I just replaced the passenger side bulb for the 4th or 5th time now. I'm not exaggerating - I keep a spare in my glovebox. The first time, the connector was melted to the bulb, so I put individual terminals in the wiring - hot to the bulb and ground to the tab the bulb retainer wire clips to - found that fix here in the forum. I can find no chafed wires in the harness inside the housing or leading to the assembly. What am I missing here? I'm getting tired of replacing bulbs! (Though I am getting pretty quick about it.)

 

I have no idea what it is, but when I tried to use that tab you're speaking of to ground the bulb for my HID kit, I couldn't get the bulb to light up. For some reason it wasn't grounding, so I had ground it to the chassis somewhere.

 

First, make sure you only use Jaguar bulbs. Don't ask me what makes them different but aftermarket bulbs just don't last in a Jag. I got tired of replacing mine and went back to my stock bulbs, haven't touched them again since. Next, don't touch any part of the glass with your bare fingers, the oil destroys them.

I know some people have trouble with their harnesses but if you've done that fix already, just try a stock bulb and see if it lasts longer. Mine did, hands down.

 

You are using the 55 watt H1 bulbs and not the 100 watt
ones?

 

every time i have seen a melted wire in with the headlights, it was a bulb other than OEM specs. it makes a big difference.

 

Hmmmm.....I used the 80w / 100w Sportzblue by Ring in my X type (02) when I had it a few years ago. I had them in over a year and they never blew and I had no wiring issues either!!

Maybe as suggested try either stock bulbs or have you considered an HID kit Rudy?

HTH....

 

Thanks for the replies, guys. I only use 55w bulbs, Sylvania or Wagner brand (both OE suppliers), and clean the glass bulb before installing. I wonder if it's related to the ground relying on contact from the bulb to the housing. I'm going to try something odd with the next one - and there WILL be a next one! I'll solder a tab directly to the bulb's base to connect the ground to. Maybe that will help.