Another headlight problem thread.

eunosracr · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2015, 05:35 AM

So I just realized my low beams are not working. I checked the fuse marked as low beams and it is not blown. The high beams work with no trouble. When I switch to low beams only the parking lights turn on, no low beam headlights. I looked at my fusebox and I do not see a marked relay for headlights, i just see horn, starter, fan 1 and fan 2. Is one of these relays for the headlights and not marked on the fuse box? Any suggestions on where to look next? Man these cars are fun. Thanks ! Here is what my fuse box looks like. Where is the dang headlight relay !!!!

Cashburn · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2015, 10:49 AM

It's not labelled because it's not in the box. It is hanging to the side of it.

eunosracr · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2015, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cashburn

It's not labelled because it's not in the box. It is hanging to the side of it.

Jay to the rescue once again ! Someone buy this man a beer ! By the way the darn thing was tie wrapped and hidden behind the fuse box. I tapped the relay and lights still do not come on. Next step is replacement of the relay. If that does not work im moving on to the headlight switch itself.

Cashburn · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2015, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eunosracr

Jay to the rescue once again ! Someone buy this man a beer ! By the way the darn thing was tie wrapped and hidden behind the fuse box. I tapped the relay and lights still do not come on. Next step is replacement of the relay. If that does not work im moving on to the headlight switch itself.

We usually replace all headlight relays before the cars leave. Sometimes we get a good one...

eunosracr · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2015, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cashburn

We usually replace all headlight relays before the cars leave. Sometimes we get a good one...

Thanks again. Relay on the way.

Kobura · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2015, 07:04 PM

My experience is the same as yours with the headlight dimming switch. The OEM relay had failed as I could not switch between lo and hi. The replacement switch allowed switching between lo and hi but still was imperfect as most of the times I have to repeatedly hit the switch before the relay switches from lo to hi or from hi to lo. You gotta love these cars.

eunosracr · #7 (**permalink**) 11-01-2015, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cashburn

We usually replace all headlight relays before the cars leave. Sometimes we get a good one...

Jay can you or anyone else recommend an upgraded or reliable relay? Something more robust than what the cars come with.

RTC45 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2015, 04:08 PM

I had the same problem a couple of times also, NAPA sells an Echlin relay part #AR294, I carry a spare just in case.

eunosracr · #9 (**permalink**) 11-04-2015, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTC45

I had the same problem a couple of times also, NAPA sells an Echlin relay part #AR294, I carry a spare just in case.

Just picked this one up as a spare and chucked it in the trunk. Thanks!

eunosracr · #10 (**permalink**) 11-04-2015, 04:29 PM

Ok gents swapped out the relay and still no low beams. What should i look at next? Switch ? Anyone know how to test the switch with a multimeter? I still do not hear the new relay clicking. However I assume the chances of getting 2 bad relays are pretty slim. I also looked at the bulbs and dont really see any broken filaments. Again the chances of having both low beams go bad at the same time seem pretty low. Could it be that my car was wired to only run high beams? I guess anything is possible. Looking for any help out there.

RTC45 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-04-2015, 06:40 PM

Had a similar problem but it was the relay. The dimmer switch is a VW switch, could be the problem had mine replaced once because the little dimmer button on the stalk went TU.

eunosracr · #12 (**permalink**) 11-04-2015, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTC45

Had a similar problem but it was the relay. The dimmer switch is a VW switch, could be the problem had mine replaced once because the little dimmer button on the stalk went TU.

Looks like the dimmer switch is the next stop.

eunosracr · #13 (**permalink**) 11-05-2015, 04:16 PM

Update: Bought some cheap bulbs to test if bulbs were bad. New bulbs did not work either. I have a headlight switch arriving tomorrow from BDR. I really hope this fixes it as I am stumped and have no idea where to go from there if the new switch does not work. With my luck the new switch fixes it after buying new bulbs and new relay. Open to any input or advice you more experienced owners may have with this situation.

eunosracr · #14 (**permalink**) 11-07-2015, 04:03 AM

New switch installed and still nothing. Any clues? Anyone?

tpatodd · #15 (**permalink**) 11-07-2015, 04:21 AM

Are you using a volt meter to check for power?

Before the fuse, after, Before the switch, after. etc...

eunosracr · #16 (**permalink**) 11-07-2015, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tpatodd

Are you using a volt meter to check for power?

Before the fuse, after, Before the switch, after. etc...

I'm doing that today as I am at my witts end. Never used one before so this should be fun. Can you confirm how the switch works? I want to be sure I am not chasing a ghost. Position 1 activates low beams and parking lights, then position 2 is high beams and parking lights correct?

tpatodd · #17 (**permalink**) 11-07-2015, 05:31 AM

I've never had to trouble shoot the light switch but using a volt meter is pretty simple. And if you have read any of my posts... you know I am simple.

Start at the battery, meter set to 12v. Just so you see how it works. Then go to the fuse box etc. Battery should read 12-14v. Note when and where you see a significant drop off. You could just simply have a loose connection somewhere.

eunosracr · #18 (**permalink**) 11-07-2015, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tpatodd

I've never had to trouble shoot the light switch but using a volt meter is pretty simple. And if you have read any of my posts... you know I am simple.

Start at the battery, meter set to 12v. Just so you see how it works. Then go to the fuse box etc. Battery should read 12-14v. Note when and where you see a significant drop off. You could just simply have a loose connection somewhere.

Thank you sir !

eunosracr · #19 (**permalink**) 11-07-2015, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tpatodd

I've never had to trouble shoot the light switch but using a volt meter is pretty simple. And if you have read any of my posts... you know I am simple.

Start at the battery, meter set to 12v. Just so you see how it works. Then go to the fuse box etc. Battery should read 12-14v. Note when and where you see a significant drop off. You could just simply have a loose connection somewhere.

Thank you sir !

eunosracr · #20 (**permalink**) 02-26-2016, 05:40 PM

While I hate to bring up an old thread I feel that in have to share this story with you guys. After trying to get my low beams to work and swapping out relays, switches and fuses I finally gave up and decided to just drive with my high beams. So this evening I am researching my blinking indicator light and I come across a post that says to switch between high and low beams to use a button on the turn signal stalk. Surely my car did not have this button, as I would have seen it in the countless hours of driving the car. In any event I decided to go out to the garage and take a look, well I'll be damned. There is the button, there are my low beams. I love it when stuff like this happens. I really need to get a Manual for this car. Does anyone have a spare one. I don't mind having to purchase for it.