What's this black 'dust'?

[ozfrog]

Inside the LH reflector of my 307, the black 'dust' has appeared. It wasn't there one day when I parked the car, but it was there when I went to drive the following morning!

It has all gathered at the base of the two headlamps. And it is definitely not tarnish from the inside of the reflector that's sitting on the surface of the reflector.

But what is it?

How did it get there?

Can I remove it? If so, how?

I don't know if it is affecting the light output.

[PaulC5]

Has a bulb blown ?

[ekjdm14]

Have to say it does look a lot like the reflector material degrading from the photos, but if it is dust then I'd be looking to the bulbs firstly to see if any of them has popped (main beam looks very "sus" in the photo)

As to cleaning it out, if it won't blow out with compressed air I think the strongest thing I'd dare use would be water given how fragile the vacuum-deposited coating can be (I'd be hesitant to even suggest soapy water, although it'd probably be OK but don't jump on a 'plane to come and throttle me if it takes the coating off!)

[ozfrog]

Has a bulb blown?

Countless!

There has to be something wrong with the electrics on this car. I've blown more headlight bulbs - both sides of the car - and both main and dipped beams - than I ever recall doing on any other car. I began using reputable brands, Philips, Osram, and Narva, etc, but it became too expensive to continue with those brands. So I switched to the cheap Chinese bulbs available on eBay. I think there's been a slight improvement in how long bulbs last before they blow. However, they do still blow.

I noticed that the dipped beam on the driver’s side was blown yesterday morning. I think that it was last replaced about 3 months ago. I used to keep track of when I replaced the bulbs, but they blew so frequently that I have given up on that idea! Now, I buy the bulbs in ‘bulk’ and just keep track of how many I purchase, not when I fit them.

[ozfrog]

Have to say it does look a lot like the reflector material degrading from the photos, but if it is dust then I'd be looking to the bulbs firstly to see if any of them has popped (main beam looks very "sus" in the photo)

I can't guarantee that it isn't reflector material, but in real life, it appears more dust-like than anything else. To me, if it was reflector degradation, the material would be more flaky. But if I knew what it was, I wouldn't be here asking for help!

As to cleaning it out, if it won't blow out with compressed air I think the strongest thing I'd dare use would be water given how fragile the vacuum-deposited coating can be (I'd be hesitant to even suggest soapy water, although it'd probably be OK but don't jump on a 'plane to come and throttle me if it takes the coating off!)

Take out both the main and the dipped beam bulbs? Or are you going to tell me that I have to remove every bulb?

Taking out both headlight bulbs is traumatic enough; the thought of removing the other bulbs terrifies me. And then I will have to put them back in. Even worse.

Water anything is not going in that reflector! Manufacturers go to extraordinary lengths to prevent dust and water from entering the headlights, and you're suggesting that I deliberately add water to one? Yes, I would be on the plane … !

[Stickyfinger]

I note you said you have blown a lot of bulbs in the car...
Speculation: Electrical coating .... eg on wires/bulb metal parts or even the coating on the bulb glass.....speculation: due to over voltage/heat ?

[PaulC5]

Are the roads you use in good condition or lots of bumps which might reduce the bulb life ?