Only my driver side low beam works

LAMAR504

MEMBER
2007 DODGE CALIBER
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

Only my driver side low beam works. I bought new headlight bulbs to rule that problem out. Sometimes if I try enough the passenger hi beam works otherwise only the driver side low works.

Sunday, June 2nd, 2019 AT 4:59 PM

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

The first thing I would suggest is to confirm there is no power to the light socket itself. The sockets can go bad and not make a proper connection. Also, you may have a bad ground.

I attached a picture of the right side power supply plug for the headlamp. What I need you to do is simply check pins 1 and 3 for power. Pin 1 should have power with low beams and pin 3 should have power for high beam. Pin number 2 (center) is ground.

All you will need is a test light for a power test.

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

When using the test light, use a known good ground such as the negative battery terminal.

If there is no power to pins 1 or 3, you will next need to check continuity on pin 2 (the center one). Please note that all continuity means is there is an open pathway for ground. So, using a multi meter, set it to continuity and check between the center pin and a known good ground.

Here is a link explaining how to use a volt meter/multi meter:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

If you have a good ground and no power to the light, my next suspect is called a totally integrated power module (TIPM). This component is responsible for powering the headlights and many other things. They have been known to go bad because there are so many tiny pins in the connectors to it. They can corrode and break or just break.

The TIPM is located beneath the fuse box under the hood. There are several plugs that go to it. I am attaching several pictures for you to see what plugs control what component you are having trouble with. To check it, disconnect the battery and then remove the fuse box to access the wiring. Remove the two plugs I indicated and check the pins indicated in the pictures that I circled. Check their condition and for corrosion.

This procedure can be a bit difficult, but let me know if you have other questions or just need help.

Take care,
Joe

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