be my first choice, keep 'em packaged with hopes of return and look elsewhere for the problem.

Joe_Limon > Steve Zissou
10/28/2013 at 13:20

It is only one bulb. Both high beams work, only one low beam went off/on/off.