Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Aesthetics BEWARE... Highbeam Silverstars in the low beam

I've ben running my high beam silverstars in the low beam location for about 2 years now. Well after inspection, I've found that the socket has become so brittle, that any attempt to remove the bulb results in the tabs that secure the bulb to the housing break off.

I think the extra heat that the increase in wattage generates must burn the plastic enough not to cause any immidiate damage, but over time bake the plasitic enough to make it extreamly fragile.

Just thought I'd share and ask if anyone else has came accross this?

Cheers.

hmmm,interesting. I've been running that setup for about a month and a half now,with no ill effects to date. Oh well,I hope to have HIDs before then anyways.

All I can say though,I love my Silverstar highs in the lows paired with my Hella xenons. I can see soooo well at night.

I've ran this setup in both my Tours, 96 & 99. I had them in the 96 for 3 years with no effects and in the 99 for about a year know. I might have to go check the 99 thou.

Considering the wiring is the same gauge, the "extra heat" would be the same as the REAL highbeam bulbs, and thus you would notice the high-beam socket crumbling.. (which you never see) so that isn't the problem, nor is it likely to be something that anyone else with this mod done will notice.. Sounds like a one-time problem to me.


Ray

I can see where you're comming from, but you don't run high beams anywhere near as often.
It's the only thing i can think of.
the higher wattage bulb runs hotter, longer.
Anyone have anyother ideas why?

uhm... arent the low/high silverstars the same wattage?? 55.... if i can remember

i never used silverstars, but I did have high beam bulbs in the low beam sockets for about 2 years and did not experience the problem you're having.

Happened to me when I used the high wattage high beam Cuzos in the low beam spot...

eek,that's no good! Is that pic from a post98?

I used Silverstar lows in the lows in my 98 Mystique and they were more than bright enough,but driving my '95,even with Silverstar lows is like driving with no lights,you NEED the highs in the lows,or HIDs,or something.

high wattage highs in the lows are different then just highs in the lows, the high wattage apc crappy bulbs i had in my focus looked great, 3 1/2 weeks later one goes out and its glued <melted> to the bulb, i just ripped the plastic apart and forced it back onto my new bulbs, which werent apc of course, good luck with the harness to whoever has the car now