1992 Nissan Maxima GXE

Reader Question: Hi,

I have a 1992 Nissan Maxima GXE. I have gone through three high dollar halogen bulbs in the past year and getting ready to buy my fourth. The bulb that keeps blowing is the left one.

Always low beam except today both beams went. I heard a loud pop when I turned them on. Any explanation why this keeps happening and to only one side of the car?

Diana

Hey Diana,

I commonly see small rock chip holes in the headlight glass that allows water to enter inside where the super hot halogen bulb is located. Once that water touches the bulb it burns out. So, make sure there is no water inside, where the bulb is and no holes in the glass/plastic lens that would allow air or water to enter.

If you don’t see a hole or have water inside the bulb area I would next want to check the connector at the bulb and make sure it is clean of corrosion and fits tightly on the bulb.

I would also check the ground for the headlight itself. If this car was in a body shop for a front-end repair, there is a good chance there is a loose ground wire for that headlight assembly.

If things look ok, I would check the headlight switch, test the alternator output to make sure the switch is working properly, and the alternator is not OVER charging.

Blessings,
Austin Davis