Headlight headache

[american-rice]

Driving to work my lights flickered a little and then went off. I flipped on the highbeam and they came on for a second and then they went off. I still had running lights on, so I flipped the lights off and on trying anything then the running lights went off. Then they came back on. I checked the fuses, they are fine, I didn't smell any burning wires. Has any had this problem or any ideas how to fix it. Tommorow I am going to attempt to look it over real good and try to fix it. Thanks

 

[LiquidX]

Look for some loose wires or connector. All fuses are fine and the lights work all the time? They just stop working when you work the switch or will they go out when you hit a bump as well?

 

[american-rice]

They worked fine before, never had a problem. I was driving down the highway smooth road no bumps, then they shut off. I'm planning on uplugging the light and checking to see if I lost the ground or my positive and I guess maybe take the dash apart and check in there if I have to. Is there any other plugs other than the two that plug into the headlamps? Or other locations suggested for loose wires?

 

[JAXWHITE1G]

My voltage regulator went out in the alternator and the over voltage burnt out both headlights just as you described. It still had running lights. Check the voltage at the battery with the engine running at idle. It should be between 13.5 and 14.5 volts. If more than that it is overcharging. Over voltage can damage relays and even the ECM. Not sure if this is your problem. Unplug the headlights and see if you have voltage to them. If there is voltage then the bulbs are bad.

Mike

 

[american-rice]

I'm gonna ohm out the bulbs and if they are good, then check and see if I lost my gound or hot by checking the plugs. Then check the battery for voltage. If the voltage regulator went out why wouldn't the fuses blow before the lights? It just doesn't make sense that the lights would blow before the fuses, unless the fuses are rated to just protect the wiring in the lighting system. Thanks for the input Mike. I was hoping someone had some similar experience. My alternator is really only about 2-3 months old so maybe thats it.

 

[american-rice]

Really wierd I have normal voltage at the plugs high beam and low beam. I checked to voltage at idle and it was fine. Took the alternator to Schuck"s and had it checked and it came out good. No problem with the voltage regulator. So I am back to square one, no clue how this happened. I am going to put in new cheapo lamps and run them during the day time only and see if there is any problems, I can't think of anything else to try.

 

[djordan97]

chances are it's an old light switch I had that problem with the supra all the time and all it needed was a new light switch. next time shoot me a phone call and I'll help yah out anytime jeff.