Well, got in my car today, turned on the lights, and the dash light came on. Another headlamp out! This will be my third one to replace. The first was free (by mistake) the dealer said because I had owned the car of over a year, I should have been charged.

Is anyone else having headlights burn out, like this? I have a 2004...

I just hate to have to go to the dealer, wait my turn for a 5 minute job! And keep paying for those darn things. Wondering if I have headlight problems?

 

Maybe they are touching the bulb portion during the install process, which shortens the life of the bulb, and keeps you coming back. Why not replace it yourself so that you know the bulb has not be touched and see if that makes a difference?

 

I don't have headlight problems...but the center reflectors on my driving lights have popped off!

BTW...I agree...you should change the bulbs yourself...BUT DON'T TOUCH THEM!! wear some latex gloves like a doctor has..
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The oils from your fingers get on the glass and make it crack when the bulb is lit. Caused by high heat.

 

I watched them change the first bulb, thinking if it happened again we could do it. BUT you have to be double jointed to get to it. I don't recall if the service guy was wearing gloves.

This time when I take it in I will watch him again. We send out fixtures that have those kind of bulbs and I know you can't touch them. Maybe the service guys was not told this...

I think since I have to go for the third time, and can watch him do it, if he does not wear gloves, I will refuse the bulb and get his supervisor...keep you posted on what I see...

 

If you can watch...make sure the bulb does not touch ANYTHING! Don't even let him take it out of the box and set it down on some grimy table!

 

apkano - I believe your issue with the fog lights is covered by warranty if you are still under it. A few other here have had them pop off and they have been replaced.

Pat

 

It is...but I'm working on getting them from corporate...I know a few people there!

I hate having someone else work on my car!!!

 

Maybe they are using the wrong type of replacement bulb?? Maybe too high of a wattage??

 

Change the freakin' bulb yourself, it isn't rocket science! Yeah, it's tight, but who cares if you get some scuffed fingers, don't be scared, actually learn about and work on your own car!!! I changed the entire engine by myself in my 1965 chevelle when I was only 17 years old. geez.

 

LOL...the new generation...go figure?

 

It's easy to change the bulb, dont pull the wire clip out all the way that holds it in place from behind just flip it up bulb comes out...I'm on my 3rd also thought I was careful.

 

Change the freakin' bulb yourself, it isn't rocket science! Yeah, it's tight, but who cares if you get some scuffed fingers, don't be a pansy, actually learn about and work on your own car!!! I changed the entire engine by myself in my 1965 chevelle when I was only 17 years old. geez.

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Humm, I'm a girl! Not scuffing my fingers for no bulb...Hey I even know the firing order of a Chevy..watched my hubby for years build race car engines...But not changin the bulb!

Was in and out of the dealer today in 20 minutes, was worth the $20 labor plus the bulb.
They told me if it happens again in the next 12 months, they will replace if for free.

 

Oh, didn't know that. Honestly though, it isn't that difficult with patience. It doesn't really matter if you are male or female! Hey, your hubby should change it for you if you don't want to risk the nearly inevitable scuffs! You can pick the bulbs up at Pep Boys and not have to pay for any labor.

 

Concerning DIYs,

I like to do stuff myself, but since I'm not a mechanic and not used to doing stuff on cars myself I'm hesitant because if I mess it up I'll blow my chance for getting stuff the issue under warranty. Once the 3/36k is up, I figure there's less to lose. I don't know if I'm right about that, but I don't want to take a potentially expensive chance unnecessarily. Luckily, my headlights are fine. The fogs, though...

 

both high and low are h7 bulbs you can get them at just about any auto parts store for $14 how much are you paying the dealer to change it??? do you call a general contractor to change the bulbs in your house lights? its not even hard to get to you dont have to remove anything and you dont need any tools. man what is this world coming to?

 

I paid $42.13 for them to change it. And Look! No scuffed knuckles. If I had taken my hubby with me, he could have watch them, but he wasn't at home...

Being at the dealer I did see 4 XF used in their parking lot. All 06'. All convertibles. Odd to see that many, since I never see any on the road here.