03 Focus headlight bulb burning

Renno123

*new bulb was faulty*

Hi I have a 03 focus. One headlight bulb Blew so as normal I went to change it. I put in the new bulb and it instantly started smoking and the glass bulb started to turn black. Is this an electrical fault or a faulty bulb? The old bulb has no black marks
Thanks

Hal1

I would check the wiring harness to make sure there's no broken wires etc. Also check the clip that holds in the bulb, it might be shorting out on some metal.

Pete67

Sounds like a faulty bulb, the filament will burn instantly if there is any air in the bulb, which can happen due to a manufacturing fault. I would try another one. Electrical or wiring faults in the car tend to cause low voltage and dim bulbs rather than excessive voltage. By the way, it is best to replace headlight bulbs in pairs, if one fails the other is not too far behind it, and a voltage spike when it goes can blow the new one on the other side.

Also, don't touch the glass part of the bulb, handle it by the metal end only.

Renno123

Thanks. I'll try another bulb