156 brake light bulbs

[Avocet]

Ever since we've had it, my wife's 156 has "eaten" brake light bulbs at an amazing rate. I've tried cheap bulbs and expensive bulbs but it gets through them just the same!

Does anyone else have this trouble and if so, is there a fix?

[pdV6]

Short somewhere?

[correlejco]

A short won't damage the bulb. Causes of bulb failure are

Shock and vibration (same for all cars, roughly).

Over-voltage (check alternator output with engine running at 2000 rpm - should be 13.8 V or thereabouts).

Life - Unlike 5W tail lights, 21W stop lamps are not intended for continuous use - they are quite small for such a high power rating. Many drivers keep foot on the brake at lights rather than use the handbrake - I'm sure no Alfa driver indulges in such sloppy driving. It's also possible that the microswitch setting on the pedal is wrong and the lights are on when they shouldn't be.

Hope this helps - John

[Avocet]

Cheers all,

No, she doesn't keep her foot on the brakes more than any ordinary driver (although we do live in a hilly area!). Vibration might be an issue - lots of single track roads here and not too well maintained at that!

Was wondering about the bulbs overheating but I guess all 156s would do it if that was the case. If its not a common fault I guess its back to some head scratching!

Ta!