GE Nighthawk replacement bulbs, and fog light question

[Jenskp]

I bought a set on Sylvania Silverstars and one went out about a 1 and a half after install. They were good at first then after I stuck the factory bulb in the one that blew I could see a big difference. The SS was a lot dimmer than the old factory. So those light were bright for maybe a year then declined past my old factory bulbs. I'm wary of any aftermarket bulbs since. This was in a Tacoma BTW.

[arteegee]

Originally Posted by MikeT

You might be onto something here. When I first saw the GE Nighthawks at Walmart, there were four packages. The next day I bought the last 9003 package. I asked the auto guy when they would be getting more in and he said that the 9003 Nighthawks were missing from his two previous shipments.

Yep, grabbed a pair at WM last week and installed them Saturday. Less than $30 well-spent.

[Raplon]

While I was searching the web, I found a discussion on other car forum about GE Nighthawk bulbs. People complained the bulbs we burning out prematurely, therefore having shorter useful life span then Sylvania bulbs.

[tlaudio]

Originally Posted by Raplon

While I was searching the web, I found a discussion on other car forum about GE Nighthawk bulbs. People complained the bulbs we burning out prematurely, therefore having shorter useful life span then Sylvania bulbs.

Interesting how the internet works!

I heard the Sylvania bulbs had a shorter life and people had a hard time getting them replaced by Sylvania.

I have had the Nighthawks in my RL for over 1 year. No problems at all.

YMMV

[schwejo]

Hi, I can just speak to my experiance with the Silverstars, but one might assume that the GE's have similar life. Yes, No ?? I have used Silverstars for 5 years or so and not been pleased with how long they last. I was caught by surprise the first time one of them burned out after about 13 or 14 months because my only frame of ref was OEM's which seem to last ~5, 10 or more years. I looked on the Sylvania website as well as the instructions that came with the lamps and there is no mention anywhere what so ever about expected life. I called Sylvania and spoke to a nice person who said after I pressed the situation just a little bit, that If I had a reciept and the burned lamp was less than a year old they would talk about a replacemet. They also said that while my mine burned out sooner than some, it wasnt all that uncommon and the price to be paid for the higher performance.

After that I went back to OEM's because I didnt feel the possible benefit outweighed the danger of myself or a family member only having one head light or worse both failing when they began to wear and you hit a pothole or something. (maybe that doesnt make sense, after all each time they have burned out it has been immediately after turning them on, and I do carefully follow all precautions about not touching the lamp to avoid hot spots and all that) but thats what I was thinking, anyway. When I took them out at one point I could see where the filament was beginning to look like it had some wear. Of course you always have high beams as an emergency fall back, but thats not a great option. My thought with putting the OEMS back to minimize putting a young driver in that situation.

Now having said that Target did a big store remodel last year and marked several pair of SilverStars down to $15/pair so I couldnt resist and am using them again, but I have put the OEM's into the Silverstar packaging and put them in the trunk. We shall seel!

[jforget1]

Does anyone have any experience with the Silverstar Ultras. I have been trying to find them locally, but have not been able to.

[brandont]

I also found the GE Nighthawks at my local Wallmart. They had four of them, plus plenty of 9004,5,6. I installed them and I find the light whiter and a little brighter.

Also had the Bluetooth 'Club' Speakerphone ($25), and wireless backup camera ($98).

[paulmooney]

I just did the switch and very impressed. Easy to do, brighter, whiter, project farther and filled in the dark spot the oe bulbs had above the foglights.

I picked up two sets just in case one burned out too quickly. But if anyone is still having problems finding them at their Walmart let me know and I'll mail these at cost + shipping. PM me.

[Cajun Country Ridgeline]

CHECKED TODAY, AND THE 9003'S GE'S WERE IN STOCK.

IT APPEARS ON THIS THREAD, THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM FINDING THEM IN THE SOUTHERN WALMARTS.

I HAVE NOT LOOKED ON THEIR WEB SITE......................YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO ORDER THEM.

HAVE HAD OURS FOR OVER 15 MONTHS AND NO PROBLEMS AND EXCELLENT VISION AT NIGHT DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IN BAD WEATHER.

[jforget1]

Picked up a set of the NightHawks at the Walmart up here in RI the other night, do a nice job, lot of detail. Not bad for less than $30 with tax.