* Wiring Issues: This is the most common culprit. Look for:
* Short circuits: Damaged wiring insulation can cause a short, leading to excessive current and blown bulbs. Check the wiring harness from the headlight switch, through the fuse box, to the headlights themselves. Look for fraying, melted insulation, or areas where wires might be pinched or rubbing against metal.
* Loose connections: Corroded or loose connections at the bulb sockets, the headlight connectors, or anywhere along the wiring harness can create high resistance, generating heat and blowing bulbs. Clean all connections with a wire brush and dielectric grease.
* Ground issues: A poor ground connection can cause voltage spikes, blowing bulbs. Ensure the ground wires connected to the headlight assemblies are clean and secure.
* Incorrect Bulb Wattage: Using bulbs with a higher wattage than the vehicle's electrical system is designed for will overload the circuit and blow bulbs. Always replace bulbs with the exact wattage specified in your owner's manual.
* Faulty Headlight Switch: A malfunctioning headlight switch might be sending too much current to the headlights. This is less common but possible.
* Voltage Regulator Problems: A faulty voltage regulator can cause inconsistent voltage output from the alternator, leading to voltage spikes that damage bulbs. This is more likely if other electrical components are also malfunctioning.
* Fuse Issues (Less Likely if Multiple Bulbs): While a blown fuse is a common cause for a single headlight failure, if multiple headlights are failing, the problem is more likely in the wiring or switch. Still, check the fuse box for blown fuses related to the headlights.
* Parasitic Draw: A parasitic draw (current drain when the car is off) can slowly drain the battery and potentially cause voltage fluctuations, leading to blown bulbs. This is less likely to directly cause blown bulbs but could contribute to the problem if the battery is already weak.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check the fuses: This is the easiest first step.
2. Inspect the wiring: Carefully examine the wiring harness for any damage.
3. Clean the connections: Clean all connections with a wire brush and dielectric grease.
4. Verify bulb wattage: Ensure you're using the correct wattage bulbs.
5. Test the headlight switch (if possible): This might require some electrical testing equipment.
6. Check the ground connections: Make sure the ground wires are clean and tight.
If you're not comfortable working with car electrical systems, take your Camaro to a qualified mechanic. Continuing to run with blown headlights is unsafe, and further damage could occur to the wiring harness if the underlying cause isn't addressed.
