Replacement Headlight Assemblies Failed < 1 Year Old

[Number_35]

Last August I replaced the headlight assemblies on our 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan.

I assume the old ones were original. The lenses were UV-damaged, but the biggest thing was that the plastic mounting ears were cracked. Each unit had three mounting ears, and on one lamp one was broken and the other two cracked, and vice versa on the other one.

I went for the "VARIOUS MFR" option from Rock Auto, and was initially pleased - the new units fit perfectly, although I have been disappointed by the quality of the light. I replaced the low-beam bulb on one side with an upgraded unit, but did not see any improvement. I suspect the reflectors were not very good.

I was driving today, heard a clunk, and thought that I should check the front end when I got home.

We stopped at a light, an a pedestrian came running across the road to tell me that the headlight had fallen out and was dragging on the ground.

We pulled over and I removed the unit. All three of the plastic ears had broken off.

(Edit: And what fun it was hand-signalling L turns on the way home.)

I've reinstalled it, and have it held in place securely with cable ties.

I wonder if I have any recourse with Rock Auto? It's only 11 months since I installed the new units.

Please advise me on the quality of the potential replacements. Of course I'm reluctant to consider the "VARIOUS MFR" type again.

 

[stevejones]

OEM not an option?

 

[atikovi]

You decided on cheap and paid $42 Canadian for a light that lasted almost a year. I think you got you're monies worth. How much were they at the dealer? $300?

 

[Number_35]

OEM not an option?

I'll have to check, but fear they're obsolete.

 

[Number_35]

You decided on cheap and paid $42 Canadian for a light that lasted almost a year. I think you got you're monies worth. How much were they at the dealer? $300?

I need to check. I'd consider C$300.

I figure if RA doesn't offer them, they're not readily available.

 

[Number_35]

You decided on cheap and paid $42 Canadian for a light that lasted almost a year. I think you got you're monies worth. How much were they at the dealer? $300?

The OEM units are discontinued.

 

[chemman]

Look at the TYC ones that are CAPA certified. CAPA means that the products are to meet or exceed the fit, form and function of the OEM parts they are to replace.

For more information just google "what is capa certified".

 

[daves87rs]

I bought one of the higher priced (CAPPA cert) for the Cobalt and it held up fine…..

 

[2009Caraman]

Just pull a set at a picknpull and polish them up before install.

 

[RAR]

I get the CAPA certified parts and have had no issues with them.

I’ve used them on my Mercury Grand Marquis, Mini Cooper S and others that needed them over the years.

I suspect the cheaper ones aren’t any better than a set of eBay specials, which I’ve used in the past. Those have terrible light patterns and aren’t easily adjusted. Never again.

 

[Number_35]

Just pull a set at a picknpull and polish them up before install.

My fear is that the mounting ears on used ones will fail just as suddenly. MY2007 was the last year for this style.

 

[Number_35]

It looks the best offered are the TYC units, "some of which" are CAPA-certified.

 

[meep]

I like TYC. I’ve had a couple of sets and it’s reasonable quality. The only failure I had was the lens started to separate from the body on one set I installed after a year. I was able to add some silicone caulk and never had issues with them.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Look at the TYC ones that are CAPA certified. CAPA means that the products are to meet or exceed the fit, form and function of the OEM parts they are to replace.

For more information just google "what is capa certified".

I bought TYC CAPA certified for my Taurus about 3 years ago. Car is outside parked and the headlights still look new with no mounting defects.

 

[Number_35]

I've ordered the TYC units. They're due to arrive Wednesday.

 

[Number_35]

I replaced the broken unit yesterday. I'm leaving the other headlight assembly in place for now so I can evaluate the light output of the TYC unit vs. the generic one.

We're still experiencing long days, so didn't do any night driving yesterday.

 

[SatinSilver]

I'd apply some C.Quartz DLUX to them so they don't fog up. Available on www.autogeek.net or probably Amazon also.

 

[meep]

I bought a pair of tyc fogs to replace broken units in my ford. The smoothness of the reflector is superior to the oems, which had some waviness in the reflector.

 

[Number_35]

I'd apply some C.Quartz DLUX to them so they don't fog up. Available on www.autogeek.net or probably Amazon also.

Is that a UV protectant? Would Aerospace 303 work instead?

 

[Astro14]

Is that a UV protectant? Would Aerospace 303 work instead?

Aerospace 303 is great for porous things, like rubber. Can’t see it working on the hard plastic of a headlight.

When I polish headlights, I use this to coat them. Lasts for years.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17804-Clear-Headlight-Coating/dp/B01M4RVVX6?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Given what a pain it is to repolish headlights, I should probably start preemptively re-spraying them each year.