Help,

I am trying to get my beloved '86 240 rolling(legally) through the New England Winter. I have replaced the passenger side rear marker/brake light bulb three times and it lasts less than a couple of days each time. Upon inspection the bulb is black (or very dark blue) and on one ocassion was cracked.

Any words of wisdom appreciated.

If the reflective coating has come off then the black plastic will get hot and raise the temperature around the bulb. I guess you have an automatic, sitting on the brake at stops for a long time will make the problem worse, try using the hand-brake if stopped for more than 20s.

The taillight housing or lens is cracked and water is dripping on the hot lamp, causing it to crack. Once air enters the lamp it burns until black and blue.

Art,

As I only use the car in the winter/foul weather, you're suggestion seems to make sense. I'll check the intregity of the Lens etc.

Thanks to all for responding....I'll update with the outcome.

The only thing I can think of is that you have a lose socket and as you drive, the bulb is flickering on and off many times causing it to heat and cool.. This will shorten a bulbs life span. But every few days?? I don't think that's it.

Does it actually work when you first put a new bulb in or are you just noticing it burnt?

The only other thing would be too much voltage But as Larry said, all bulbs would be popping.

Hmmm. you are buying #1157 bulbs? Because the only other thing I can think of is that you have a bulb for a 6 volt system or something to that affect.

/// I know of no way there can be more than twelve volts at just the one bulb position. An over charging alternator, (faulty voltage regulator) would affect all bulbs. Are the bulbs from the same lot number? Damage in shipping can stress filaments. If there is a poor connection to that one bulb through the socket, heat will melt the solder contact. But to constantly blow one bulb, I don't know.