How to Perform an Exterior Light Inspection
The exterior lighting system of your car is
an important safety issue. Any lights that fail to illuminate and is illegal.
Most bulbs are easy to replace but we have seen some tricky ones but they are few.
Most car repair garages will charge between fifty and one hundred dollars to replace
a four dollar bulb.
Checking Headlight Operation
Vehicles today have a variety of features incorporated into the front lighting
system. This car has high/low beam
headlights, front running
lights and turn signals, headlight
lens cleaners and a headlight sensor used to automatically lower the vehicles
high beam headlights when the sensor detects opposing traffic.
Checking tail light, side marker, reverse, running light and stop light
bulbs.
For best results check bulb operation at night or in a dark garage. Step on the
brake pedal to check brake lights,
make sure all brake lights illuminate including the middle third brake light. Turn
headlight switch to the first selection, inspect all side marker, front running
lights, and
tail
lights.
Checking third or upper brake light.
All passenger vehicles have a third or upper brake light located between and
above the normal side brake lights. To check on this light operation, turn key to
the "on" position (do not start). Step on brake pedal, all brake lights should illuminate
including the third or upper brake, light.
Checking emergency flashers or hazard lights
To check your emergency flasher
lights (or hazard flasher) operation locate the emergency switch then activate it.
Check around your vehicle to make sure all lights are functioning properly. Deactivate
emergency flasher switch to stop flasher operation.
Checking Factory Alarm Operation
Some vehicles are manufactured with a "built in"
alarm system. To activate the alarm
system depress the "lock" button on the
key fob. All doors will
lock and the alarm indicator
light will start blinking to inform you the alarm has now been activated. To disarm
alarm system depress the "unlock" button on the key fob.
Common Problems:
- Bulb burned out.
- Incorrect bulb replacement causing system short circuits/incorrect operation.
- Bad light socket ground causing the bulb to be dim.
If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready
to answer your car questions. Also, gain manufacturer
specific instructions and information by clicking -
Auto Repair Manual
Related Car Repair Information
