1993 Grand Prix Headlight Question

I recently purchased a 1993 Grand Prix that had turn signal issue (short at the switch). Once that issue was resolved the right headlight went out. I replaced it today and now the left headlight is out. Am I chasing a short in the electrical system? My mechanic found a short that was causing the turn signals to die...is this related?

Thanks!

Bump!

I'd Just replace the ones that burn out and keep track. If the same one(s) keeps burning out over and over again, then you might have a problem.

You might want to check alternator output while the car is running and make sure its not overcharging the systme. I've seen alternator voltage regulators fail and charge the system at 17+ volts.

I'd Just replace the ones that burn out and keep track. If the same one(s) keeps burning out over and over again, then you might have a problem.

You might want to check alternator output while the car is running and make sure its not overcharging the systme. I've seen alternator voltage regulators fail and charge the system at 17+ volts.

Thanks for the tips. I'll switch out the bad one and monitor the situation.

What do I need to do to check the alternator to see if its overcharging the system? Is it complicated for a novice?

man i hated having sealed beams on my 93 GP...seems like i replaced half a dozen in 2 years...

Not complicated to check the charging system voltage. You need a multi-meter. Set it to volts, red to positive and black to ground. Key on engine running it should be 13.5-14.5 volts. Anything higher should be looked into.

You can also bring it to a place like advance or autozone and have them hook it up to their Vat-40 to check the starting/charging system. They do it for free and it only takes a few minutes.

If the bulbs keep burning out, no matter if it's the same ones, or different ones, than you have a problem. For some reasons, the fuses aren't doing their jobs.

Are you sure the fuses are the appropriate sizes? If they are too high, then they are pretty much useless.

If your mechanic found a short, depending on where, than that could be related.

Another thing to consider is whether or not parts of your front end are loose. I've seen cars behind me at night that are constantly flickering, like something is loose and shaking. I'm thinking to myself, "Man, that guy is going to have to replace those bulbs often".

Just something to think about.

Since the headlamps are on at the same time, the second one probably just burned out as well at close to the same time. Like Tblake said, change the other one, then if a new one goes out again, worry about other issues.

Good news. I replaced the burned out light and at this point they are both working fine. I was just concerned since it happened so close to the turn sign al shorting out issue that they were related. Looks like a matter of timing instead.Thanks for all the great advice. I love this forum!