Headlights illuminate the roadway and facilitate a safe and smooth drive. They might become defective due to a variety of problems. Yes, it needs to be fixed right away to avoid accidents, but how can I make my headlights stop working while my high beams continue to function?
The most frequent causes of headlight problems are blown fuses and headlight relays. You may need to replace the fuse or relay to fix the issue. But faulty headlight switches, dimmer switches and wiring issues can also make headlights faulty, but high beams are okay. Also, check for these problems.
It should not take long to solve the headlight problem if you follow the guidelines below. Keep reading and figure out the issue with the headlights on your vehicle
Causes of Headlights Not Working But High Beams Are
Your high beams are on, but the headlights are off; it can be due to a variety of issues. But when looking for quick fixes, check for the problems below.
- Blown fuse
- Headlight relay
- Faulty headlight switch
- Dimmer switch
- Wiring fault
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Headlights Not Working But High Beams Are
Problem 1: Blown Fuse
The fuse guarantees a consistent power supply to the related electrical components. If the fuse for the headlights is blown, the power supply will be disrupted. Your headlight will stop working. It needs to locate and then replace the blown fuse to clear out the issue.
Solution:
- Turn your vehicle switch off and then locate the fuse box. It is usually located under the hood, near the engine compartment.
- The fuse box has many fuses, so it is better to consult the user manual or check for the instructions on the fuse box. After reading the instructions, you can quickly identify the headlight-related fuse.
- Check the headlight’s switch for physical damage. If it is blown, replace it with a new one.
- After replacing the fuse, turn the vehicle and test the headlights to ensure they function correctly.
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Problem 2: Headlight Relay
The high beam and the headlights operate independently. So, if the relay for the headlight is damaged, it can disrupt the headlight’s functioning. But it does not affect the high-beam performance. Your high beams will be okay to illuminate the headlights and replace the bad relay.
Solution:
- The headlight relay is also located in the fuse box.
- Check and read the instructions to find the headlight relay.
- Once you find the headlight relay, check it for physical damage. If the relay is broken, replace it with a new one. But ensure the amperage is the same as the old one.
- After relay replacement, test its functioning. Make sure the headlights are illuminating correctly.
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Problem 3: Faulty Headlight Switch
A switch on your vehicle’s headlights allows for a consistent power supply. If the switch is broken or faulty due to some component issues, it cannot provide enough power to the headlights. Your headlights will remain dim or off. Check for the switch and ensure it is okay.
Solution:
- Turn your vehicle off and disconnect the battery for safety.
- Now, locate the headlight switch on your dashboard.
- After that, remove the switch panel using a screwdriver.
- After removing the switch panel, check for the wires on its back. Make sure the connections are tight and the wires are not broken.
- Then, check the switch for wear and tear. If the switch is broken or not supplying power, remove it. You can use any of the switches compatible with your vehicle. But I recommend Standard Motor Products DS1293 Headlight Switch for consistent performance.
- Disconnect the wires and then remove the faulty switch.
- Take the new switch and connect it to the wires.
- Reassemble the switch, reconnect the battery, and ensure tight connections.
- Turn your vehicle on and test its performance. Ensure the problem has been fixed.
Problem 4: Dimmer Switch
The dimmer switch regulates the voltage sent to the headlights. It ensures the power level is correct to illuminate your headlights. But if it malfunctions, it may reduce or increase the power of the headlights. If it happens, your headlights can become faulty.
Solution:
- Turn the vehicle off and then check for the dimmer switch. It is usually located on the steering column. First, check for its connections and ensure they are tight.
- Next, check for its wear and tear.
- If the dimmer switch is damaged, remove it and mount the new switch in its place.
- After replacing the dimmer switch, turn your vehicle on, test, and ensure the headlights receive proper voltage.
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Problem 5: Wiring Fault
Wiring issues are one of the major culprits for wiring faults. They can disrupt the electrical connections and stop them from regulating the headlight performance. Your high beam, due to a separate circuit, may function okay, but the headlights will remain off until you fix the wiring problems.
Solution:
- Access the headlight assembly and remove its cover after unscrewing it.
- Once you unscrew it, remove the cover and set it aside.
- Now remove the headlight’s assembly after removing its securing bolts.
- Check for the wires and connections.
- Ensure all the wires are okay; if you see them burned or broken, repair or replace them.
- After that, check for the connections and tighten them if they are loose.
- Reassemble the assembly and then its cover.
- Finally, turn the vehicle and then the headlights on and ensure they are okay.
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One Low Beam Headlight Not Working
It can happen that one low beam headlight may not work while the other is okay. It may occur due to burned-out bulbs, blown fuse, or wiring issues. You should check for these issues to fix the problem.
Solution:
- Remove the headlight cover and check for its bulb. If the bulb is broken or burned, replace it. I recommend the Philips Automotive Lighting Headlight Bulb for long-lasting performance.
- Then, check for a fuse in the box; if it is broken, replace it with a compatible fuse.
- Finally, check for the faulty low beam headlight wiring and ensure connections are tight and wires are okay. If connections are loose, tighten them and repair or replace the needed wires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are the possible symptoms of a bad headlight relay?
If you have a bad headlight relay, you may experience that headlights do not work. However, if it is a minor issue, it may disrupt the voltage supply, and your headlights may illuminate dimmer.
How do you test if a relay is bad?
To test the relay for a fault, you will need a multimeter. Connect it to the relay on both ends and check the continuity between both ends. Your relay is faulty if you do not hear a beep or readings on the multimeter.
Which fuse is for headlights?
In most vehicles, there is typically a single fuse for both headlights rather than a separate fuse for each headlight. The headlight fuse is usually located in the fuse box, which is generally located in the engine compartment or under the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
Is a headlight fuse repair expensive?
Usually, they are not a costly item. However, if you are quality-conscious, then it can be expensive. The fuse itself may cost you anywhere from $10 to $20. However, if you take services for its repair, it may cost you $100 more for labor costs.
Are high beams and headlights the same bulb?
In old cars, the high beams and headlights had separate mechanisms. But in modern cars, they have only a single bulb but have two different filaments on each side of the vehicle. Due to different filaments, it is possible that one filament may burn and stop working while the other is okay.
Conclusion
Repairing headlights is essential to ensuring a smooth ride, especially at night. It protects you and your vehicle from unwanted instances. However, they become faulty for several reasons. If you experience that, first identify the actual cause of the problem. After finding the cause, fix it following my instructions above. For any query, please comment.