Replacing standard dipped bulb

[egobreed]

OK, my left dipped headlight bulb (and DRL) just packed in after a mere 8 months. Changed the bulb (fiddly but not massively complicated) and checked the fuses but it's still not working, and the bulb warning light is still on inside.

Am I missing something obvious here? I replaced it with a Bosch 477 / H7, standard halogen bulb.

[maisbitt]

Might be a given for most people - but you didn't touch the glass on the new bulb with your bare hands did you? if you cant avoid it then the glass should be wiped down with some pure alcohol. Or maybe the new bulb was a dud (it can happen).

[egobreed]

Nope, I've just taken out the new bulb, and swapped the originals over - the left side is still out, so the bulbs are all fine. What I did notice, however, is that there are two wires behind the bulb on the right which are missing on the left! How can that be?! The rubber cap was in place so there's nowhere for them to go. I guess a trip to the garage is required.

[egobreed]

In the workshop today - failed control unit, apparently, so it's in overnight while they order a part.

Which leaves me driving a base-spec 1 litre Polo. It's awful. It's really, really bad.