I recently replaced my (non xenon) headlight bulbs with ultra white halogens. They have been working great- but I noticed one was out last night. luckily I kept the old bulbs- so not a big deal.

When I went to swap out the new for the old this morning I noticed that the left headlight (the one that was out) is all cloudy inside and looks like crap when the lights are turned on- meanwhile the driver side lens is crystal clear.

The only thing I can think of is that - the last time I had the car at the dealer I asked them to check the beam on the headlights- is it possible that the mechanic got some grease or something on the bulb and the result is a smoke filled lense from it burning off?

Regardless of how it got there- how do I get in there to clean it out?- It really looks terrible.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
-S

 

Sounds like the bulb or some substance on it burned and the resulting smoke hazed the inside of the lens. Halogen bulbs should never be touched with fingers, this can not only cause 'smoking' but it also weakens the envelope and causes the bulb to fail, even shatter.

The headlight assemblies are sealed, so there is no simple way of popping them apart and cleaning them. The best way to tackle the situation is to wrap a stiff wire tightly around a cotton ball to make an extended swab. Remove the highbeam bulb and insert the cotton swab into the opening and wipe it across the inside of the lens. If it removes the residue without needing any cleaner, continue to wipe up the residue with the swab and withdraw it. Using compressed air (canned or from a compressor) blow out any remaining junk inside the housing. This process might work best with the headlight assembly removed from the car, because it will take some time.

 

I agree- i think the bulb got fouled (not by me - I wear surgical gloves when handling the bulbs- and even then avoid the lenses) - I guess I'll try cleaning it out- that sounds like a pretty good plan GB - I'll give it a try

 

I always clean a halogen bulb with alcohol before installling it. I don't touch the glass with my fingers, but someone at the factory may have touched it before it was packaged. Skin oil will cause the bulb to fail quickly! Only takes a few seconds to be safe and sure!


Rawhyde

 

I agree with Rawhyde, rubbing alcohol is great for cleaning off oil and other things. Good props to you for also wearing gloves anyways when handling wiht bulbs! If at all possible, swab the bulbs in alckie and wait to dry. But I'm sure you knew that before me!