A. Rosich,

This explanation makes perfect sense. I feel somewhat the moron for not checking the wattage and/or model number of the "mysterious" bulb in question. Foolishly I visually compared the low beam bulb to the mystery bulb and they looked identical, as many bulbs do with completely different wattage, voltage, amperage, output ratings. Based on the visual inspection, I made an assumption... and we all know what that leads to........ . Anyway, as it is dark and raining here right now, first thing in the morning I will check the aforementioned criteria of the mystery bulb and report back.

Thank you so much for taking the time to help me in my quest for knowledge, and I am reasonably sure that tomorrow morning the "case of the mystery bulb" will be solved thanks to your efforts, and genius.

Until tomorrow, thank you again.
Matt