[TBoz-88]

I have a 2018 LE AWD and my headlight bulbs keep burning out quickly. Just had two bulbs on the right side crap out in three days!

The only reason I can think of is that I'm in Orlando, FL, and for the past week the temp. has been around a high of 98F during the day when I'm driving and I do turn them on when I'm on the interstate. The brand of bulb I've been using is a Sylvania 9012 "XtraVision" halogen. I bought a couple of the cheaper Sylvania "Basic" brand bulbs to see if they last longer. I should probably try a different brand altogether, right?

Obviously, I can't tolerate replacing a bulb every three days. Any ideas what's causing these bulbs to burn out so quickly? Can't believe it's the high temps. since they should be designed for all climates, including places like Phoenix which normally hits 115-120F in the summer. Should I get LED replacements and do they tolerate high temps better?

 

[Foryota]

I have a 2018 LE AWD and my headlight bulbs keep burning out quickly. Just had two bulbs on the right side crap out in three days!

The only reason I can think of is that I'm in Orlando, FL, and for the past week the temp. has been around a high of 98F during the day when I'm driving and I do turn them on when I'm on the interstate. The brand of bulb I've been using is a Sylvania 9012 "XtraVision" halogen. I bought a couple of the cheaper Sylvania "Basic" brand bulbs to see if they last longer. I should probably try a different brand altogether, right?

Obviously, I can't tolerate replacing a bulb every three days. Any ideas what's causing these bulbs to burn out so quickly? Can't believe it's the high temps. since they should be designed for all climates, including places like Phoenix which normally hits 115-120F in the summer. Should I get LED replacements and do they tolerate high temps better?

1. Give the Phillips CrystalVision (blue coating, gives white light) a try. I had those and one set lasted me 8 years! No lie. I have never been a fan of Sylvania lights due to short lifespan, and now with the Phillips, I’ll never go back to Sylvania.

2. Your DRL if equipped should be sufficient on the highway in the daytime. Your rear lights won’t be any more visible, nor will your fronts. Plus the fronts should be running the high beam bulbs at 90% output or less, so they should operate cooler.


2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

 

[TBoz-88]

1. Give the Phillips CrystalVision (blue coating, gives white light) a try. I had those and one set lasted me 8 years! No lie. I have never been a fan of Sylvania lights due to short lifespan, and now with the Phillips, I’ll never go back to Sylvania.

2. Your DRL if equipped should be sufficient on the highway in the daytime. Your rear lights won’t be any more visible, nor will your fronts. Plus the fronts should be running the high beam bulbs at 90% output or less, so they should operate cooler.

Thanks for the tips. During daylight driving, I usually turn my headlights onto full beam and not DRL since I always assumed maximum brightness was best for sunny days. This is a carryover habit from the days when cars didnt have DRL. However, with these bulbs burning out so fast in hot weather, I will start using DRL during daytime to see if the bulbs last longer. For what it's worth, the right bulb has already burnt out four times since I bought the vehicle and the left side only twice so maybe there's something about the right housing that causing the bulbs to overheat?

I will try the Phillips if this next bulb burns out fast. I'm fed up with Sylvania, it's the only brand I've been using for replacements and I'm not impressed with the quality!

 

[Foryota]

Thanks for the tips. During daylight driving, I usually turn my headlights onto full beam and not DRL since I always assumed maximum brightness was best for sunny days. This is a carryover habit from the days when cars didnt have DRL. However, with these bulbs burning out so fast in hot weather, I will start using DRL during daytime to see if the bulbs last longer. For what it's worth, the right bulb has already burnt out four times since I bought the vehicle and the left side only twice so maybe there's something about the right housing that causing the bulbs to overheat?

I will try the Phillips if this next bulb burns out fast. I'm fed up with Sylvania, it's the only brand I've been using for replacements and I'm not impressed with the quality!

Shoot. That’s the other part I forgot - three day lifespan. Ok have you checked the voltage coming from the wires with the headlights on, to see if it’s consistent? You may also check voltage across your battery terminals to be certain it’s not fluctuating - a failing voltage regulator can create a variance which can blow out bulbs. If consistent at the terminals but fluctuations at the headlight terminal, then the alternator is good and there may be a bad ground on the headlight circuit (or it’s been chewed). If fluctuations happen at the battery terminals (again, running) then I’d get the alternator tested.


2012 RAV4 Base FWD. Upgraded to large front brakes and 3rd row rear springs.

Link to SAE J2807 test description

That Dam Towing Test: New SAE Trailering Standards Explained

The new standards ask: Can you climb the Davis Dam grade?

www.caranddriver.com

 

[TBoz-88]

Shoot. That’s the other part I forgot - three day lifespan. Ok have you checked the voltage coming from the wires with the headlights on, to see if it’s consistent? You may also check voltage across your battery terminals to be certain it’s not fluctuating - a failing voltage regulator can create a variance which can blow out bulbs. If consistent at the terminals but fluctuations at the headlight terminal, then the alternator is good and there may be a bad ground on the headlight circuit (or it’s been chewed). If fluctuations happen at the battery terminals (again, running) then I’d get the alternator tested.

No I haven't gone that in-depth yet. I'm hopefully assuming it's just a bad run of Sylvania bulbs that's to blame since I bought three of them at Walmart about a month ago so I was hoping they were a crappy batch coming from the same factory.

However, if I burn a third bulb within a week then I will be forced to whip out the ole volt-meter and find out if I have an electrical problem. I'm not a real pro when it comes to electrical troubleshooting but at the very least I can check for voltage fluctuations at the battery terminals and also the right bulb socket. I hope it's not the alternator going bad, but I do have 113K miles so maybe those don't last as long as I thought. Everything else on the vehicle has been rock solid.

 

[SLS Artemis]

If you're touching the bulbs with your fingers that is your problem. The oils from your fingers will cause the bulbs to burn out prematurely. If you do accidentally touch them with your fingers wipe them down with rubbing alcohol. Or wear a pair of rubber gloves.

 

[TBoz-88]

If you're touching the bulbs with your fingers that is your problem. The oils from your fingers will cause the bulbs to burn out prematurely. If you do accidentally touch them with your fingers wipe them down with rubbing alcohol. Or wear a pair of rubber gloves.

No, I'm definitely not touching the bulbs with my fingers. I learned that 30 some years ago when I bought a halogen lamp for my freshman year of college. It had a big warning sticker on it about "finger oils" and I've been careful with halogen bulbs ever since. Sometimes I even change the bulbs with latex gloves on to be extra careful.

Like was mentioned in an earlier post, I think it's either a bad batch of defective Sylvania bulbs combined with high ambient temperature or I could have an electrical problem of some kind.

 

[Chief Pontiac]

Perhaps consider going with LED headlights? My 2017 XLE came with halogens and one of the first things I did was replace those with LEDs. I believe mine came from Amazon.

 

[TBoz-88]

Perhaps consider going with LED headlights? My 2017 XLE came with halogens and one of the first things I did was replace those with LEDs. I believe mine came from Amazon.

Yes, I am definitely considering LED if these halogens keep burning out. What brand are you using? I saw in another thread that somebody bought Hikari and was pleased with them, but they are $90 for a pair. Yikes.

 

[coolcats9891]

Yes, I am definitely considering LED if these halogens keep burning out. What brand are you using? I saw in another thread that somebody bought Hikari and was pleased with them, but they are $90 for a pair. Yikes.

Hello! I found this thread while frustratingly looking to see if anyone else was having the same problem as me! I see now there is! I have a 2018 AWD Hybrid. Just 7 months ago, both headlamps burnt out a week apart. I took it back to the dealership and had them replace the expensive bulbs at no cost to me. (I also read about not touching the bulbs due to the oils on my hands). Today, the driver side bulb is out again. The car is barely 3 years old. I do have the DRL always on. I have never had to replace my other 3 leased Rav4 headlamp bulbs, much less any other car except my 2 really old vehicles. I can understand if my 2018 RAV4 was older, but after 2 years and again 7 months later? Something is going on… Did you try the LED bulbs yet and if so, how are they doing so far?

 

[TBoz-88]

Hello! I found this thread while frustratingly looking to see if anyone else was having the same problem as me! I see now there is! I have a 2018 AWD Hybrid. Just 7 months ago, both headlamps burnt out a week apart. I took it back to the dealership and had them replace the expensive bulbs at no cost to me. (I also read about not touching the bulbs due to the oils on my hands). Today, the driver side bulb is out again. The car is barely 3 years old. I do have the DRL always on. I have never had to replace my other 3 leased Rav4 headlamp bulbs, much less any other car except my 2 really old vehicles. I can understand if my 2018 RAV4 was older, but after 2 years and again 7 months later? Something is going on… Did you try the LED bulbs yet and if so, how are they doing so far?

No I haven't tried the LED bulbs yet. The ones that are good like Hikari are $90 a pair. I've been running my DRL for about a week and so far, so good, no burnt bulbs.

How hot is it where you're at? I still think high temps. are contributing to this fast burnout. Or maybe the 2018 models have something quirky going on with the voltage going to these headlights?

 

[coolcats9891]

The first time they burnt out it was early April in North Dakota, so the temps were about 40s to 50s for the high. This time, it hit 102 degrees a few days ago and the next day I noticed it was out. I do keep my car in the garage when home, so it’s not sitting out in the sun. I’m also wondering if it’s something with the wiring causing it to burn hotter then it should. I should also note that the dealership replaced them last time with $60 a piece bulbs - I’m assuming that is has a nice sized mark up added to it, but they should be good quality bulbs. Tomorrow, I will pull it out and check the brand and type of bulb that burnt out. Thank you for letting me know how these bulbs turn out that you have in your Rav4 now! $90 is just way too much. And if the dealership won’t cover the bulb replacement again, I will be getting the much cheaper bulbs, so I hope they are long lasting!

 

[SnowTrooper]

I had a few sets of bulbs burn out in my 2018 and 2017 rav4's. The Sylvania bulbs might just be the culprit. I thought I was doing good going with the better bulbs when my originals burned out. I had to replace them both in both vehicles within 3 months. 50.00 pair of headlight bulbs should last more than a few months. I went to another brand that were basic bulbs its been over 6 months no problems. I am considering led if they are brighter.

 

[Foryota]

I had a few sets of bulbs burn out in my 2018 and 2017 rav4's. The Sylvania bulbs might just be the culprit. I thought I was doing good going with the better bulbs when my originals burned out. I had to replace them both in both vehicles within 3 months. 50.00 pair of headlight bulbs should last more than a few months. I went to another brand that were basic bulbs its been over 6 months no problems. I am considering led if they are brighter.

Based on my experience I really think the Sylvania bulbs have a very short lifespan. As noted above I had a set of Phillips bulbs last for about 8 years. My Toyota OEM Sylvania bulbs went into my Exploder when I traded it, taking the Phillips bulbs for the RAV.

I seriously recommend trying the CrystalVision bulbs for LED-like performance and better price. Hope it works!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TBoz-88]

The first time they burnt out it was early April in North Dakota, so the temps were about 40s to 50s for the high. This time, it hit 102 degrees a few days ago and the next day I noticed it was out. I do keep my car in the garage when home, so it’s not sitting out in the sun. I’m also wondering if it’s something with the wiring causing it to burn hotter then it should. I should also note that the dealership replaced them last time with $60 a piece bulbs - I’m assuming that is has a nice sized mark up added to it, but they should be good quality bulbs. Tomorrow, I will pull it out and check the brand and type of bulb that burnt out. Thank you for letting me know how these bulbs turn out that you have in your Rav4 now! $90 is just way too much. And if the dealership won’t cover the bulb replacement again, I will be getting the much cheaper bulbs, so I hope they are long lasting!

When it comes to problem-solving, it's best to try to the cheapest and most logical option first. So I would suggest switching brands for your next couple bulbs. Try to see what brand the Toyota dealership used and then find a different brand and see how long they last. One person in this thread already said he had good luck with Phillips bulbs. I am going to try them myself. If the Phillips burn out fast, then I will have to dive deeper and analyze the voltage going to these bulbs and see if there is a voltage spike or a ground problem. I hope I can avoid that step.

 

[roy777]

The working temperature of halogen bulb might reach several hunderds degrees. I think 90 degrees, 100 degrees, or 120 degrees means nothing compared to that.

 

[dalechris]

Yes, I am definitely considering LED if these halogens keep burning out. What brand are you using? I saw in another thread that somebody bought Hikari and was pleased with them, but they are $90 for a pair. Yikes.

I have tried two different brands of LED headlites. After hours of trying to get a good beam pattern I had to reinstall the halogen bulbs. The last ones came from Headlight Experts. Unfortunately they cannot be returned and it cost me $100.00. The bulbs are bright but do not display a pattern or beam that I can drive safley with on the road. I was told that projector beam headlights require HID kits. Has anyone successfully installed LED headlight bulbs on a 2015 Rav4?

 

[Asantoyo4]

I have tried two different brands of LED headlites. After hours of trying to get a good beam pattern I had to reinstall the halogen bulbs. The last ones came from Headlight Experts. Unfortunately they cannot be returned and it cost me $100.00. The bulbs are bright but do not display a pattern or beam that I can drive safley with on the road. I was told that projector beam headlights require HID kits. Has anyone successfully installed LED headlight bulbs on a 2015 Rav4?

I was able to add HID to mine, although I went with full OEM D4S ballast and projector retrofit on my 2013. I used Osram CBB D4S bulbs. It was a bit tricky to do but I managed to fit the Bi-Xenon projectors in there. Here are some pictures of my retrofit.

Bi-Xenon projectors I used off a Lexus

Modified bracket with projector fitted and fastened

Tight fit in the housing but it worked perfect

Switchback halos modules fitted inside the housing, I also added some clear STi lenses.

Making sure the ballasts fits and clips properly on the housing, it was nerve-wracking.

Fits likes a glove, even has space to add high beam LEDs 😀

Beautiful cut-off lines

Improved visibility and wide angle

Cheers

 

[dalechris]

I was able to add HID to mine, although I went with full OEM D4S ballast and projector retrofit on my 2013. I used Osram CBB D4S bulbs. It was a bit tricky to do but I managed to fit the Bi-Xenon projectors in there. Here are some pictures of my retrofit.

View attachment 168485
Bi-Xenon projectors I used off a Lexus

View attachment 168484
Modified bracket with projector fitted and fastened

View attachment 168486
Tight fit in the housing but it worked perfect

View attachment 168488
Switchback halos modules fitted inside the housing, I also added some clear STi lenses.

View attachment 168487
Making sure the ballasts fits and clips properly on the housing, it was nerve-wracking.

View attachment 168490
Fits likes a glove, even has space to add high beam LEDs 😀

View attachment 168491
Beautiful cut-off lines

View attachment 168489
Improved visibility and wide angle

Cheers

Nice Job. I don't think that I am up to the job though. That is the kind of beam that I was looking for with the LED bulbs.

 

[Asantoyo4]

It is going to be difficult with just swapping out the bulbs. Especially LEDs since all of the LEDs have different beam patterns throughout brands. But will not mimic the beam of a Halogen Bulb.

The parabola from the HID projectors I installed in my RAV-4 were way different from the stock projects, even the lens had a different radius shape.