Good Day Listers,

Melting of connectors is caused by using bulbs which produce more heat than the stock
bulbs (less effecient).  The poster indicated that they are using "blue
Xenon" bulbs.  These are the problem.  These are poor quality bulbs,
labeled in such a manner to mislead the customer that they are true
Xenon lamps, produce more heat with less light and the blue tint makes
them more difficult to see and create horrible glare for oncoming
drivers.  Replace these with brand-name bulbs of the correct wattage.

True Xenon lights are gas-filled and use a massive ballast to charge the
gas.  To the best of my knowledge, there are two true replacement Xenon
products available, priced at just under $1000.  Reference
 http://lighting.mbz.org/ for automotive lighting issues and
information; very informative website, excellent products and reasonable
pricing.

Be happy that you have metal lamp holders on the Vanagon.  On many other
cars, the bulb mount is plastic, and the back of the lamp melts
necessitating replacement of the entire assembly.
--

Jon B Kanas
Longmont, Colorado
Cultural Center of the Universe
Home: 303-678-0658
Email: kanas@qadas.com
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Website:  http://www.qadas.com/~kanas
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