Tail light Issue

[zigzag]

Hi KSRC people

I have a 1999 ZX9R, im having an issue where the tail lights keep blowing, and i mean blowing the whole globe goes white and cracks, it has happened 5 times in the last 3 months. At first it occurred while i got stuck in the rain so i thought i was water on the hot glob but its happened in the dry as recent as yesterday (perfect day for a ride mind you) I'm thinking (without knowing much about 12volt wiring) that there could be a loose wire? i donno, it is a 10 yr old bike. i haven't seen an auto electrician yet but was planning on doing so after its next service. I'm in Brissy North side if anyone has any suggestions of an auto electrician or WTF is making this happen

[jl4049]

I just had an issue with the tail lights on my 98 zx9, one of the wires broke off the solder in the tail light bulb holder, might be worth a look round that area. Easy fix if you have a soldering iron, if that turns out to be the problem. Are the bulbs you are using the correct type and wired correctly? Coz this sort of thing can be caused by the brake light filament (21W) being lit permanently, overheating the bulb.

[zx6rider]

Is the globe making a good connection in the lamp holder? terminals in the lampholder not corroded? have a look under the pillion seat and make sure no wires are loose or look corroded, you could always buy an LED stop light, use google & try LEDshop online.

[badinov]

When a globe blows, and is 'white' inside the glass.....it has an air-leak !
- Causes...cracked, "cheap" globes .....Vibration - check light is firmly ( rubber ) mounted.
When a globe blows, and is black /silver inside.....over-voltage !
-Causes... over-charging , bad earth , loose /corroded connectors ..

...Illuminating..!??

[zigzag]

Oh Thanks guys, I've now been enlightened

As I've said it happen 5 times, I've only got 2 of the broken ones (threw the others out) they seem to be white,and cracked although i seem to recall the 3rd time it happened it was black/ silver. the first time it was both left and right hand side that blew. The last 3 times it has been just the rhs i got the bulbs from my local mechanic, the first time bought 2, since then i bought them at the servo they where the same looking. 12v p21/5W they didn't have a variety i think they were $3 for the pair.

if it were over charging, bad earth how would i fix? vibrations are never gonna go away, especially on the shit roads Queensland has to offer

i'll have a look and see if it corroded

[zigzag]

i'm thinking it is a heat issue