GTI keeps blowing headlamp bulbs

[MarcoPolo]

We've had to replace the headlight bulbs 4 times in the last 2 years in our MK7 GTI. Is this normal? It's just the H7s that keep blowing. The H1s are the originals.

My Corrado hasn't blown a bulb in like, 7 years, so this seems odd to me ?

Is it just a H7 trait, or some oddity with the Polo's electrics?

Cheers

[Gillen]

I've never had a problem or seen a post on here about issues with the headlights mate.

[Rich_T]

my dad had the same problem on a Rover once, it kept blowing headlight bulbs all the time, had it checked out at the garage but they could not find a problem, never found out why, could be down to poor wiring maybe?!?!

[Karson3270]

What type of Bulbs are they. You should try getting a reliable brand so you have warantee on them, you never know continues blowing of bulbs could damage the electrics. Try going for some Phillips or Osrams. I also heard mTec are good too!

[Jeff GTi]

have you got a set of non standard front lights fitted by any chance, if so, thats your issue, cleap lights with cheap wiring, cheap for a reason

[alexperkins]

either that, or you alternator isnt providing a very well regulated feed and is over powering the headlights, therefore causing it to blow. Get a multimeter on your battery and rev up to 2500-3500 and see what the volts read. Should realistically be no higher than 14.2

[MarcoPolo]

Thanks guys

The headlights are completely stock and the bulbs so far have just been cheapy Halfords own brand type things, although I did try a dealer bulb once and that also blew.

I was wondering about the Alternator as the headlights do dim very noticably at night when steering lock to lock. The polo has an electric PAS pump IIRC? I'll stick a meter on it later and see what voltage we're getting.

Next time one blows I'll try a decent brand then, but I think it might just be one of those things we'll have to live with!

Cheers

[alexperkins]

pas is belt driven but will put strain on the alternator.

Multimeter it up - 13.8 to 14.2 under those revs. Turn as much on as you can ie wipers, fan heater, headlights, rear window heat etc then measure again and see what its kicking out.

[MarcoPolo]

Thanks for the tips.

Oddly enough the bulbs haven't blown since. Oh well, one of those things I guess.