I have recently replaced the right side headlight bulb in the van as part of the drawn out process of getting the car ready for rego. After putting it all back together we tried it and it worked OK. It was only turned on for a short time.

Just before I took the van to the mechanic for the first look over I decided to check all of the lights to make sure they were still OK. After turning the lights on the low beam blew. Then when we put it on to high beam it blew as well.

Can someone give me any hints as to what may have caused this please. As I said the bulb was brand new so I'm not sure if it could be a wiring problem. Thanks.
Ziff

Welcome to the frustrating world of Mini electrics Ziff....this happens to the best out there

Brand new don't mean zip anymore by the way.....

Check your charging rate/voltage regulator and the condition of your battery (is it a newey)

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"Show me the Mini!"

Mick,
Replaced it with another new bulb and all is good so far. (touch wood) Hopefully it was just a shonky bulb.
Ziff

Sounds like the bulb probably had air in it through a leak in the base or crappy construction. Once it has a little oh-two in there it will oxidise and burn the filament out.

The worse case scenario when wiring a headlamp bulb is that the current goes through two filaments at once so it will glow dimmer that is all, so I doubt it was your wiring unless you have a serious over voltage going on. Only other thing is to make sure you don't put grease onto the glass from sticky fingers, it affects the bulb's glass at high temperatures

In this case it blew straight away on each filament so it is the bulb at fault.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Thanks fellas. Your expertise is much appreciated.
Ziff