How do I turn on the high beams?

ANSWER : Hi there. Typically, dim lighting is the result of a poor ground in the given lighting circuit. This poor ground may also account for the fog lights not functioning in the low beam position. Circuit testing with a wiring diagram needs to be performed to accurately access the cause of failure. Replacing components without diagnoses, can be expensive and time consuming without resolution. I recommend having your vehicle’s dim low beam headlights be diagnosed and repaired by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic.

ANSWER : Hello. You likely have an issue with your steering column multifunction switch. The steering column multifunction switch is in control of all the lights on the dashboard, the tail lights, as well as the headlights. It is likely your multifunction switch is malfunctioning and stopping power supply to the low beams once the high beams are activated. I suggest that you have a technician inspect your multifunction switch as well as check the fuses related to the headlights. Please keep in mind that if requested YourMechanic will send a technician whom will help you diagnose and repair your vehicle.

ANSWER : Hi there. Most of the time this is caused by a bad headlamp switch. When the switch fails, it will cause this to occur. If the switch is fine, then it may have an issue with the headlamp relay. I typically take my voltage meter and test the circuit starting at the headlamps until I find where the voltage is being lost.

If you want to have your headlamps fixed, consider having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your home or office to inspect the headlights and suggest any necessary repairs.

ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2007 Mustang. The low beam circuit is monitored by the the Smart Junction Box. It’s the fuse box in the right kick panel. Basically what this means is if the resistance, or the current flow in the circuit is not within the specified range, it will turn off the power to it. That’s why you won’t find a fuse for the low beams. It will re-check the circuit every time the ignition key is cycled. The circuit flows from the SJB through the fuse box under the hood, and then to the headlights. Inspect as much of the wiring as you can. Especially where it might have been tampered with for the HID lights. If there is a short to power or ground, or too much or not enough resistance, it will turn off the power. This is not the case with your fog lamps and high beams. They are powered by a relay that is fused, and the circuit is not monitored. It will simply blow a fuse if there’s a problem. If you need more help, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose and repair the headlight problem.

ANSWER : Hi there. The symptoms you’re describing with your boyfriend’s 2002 Grand Cherokee appear to be related to a broken or worn out ignition switch or relay. The ignition switch on the inside of the steering column is attached to multiple electronic connections that send signals to a relay box; which in turn, sends the signal to the individual components. The issue could be related to the ignition switch, the relay, or any of the components in between. If you want to have the fault pinpointed in person, I would have this starting issue inspected by a trained professional to ensure that the correct repair is made.

ANSWER : It’s possible that your headlight switch is the source of the problems you’re having; (especially if it’s all headlights that are not working correctly). It’s also possible that you may have an exposed wire somewhere creating a short in the system. The best thing we can recommend is have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete a headlights is not working inspection; so they can pinpoint the source of your issues and recommend the right repairs.

ANSWER : With this being a new 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, if the mileage is still low enough to be under the manufacturer’s warranty you may want to have the dealership look at it to make sure there is not an issue with lighting system. It is possible the vehicle may be still be in transport mode causing a reduced lighting functionality. If you’d rather have an independent technician take a look, a certified professional from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your headlight issues.

ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in about your 1997 Ford Escort. I recommend checking the fuses and bulbs. There may be separate low beam and high beam fuses on your model. If the fuses and bulbs are good, the dimmer/turn signal switch assembly may be at fault. Have a technician inspect your headlight problem if you need help having this repaired.