Headlight not working properly
My passenger's side Xenon headlight is not working. The bulb is good.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Your problem is most likely the ballast for the bulb. The headlight assembly has to be removed to replace it. There is always the possibility of a wiring issue. If you’re not up to the task, a qualified mechanic from YourMechanic, would be happy to help diagnose and repair your headlight issue.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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The likely cause is a fuse, headlight relay, headlight switch, dimmer switch or a wiring fault. About the only cause that is an easy fix is a blown fuse. Consult your owner`s manual to locate the main fuse for the headlight circuit and replace that fuse with one having the same amp rating.
A bad headlight relay is among the more common reasons we see for low beam headlights not working while the high beams do. You see, the low and high beams each have their own relay, which is essentially an electrical switch. Like fuses, sometimes relays go bad.
The most common problem that faces headlights is dim, dying, or burnt-out bulbs. Thankfully, this also comes with the most simple solution: bulb replacement. Much like the lightbulbs in your home, headlight bulbs need to be replaced every once in a while.
Connect the test light to battery power. Touch the test light probe to the socket`s ground on the connector terminal. If the test light glows, check the bulb socket and connector for corrosion or a bad contact. If the test light doesn`t glow, check the ground side of the circuit for an open.
It will most likely be under the hood of your vehicle where your main fuse panel is located. However, it may be located inside the cab of the vehicle if you vehicle is equipped with an interior fuse box.
If both of your low-beam headlights are out, but both of the high-beams work fine, it`s possible that both of your low-beam halogen headlight bulbs have simply burned out. After all, the lightbulbs in a modern halogen headlamp unit can burn out just the same as light bulbs in your home or office.
If your low beam is dim, then you should first try to clean the headlamp thoroughly. In most cases, this can already significantly improve performance and makes your headlights brighter. Warm water, a sponge and washing-up liquid or car shampoo are all that is needed for cleaning.
You`ll need to replace the bulb, switch, or relay. If just one bulb fails to work in either high beam mode or low beam mode, it may be the bulb. Most headlight failures that are limited to just high or low beams are related to a relay or the high beam control switch.
Upgrade Your Bulbs
A highly effective way to improve headlight brightness and light output enhancement is to upgrade the bulbs. There are three primary bulb types: halogen, HID (High-Intensity Discharge), and LED (Light Emitting Diode).
Among obvious signs that your headlamps aren`t properly aimed are oncoming drivers flashing their lights at you because your lights are blinding them even without your high beams turned on, or the road ahead is brightly illuminated for only 20 feet or so, meaning the headlights are aimed too low.
Headlight Motors and Leveling Systems
The headlight motor and actuator control the individual positioning of the vehicle`s headlights. This is typically done by an electronic system via the cam-operated switch that controls each headlight motor, and also by a switch on the car`s dashboard.
Five Star Dual Headlamp Relay, Voltage: 12 V.
You`ll need to replace the bulb, switch, or relay. If just one bulb fails to work in either high beam mode or low beam mode, it may be the bulb. Most headlight failures that are limited to just high or low beams are related to a relay or the high beam control switch.
Most of the time both bulbs are bad. The connections to the bulbs could be faulty as well. If you`re unable to pinpoint the issue, have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose your lights firsthand for an accurate repair.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
All dashboard lights and tail lights do not work after driving through a lot of snow. Headlights work. And brake lights work.
ANSWER : Hello. We’ll be happy to help you. There are a few things that I recommend checking to discover why your lighting system is malfunctioning. The headlight dimmer switch should be checked. Along with the wiring harness above the right front tire behind the fender well cover. Also
the main fuse under the hood should be inspected because other people with your particular vehicle have had similar lighting issues if that fuse goes bad. It will be a great idea to check the rest of the fuses in that area too while checking the main fuse. Once the fuses are checked inside of the main fuse box then I would check the fuses inside of their interior fuse box. The interior fuse box should be located on the driver side of the dashboard near where your legs would be. If you need more assistance with repairing your vehicle please keep in mind that our organization provides Mobile Mechanics who can help you diagnose and repair your vehicle, all at competitive rates.
the main fuse under the hood should be inspected because other people with your particular vehicle have had similar lighting issues if that fuse goes bad. It will be a great idea to check the rest of the fuses in that area too while checking the main fuse. Once the fuses are checked inside of the main fuse box then I would check the fuses inside of their interior fuse box. The interior fuse box should be located on the driver side of the dashboard near where your legs would be. If you need more assistance with repairing your vehicle please keep in mind that our organization provides Mobile Mechanics who can help you diagnose and repair your vehicle, all at competitive rates.
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One of my car’s headlights does not work
ANSWER : Hello. There are 2 devices in the front wiring of your vehicle called "Signal Acquisition Modules." One is for the left side of the front, the other is for the right. They act as an electrical "router" and power distribution module for electrical loads up front. These modules take signal pulses from light switches and other controllers, and turn on power to the requested device.
The SAM units have fuses in them, just as a traditional box would. I would check the fuses in each SAM for both low and high beams, then check the igniters for the xenon low beams. If this seems a bit intimidating, I recommend having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to inspect for any electrical problems and suggest the needed repairs.
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Windshield wipers stopped working. They’ll suddenly stop working then suddenly start working again. Has been happening for a week.
ANSWER : The problem you are describing likely stems from an intermittent electrical fault in the wiper circuit. The windshield wiper system uses a small electric motor to move the wiper arms that you see on the windshield. That electric motor is controlled through a switch, relay, fuse, and wiring. One, or more, of those electrical components has failed although it is also possible that the mechanical arms are binding (seized, if the lubricant has dried out) thus causing the electric circuit to the motor to overload. Regardless of the underlying fault, if you request a non functioning wiper diagnostic/repair, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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My dash board don’t work my front light work when I change my light into high beam and my back window won’t go down
ANSWER : As unfortunate as it is, your vehicle would be considered flood damaged. Diagnosing electrical problems in a flood damaged vehicle is nearly impossible. This would take many hours or even days to determine which wiring harnesses and circuits have been affected. Then nearly all of the wiring under the dash would likely require replacement as well as many sensors and switches. On a BMW vehicle, the amount of wires and switches are likely more than that of a lower end vehicle. Due to the inefficiency in cost, you would likely be able to purchase another BMW like yours for less than what it would cost to fix your car. Many insurance companies would consider this type of damage to total out the vehicle unfortuantely.
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Heater / A/C are not working properly. They are weak and the highest and lowest settings do not work at all. Any ideas what it could be?
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the power from the switch on each setting and to the blower. See what the voltage is at each setting. If the voltage is low or not showing, then the switch is not working and needs replaced. The switch has a resister built in it to make the blower have different voltage outputs which makes the blower have multiple speeds. However, the first setting and the last setting could have a burned element inside making only the second and third setting work. Once you have the blower working properly, if there is no heat, then check the heater control valve in the engine compartment for if the vacuum line has came off or if the valve is not working. When the engine is at operating temperature, check the temperature of the coolant hoses to the valve and after the valve. If the hoses are the same temperature and the valve is shut, then the valve is on or not working. If the temperatures are different, then the valve is off or not working. If you need further assistance with your heater and a/c not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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My AC does not always work. If I fiddle with the blower knob I can ususally get it to work on the lowest setting.
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a faulty blower motor resistor. The highest speed setting may still work because in most cars in the highest fan speed settings the current bypasses the blower motor resistor. In some cars, if the resistor is failed, the fan may stop working completely. Another reason a blower motor resistor may fail is when the blower motor has a mechanical problem or when a foreign object jams the blower motor fan blade and prevents it from spinning freely. This leads to increased current through the resistor and causes it to overheat and fail. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your system to determine what may be causing the fan not to work properly.
It sounds like you may have a faulty blower motor resistor. The highest speed setting may still work because in most cars in the highest fan speed settings the current bypasses the blower motor resistor. In some cars, if the resistor is failed, the fan may stop working completely. Another reason a blower motor resistor may fail is when the blower motor has a mechanical problem or when a foreign object jams the blower motor fan blade and prevents it from spinning freely. This leads to increased current through the resistor and causes it to overheat and fail. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your system to determine what may be causing the fan not to work properly.
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My instrument cluster is not working properly! Help!
ANSWER : Check that all fuses are good. You can try removing the electrical connector on the back of the instrument cluster and plugging it back in. Odds are, the amplifier inside the gauge cluster has failed of has poor connection. It would have to be disassembled and repaired or replaced. If you want this taken care of, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose your electrical issue and assist you with appropriate repairs.
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All my light work when truck off start truck all lights work except headlights go out
ANSWER : If the headlights are working intermittently (i.e., turn off after you start the truck), there is a loose connection, faulty relay or switch, or other electrical problem in the headlight circuit. When the problem occurs, you can find the fault by simply performing continuity and voltage drop testing along the entire headlight circuit until you find the fault. If you want these steps performed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request a headlight bulb circuit diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Headlight not working properly
