Headlight issue

Tiny
JJBURTON5
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 ACURA RSX
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 136,701 MILES
Headlights are not lighting up, except for passenger side high beam. DRL indicator light is on in the dashboard. Have tested fuses and relays for resistance and they are giving a resistance.

The tail lights and reverse lights work perfectly, as well as turn signals.
Wednesday, October 4th, 2017 AT 5:00 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,895 POSTS
Hello,

There are two relays and three fuses that run the system. Below are some guides and diagrams to help you run some simple tests and figure out what the problem is. Check fuse #12, 3 and 10.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

If they check out test the power through the switch.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, October 4th, 2017 AT 3:36 PM
Tiny
JJBURTON5
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Thank you for the quick response, I will be sure to do these tests over the next few days, I will let you know what I find.
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Thursday, October 5th, 2017 AT 5:50 AM
Tiny
JJBURTON5
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  • 27 POSTS
So I have tested all the fuses and the relays do appear to be working, so that all looks good. However, I did notice that fuses 15 and 17 in the under hood fuse box are not lighting the test light, despite supposedly always being hot. I have tried a new fuse in the socket and still it does not light the lamp. However, I have also found that the battery fuse is only an 80a although it's supposed to be 100a. Would this have any effect?
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Wednesday, October 11th, 2017 AT 9:01 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would replace the fuse but if it is not blown it will not effect anything. Are the relays activating when the headlights are turned on can you feel them click?
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Wednesday, October 11th, 2017 AT 10:39 AM
Tiny
JJBURTON5
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Yes, actually they click and the movement can be felt on top of the relays, luckily my brother has the exact same car, so when he comes home I may try switching relays with him just to see what happens. But they do seem to be working as they should.
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Wednesday, October 11th, 2017 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
JJBURTON5
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  • 27 POSTS
So I have confirmed that the fuses are getting power and the relays are good. However, I've noticed that when I turn the stick from drl to high beam, the high beam bulb on the passenger side come s on but dimly flickers, and the driver side on just flashes and quickly goes out. A single halo on the passenger side works as well. Could it possibly be a ground causing the flickering?
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Wednesday, October 11th, 2017 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Check for any corroded earth terminals around the head light looms, check for loose or corroded head light plugs, the dim light may indicate a bad earth for the circuit.
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Thursday, October 12th, 2017 AT 5:14 AM
Tiny
JJBURTON5
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  • 27 POSTS
I assume you are referring to G201 and G301, which requires me to take the front bumper down, right?
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Thursday, October 12th, 2017 AT 5:35 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 42,895 POSTS
Yes, I would test for power output at the DRL controller it sounds like it has failed. Also it could be the amplifier for the headlight as well. We are loosing power somewhere keep testing until you find it. Test the switch as well use the wiring diagrams to help.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, October 12th, 2017 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
JJBURTON5
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I've heard these DRL modules are a common problem with the soldering joints breaking. I will be sure to check and let you know.
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Thursday, October 12th, 2017 AT 10:16 AM
Tiny
JJBURTON5
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
So I know this was posted back in October, but I recently got enough time to poke through the headlight wiring. I traced back from the ballasts and discovered some wires with plastic coatings gone, and ground wires stuck to the chassis by rust. I have repaired the wire coatings and exposed more clean wire from the grounds as well as sanding out the rusted areas. I now have 5/6 bulbs working, but have yet to get around to the final low beam (which may only be a bulb). In the meantime, thank you guys for all your help in troubleshooting!
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Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 AT 8:22 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Nice work, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime. It would be good if you could take a quick pic of the problem to help others see?

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 AT 11:24 AM

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