Puzzling Headlight Issue...

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jgruberman

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So I've been having issues with my driver side low beam not coming on. I had to toggle the lights on and off a few times for it to work properly.

Since that point, I've installed new headlight housing and with that, a new bulb. I also replaced the ballast with an OPT7 ballast. Both the driver and passenger side are on a relay and I've swapped relays with my good working fogs and the problem stayed with the low beams. The passenger side works fine always but the driver side is still having issues. I can't figure out what's going on that would affect one and not the other side.

Anyone seen this or have any troubleshooting steps? I'm pretty clueless on this one at this point

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ColdCase

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Sounds like perhaps somewhere along the line you have a pushed pin, corroded terminal, broken wire, poor connection, poor ground. Once in awhile there is enough energy to "jump the gap" and once jumped the connection is retained, once is awhile not enough energy or the connection just burns away. Sometimes a voltmeter will record 12V but it does not put any load on the circuit.

Bad bulbs are notorious for this, but you are using fresh bulbs.

Good luck finding that. Techs usually turn the lights on and wiggle all the connectors and wires hoping to trigger the open circuit. They inspect the harness carefully for signs of damage or burns. Sometimes they instrument the circuits. Sometimes they spray with water. Sometimes they just pull their hair out :)
 
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jgruberman

jgruberman

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So all that is pretty much remaining is the lead to the factory headlight... I think. Especially since everything else has been replaced. POSSIBLY the wiring going INTO the relay but for it to be only one side, seems doubtful.

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jwheeler

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There are quite a few problems with the harness connector for the headlight. Next time it is not working, pull the housing out and wiggle the connector that goes to it. If it turns on, put a new connector on.


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jgruberman

jgruberman

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There are quite a few problems with the harness connector for the headlight. Next time it is not working, pull the housing out and wiggle the connector that goes to it. If it turns on, put a new connector on.


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You're referring to the factory harness, right?

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jwheeler

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Yeah. The connector on the body harness that goes to the light.


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jgruberman

jgruberman

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Odd thing, maybe this helps give a clue... When IT DOESN'T come on... I hear a distinct buzzing from behind the headlight (presumably the ballast). When the headlight comes on, no ballast noise.

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