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Help!! stinking headlights

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Old Dec 22, 2001 | 03:59 PM
  #1  
leftside_ryder's Avatar
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Default Help!! stinking headlights

In the last few days I've had to exchange 3 sets of headlight bulbs... Its got me going nuts. Before the filaments burn out, the engine gives a little shudder, and my gauge cluster and tach gets bright, then I feel like the car is bogging big time before the low beams burn out. Any ideas?? I've detached my amp from the battery hoping it would go away but no help. sad.gif
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Old Dec 22, 2001 | 04:51 PM
  #2  
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From: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Vehicle: 2008 Toyota Prius 2006 Suzuki SV650S
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Sounds like the voltage regulator inside the altranator is going south. Just before you blow your headlights, your voltage regulator puts off a surge of juice, causing all your lights to go bright. The headlights can't take it and blow.

Consider having your alt tested by a qualified mechanic, or see what you can get for a used/rebuilt unit.

Oh..some quick possibly cheap fixes.
Check the battery terminals for corosion and crap.
Check the liquid levels in the battery and ONLY ADD PURE DISTILLED WATER if low.
Check the ground strap to the frame. Is it solid, and not corroded or rusted?
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