98 Explorer Headlight issue

[pingj]

Evening everybody.

I have a 98 Explorer XLT with @ 225k miles on it. About two months ago my right front headlight went out.

Like I usually do with headlight bulbs I replaced both at the same time. The right bulb lasted about a month and went out. Ok so maybe I got a bad bulb or I touched it or got dirt on it while installing it. Didn't think anything of it.

I went and got a second bulb but this time only replaced the one that was burned out. Or should I say shattered.

I put the third new one in today about 3 weeks after the last one. This one was also shattered.

This time I took the lens out and cleaned all the broken glass pieces out of it.

My fear is that something else is going on. Any idea's would be appreciated.

 

[toypaseo]

I have never had a halogen bulb shatter.

I always put on rubber or vinyl disposable gloves to handle them, and always clean them with isopropyl alcohol and lint free cloths before installation.

 

[thunderpipes127]

They will shatter if they are on and cold moisture gets to them from your head light housing. I have seen them shatter from someone touching them with greasy finger and putting them in. If you are getting moisture in the housing such as condensation on the inside of the lens or anytime it rains it looks like you refilled your "halogen fluid" in the head light housing and the colder water splashes onto a blazing hot paper thin bulb they will bust.

 

[pingj]

Thanks for the replies. There is no moisture in the housing. I guess I should have mentioned that. As for touching the bulb, maybe the first time, but the second and third time I removed the air box so I had easy access to the back of the lens.

This past weekend I removed the housing so I could clean out all the pieces of glass from the shattered bulbs. While it was out I installed the new bulb (#4) so I know there was no dirt or finger prints on the bulb.

Time will tell. I have a new power switch to put in, but I probably won't get to it until this weekend.