Headlight Lamp

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

I did the head light relay mod posted in files by FJ Flyer. Thanks for that. Instructions with diagram were easy to follow.      http://www.fjowners.co /index.php?topic=660.0 . Everything I needed was at local auto parts store.
Toughest part was replacing the bulb. I'm a small guy I can't imagine how you bruisers can do it, Frustrating. I think that was the original bulb in there. One advantage of low voltage is the bulbs last a long time. I replaced with Sylvania Sliver Star Lamp. Definitely brighter we shall see tonight.
Mike

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

Lighting much improved! 
Mike

[FJ Flyer]

It was the first mod I did.     And it makes a huge difference.  If you start using higher watt bulbs, keep an eye on the new bulb plug for melting.

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

Hey Chris,
The Silverstar lamp is only 5 watts more than the stock (if I recall correctly). I wanted to put the stock one in just for comparison after the mod but I must have left it in the auto parts store while I was shopping.    Thanks again for the file!
Mike

[FJ Flyer]

Yeah, I've been using the Silverstars in the FJ. Really nice.  I've had some Phillips Xtreme bulbs in the FJR and they are really nice.

[rktmanfj]

Yeah, I've been using the Silverstars in the FJ. Really nice.  I've had some Phillips Xtreme bulbs in the FJR and they are really nice.

The first Silverstar I had burned out at the ECSR a couple of years ago.  It was only a few months old, as was my relay setup.

I read a thread somewhere that there are two plants that produce them, and the bulbs from one of them don't last very long.

There's supposedly a slight difference in the packaging, but I can't find the posting right now, as Google turns up lotsa postings about premature Silverstar failure

I ended up getting another one from the Advance there in Boone, which is still going strong.     

Randy T
Indy

[Dan Filetti]

Regarding premature bulb failure, I read once that you're never supposed to touch the glass of the bulb as the oil from your hand stay on the glass, and as the bulb is lit, it 'super-heats' the residual oil on the glass leading to premature bulb failure.  If you do accidentally touch the glass, you're supposed to wipe it down with alcohol or some such.  Although many/ most/ everyone... may already know this, at the time; it was news to me...

FYI.

Dan

[rktmanfj]

Regarding premature bulb failure, I read once that you're never supposed to touch the glass of the bulb as the oil from your hand stay on the glass, and as the bulb is lit, it 'super-heats' the residual oil on the glass leading to premature bulb failure.  If you do accidentally touch the glass, you're supposed to wipe it down with alcohol or some such.  Although many/ most/ everyone... may already know this, at the time; it was news to me...

FYI.

Dan

Very true... both of mine were installed with nitrile gloves on.

Randy T
Indy