2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Headlight Dim

Tiny
J_LOPEZ0895
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 128,000 MILES
It started when my driver side headlight went out so I replaced the bulb. After that I had to smack the headlight for it to turn on for whatever reason. So I replaced the bulb a second time and now it works at all times but it's dim, only that 1 side though. I've tried cleaning the ground and also replacing the light socket for the headlight (pigtail). When I unplug the whole assembly and sitch it to the passenger side it works fine but when the passenger side is switched to the driver than that one is dim. So I was thinking maybe replacing the actual connector that you plug into the assembly. Any ideas what I could do?
Thursday, July 3rd, 2014 AT 7:39 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
When it is dim as you described, you have a weak connection. Most commonly, it is a bad ground. Reconfirm that the ground is good by checking continuity. If there is no resistance and it shows good, check the power supply and make sure there is 12v to the socket. When probing the socket, make sure the wiring in it is in good condition and not moving because the socket itself could be bad.

Do this and let me know what you find. It has to be one or the other. My money is on either a bad socket or a poor ground.
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Thursday, July 3rd, 2014 AT 8:08 PM

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