Repair Topics / Headlights-1 / Headlights-2

• Why is one headlight dim?
• Why do both headlight go out?
• No taillights or taillight light bulb out
• How to use a test light
• How does the electrical system work?
• Why is the low tire pressure indicator light on?
• One or all brake lights not working

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Question: 1992 Pontiac Grand Am 4 cyl mileage: 78,000.  I walked out on 1 Jan and found the headlights on.  Got the keys to start engine fearing dead battery, the car started right up.  The lights were not on the night before.  Turned off car, removed key, light switch off, headlights stayed on.  Hit high beam, headlights went off, high beams came on.  Pulled out headlight control unit from fuse panel, headlights stayed on.  Unplugged each light individually and in high beam/headlight pair, thinking it might be a short, lights stayed on.  Had to unplug lights to get them off.

Answer:  If we did not know better, we would suspect the Y2K bug.  Without actually “seeing” your vehicle, it is difficult to diagnose the problem.   We are guessing at some damage done to the headlight wiring causing a short between a power wire and the headlight wire.

Question: 1992 Ford Thunderbird 3.8 V6 mileage: 115,600.  I have a problem with my headlights blinking off and on after being on for about an hour.  They keep blinking off and on and not sure just what the problem might be.  None of the other lights go out.  If I shut the lights off for a while they come on and stay on, until the circuit gets hot again.  Could you please tell me where the circuit breakers are located to replace it, or is it a more complex problem

Answer:  Your problem is likely not a circuit breaker it is probably a faulty high-low beam selector switch.

Question: 1969 Ford F250 390 mileage.  The lights on the truck operate intermittently.  Something seems to get hot, and the lights go out, then they go right back on.  The longer the truck runs, the faster they go on and off.  I would appreciate any help you could give me.

Answer:   Check for a bad connection or faulty headlight switch or a faulty hi-low beam switch.

Question: 91 Daytona Shelby 2.5 Turbo mileage: 133,400.  The low setting on my headlights is next to useless.  They cast very little light.  The high beams are much better.  The battery appears to be charging and the car runs fine, but it seems that the headlights are not getting enough current to emit very much light.

Answer:   With headlights on, check the voltage at the back of the headlights.  If voltage is low, you may have a bad connection at the switch.  Check to see that they are aimed correctly.

Question: 1994 ES300 V6 mileage: 77,000.  My right headlight has condensation inside which makes the glass foggy and damp and therefore does not throw as much light out as it should.  In order to pass state inspection (I wish to sell it soon) the dealership tells me I must replace the whole wraparound light unit at a cost of $539, plus $69 labor.  They said the seal has come undone.  I maintain they should just be able to replace the seal, and wipe off the glass.  They say no, the whole unit must be replaced.  The condensation is a result of a high powered washing, and happened once before, but eventually disappeared on its own.  Night vision is still excellent, even with the fog, but I do understand that it diminishes the lighting distance.  My question is this: Is there a substantially cheaper way to correct this problem than the suggestion by the dealership (replace the whole unit.)  The car is otherwise in exceptional shape, inside and out, and has been very well maintained.  Thanks in advance for your advice!

Answer:   As a temporary fix, try removing the light bulb and socket from the back of the lens assembly.  With a hairdryer, warm up the front of the lens to drive out the moisture.  Be careful when washing your car not to get more water in the lamp assembly.

Question: 95 Oldsmobile 2.3 mileage: 86,000.  I have replaced the dimmer switch which is also the headlight switch, and turn signal twice now.  It seems that when my heat is on for any extended period, my headlights go out; not the parking lights or interior lights, just the head lights...Please help.  That includes the brights too.  If I turn the car off for a while to cool, they work again. 

Answer:   Check the main power wires by the starter.  You may have a bad connection, also check ground wires.

Question: 96 Pontiac/Grand Am 2.4l mileage: 52,000.  How do I align the headlamps?  I know how to remove the assembly to change the bulbs but they are out of alignment.

Answer:  Aiming headlights correctly requires special equipment.   You can try shining them on the garage door and try to align them that way, but we would have them done by a professional.

Question: 1992 Dodge Caravan mileage: 100,000.  The headlights on our 92 Dodge Caravan won’t come on and the fuses are fine.  The fog lights and hazards work but is there any other reason besides the fuses that wont let both headlights come on?

Answer:  Check the headlight switch, it may be faulty.  Also, check the fuseable link near the battery.

Question: 1981 Chevrolet 1/2 ton 350_mileage: 200,000 mi.  I recently bought a 1981 Chevrolet 1/2 ton.  There are two low beam headlights and two high beam lights.  The bright lights do not let me see as far as the dim lights.   Obviously, I need to align the headlights.   Years ago I had a book of some kind that told me how far to be away from a wall and how high each light should beam.  I do not have that book anymore.  Do you have a detailed explanation for setting headlight alignment?

Answer: Aiming headlights correctly, really requires special equipment.  Obviously, you have tried to guess at it with much luck.
 

Question: 1996 Ford Thunderbird 3.8L V6 mileage: 93,000. I have automatic headlights and my lights had been flickering on and off, now they won't come on at all by way of manually turning them on or by the automatic. The parking lights do work. I have been told that it is the relay and needs replacing. Where is this relay for my headlights located?

Answer: The headlight relay is located behind the dash to the right of the steering column.

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Repair Topics / Headlights-1 / Headlights-2