Hi guys,

I recently installed these turn signal bulbs in my headlights. While I was installing them I noticed that they were pretty hard to seat correctly in the bulb receptor, and also (kinda concerned) that they heat up quite a bit faster than the stock bulbs -- I'd say they were almost twice as warm after 30 seconds of use.

I was able to get the bulbs about 85% of the way into the socket. They light up fine, are VERY secure, and don't rattle/shake at all. I suspect that unless these things are supposed to get hotter because of the chrome plating, they may be heating up fast because of the seating problem...something to do with the electric current perhaps?

Does anyone else have these installed? Has anyone had a problem with the bulbs burning out due to overheating, or problems seating them during installation?

If I am completely overreacting and most bulbs get hot like this (even just flashing a few times) don't hestitate to call me an idiot

Thanks in advance,
Richard

 

What do you mean by 'seating'. The bulb in the socket or bulb in the housing? I think you might run into problems with gaps since water might get between them. I had to shave a bit of the plastic off the bulb to get them to fit in the socket all the way in. No problems getting to fit in the housing. Didn't test to see how warm they got.

 

no offense; but your first problem was the "APC" part. dont take me the wrong way Im not hating on another product or anything. but APC products are crap.

with that said you have 2 options. first off, and my reccomendation; get a phillips silvervision bulb. a good bit more cash; but its well made. Ive heard the APCs will burn the silver coating off and get discolored; cant comment on what the heat will do to the housing though.

and second, not sure why this is, but most bulbs have a ramp wedge on the base, both sides. I donno where the difference comes in on which is which; but the Z doesnt fit these. if you shave them off with a dremel or the like it will fit in.

what Im confused about is its a 7440 that is the turn signal. so why would it ever be on for 30seconds and how did you get them to be on that long? or do you mean blinking for 30 seconds?

 

I mean getting them to seat correctly into the socket. I did not shave mine, but pushed them in hard as I could. They are locked back into the housing fine, no water will get in.

 

I have heard a lot of this, but haven't heard any complaints from people with the bulbs in the miscellaneous threads about these on this forum. I figured the APC bulbs were worth a shot since I couldn't find the Philips bulbs, and even found a post here saying that Philips didn't make them in 7440.

If you know where I can buy the Philips equivalent, please tell me. I have no problem with paying for higher quality products. I didn't buy Sylvania because they only make these with a bluish coating, and I want completely silver and couldn't find somewhere to buy them online or otherwise.

Thanks for the tip, that explains a lot...

I meant blinking -- with the car off and only one of the APC bulbs installed, I just hit the four-ways. After about thirty seconds of examination I turned them off, and when I went to pick up the new APC bulb to reinsert it into the housing I noticed it was quite warm. Before disconnecting the second (original) bulb, I again ran the blinkers for 30 seconds, then grabbed hold of the original. It was only about 1/2 as warm. It got me thinking...

Anyhow, I completely understand if you have heard rumors of the chrome finish coming off. If you'll just point me in the direction of the Philips bulbs, I'd be more than happy to buy a set...

Cheers,
Richard

 

my bad; Im sorry. your right they dont come in 7440... that sucks.

guess that doesnt leave you any options then, very odd that they dont make them.

guess we'll let you respond about how they hold up. hopefully they will last. their marketed as lasting longer than normal bulbs; tho no reason for it is given.

 

get cycolite bulbs off of ebay, they are made really well, have a nice chrome coating on them and light up a nice amber. they were about $15 for a pair shipped. they are also of a good quality, i didnt have to force them into the sockets to get them to fit or anything like that.

 

The APC bulbs were in that price range. I would consider another $15 set of bulbs a waste of money at this point, unless they were Philips or Sylvania (if they made them).