Headlight switch not working?

DREA LYNN

MEMBER
2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU
2.4L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
72,000 MILES

I turn off my auto lights in the daytime and my headlight switch is not working. The only time my lights go on or off is when I turn the car on or off. Also, my third brake light is not working so I wasn't sure if this is connected together.

Friday, March 17th, 2023 AT 7:49 AM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,575 POSTS

Hi,

Do both the high and low beam work or is it just one or the other? This is with the switch off. I ask because each beam has its own relay which may have failed. I attached the headlamp wiring schematic below (pics 1 and 2)

Next, I went through the headlamp schematics and there doesn't appear to be any correlation with the third brake lamp. See pic 3. Once again, there is a relay and fuse.

Check the fuse and relay in pic 4 (under-hood fuse box).

Here are two links you may find helpful:

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

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

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.

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Friday, March 17th, 2023 AT 9:30 PM

DREA LYNN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Joe! Thanks for responding. Yes, it was just the low beam bulb. My husband and I just replaced the bulb yesterday and it seems to be working just fine. I did purchase a new headlight switch as I am not able to turn the lights on and off with the switch. Hopefully that is the problem! I really appreciate your help!

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Monday, March 27th, 2023 AT 11:47 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,575 POSTS

Hi,

At least it was something simple. LOL As far as the switch, let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

Take care and again, thanks for the update.

Joe

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Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 AT 8:11 PM