[spindler27]

Hey everybody, I just joined the site to try and help my mom out. She's got an 02 9-3 convertible and it's had a reoccuring problem with the headlights. She's had the car a year and a half and this will be the 3rd time replacing the headlights, what happens is that the brights will go out after some time. Then we replace them and a couple months later it happens again. Is this a common problem? Is there an easy fix? Or is this new to you guys? Help me out!

 

[patcom]

are they halogen or xenon?

 

[robhurlburt]

is someone touching the bulb when they are replaced? That would make them last only a couple months. You can't let any oil get on them.

 

[Dave 37]

If one touches the bulb, wipe the bulb with alcohol to try to remove as much oil as possible.

 

[hkayssi]

What brand are you using? Some brands have a surprisingly short life span.
I agree with the no touching the bulb issue. Touching the bulb and not cleaning it very well after that with alcohol is the kiss of death for those bulbs.

 

[earthworm]

I believe Saab could make an improvement in these powerful headlights. A current flow limiting circuit to allow for a slow electrical flow to the bulb. It is the sudden shock of electrons that blows the fragile filaments in bulbs.......I think...Trouble with this is that it would make the headlight flashing totally ineffective...Maybe people should not do this anyway...:cheesy:

 

[Tweek's Turbos]

Agree with above...must be super clean going in. I would avoid gimick bulbs like super blue, or super bright.

Also the orange relay under the hood, "light controll relay" could be suspect.

 

[wonkyhamster]

I had a problem with frequent failing of the headlight bulbs. I replaced them individually when they failed (every 3-4 months). The assistant at Autozone said I should replace them as a pair - so I did. Since then, no more problem (over a year).