Headlights aren't working

jacob. · Samba Member Joined: August 10, 2009 Posts: 802

For some reason, my headlights just randomly decided to stop working. My brights still work when I hold the lever back towards me, but as soon as I let go they go out. I checked all my fuses.. I just recently replaced my ground strap and cleaned all my grounds in the engine compartment. I had to jump my van a few times, and I think that blew one of my fuses but I replaced it. could it be as simple as 2 bad bulbs? How do I check this?
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Mikeyb · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 7:36 am Post subject:

Just fixed the same problem. One of three things: headlight switch (doubtful); ignition (possible) - try turning on the heater fan motor while the motor is running - if it works, it's NOT the ignition; or the highbeam switch (probable). The vendors might try to tell you it is the turn signal arm, but the switch is actually in the wiper motor arm.

Good luck.
_________________
'82 1.9 TD Westy (Tortuga Veloce)
2014 Honda Pilot
2021 VW Atlas

jacob. · Samba Member Joined: August 10, 2009 Posts: 802

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 7:44 am Post subject:

The most likely cause is the headlight switch, assuming the wipers still work. If the wipers don't work either then the ignition switch is the likely cause as one part of it powers the headlights and triggers the power relay for wiper and heater fan power.

Mark

Dogpilot · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:16 am Post subject:

As others pointed out, the load reduction relay is what is switched with the bad ignition switch. So you will have other gremlins besides our headlights randomly switching off. The ignition switch is really cheap, about $10. THe downside is, takes a bit o time to change. You can buy the switch, unplug the harness from the installed one and see if your problem goes away. THe Headlight switch is a frail piece and expensive, so it fails fairly regularly as well. This should wake you up to the need for a set of relays, if you find it is your headlight switch. Your lights will be brighter as well. Several vendors offer kits, or you can roll your own, do a search for the info.
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Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

youremyboyblue · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:05 am Post subject:

sorry to hijack but, while we're on the subject ...

i recently installed a relay/bulb upgrade kit in my 1986 vanagon syncro (Blue) and while on the maiden voyage post-upgrade received a ticket for a headlight out. the lights worked as expected after install and along the way up, at least. currently, the highs work upon switching them on as well as both headlights. however with the high beams off and thus, only headlights on, only the driver's side is lit.

checked thus far:
1) switched bulbs > both exhibit the same behavior)
2) checked power (yellow/center) @ plug with test light > good
3) checked power (white|black/side) @ plug with test light > good
4) checked power (yellow/center) @ wire with test light > good
5) checked power (white|black/side) @ wire with test light > good
6) checked ground circuit between headlight & highs > good
6) checked ground ring > good no corrosion
7) checked fuses > good

what i don't get is how the bulb fires with the highs as the relays are not left/right. if it were a ground issue, there is a shared ground between the two lights thus, wouldn't there be no lights instead of some light?

any help is appreciated!

Dogpilot · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:54 am Post subject:

Knowing the high quality of the wire used on this van, I would look at the crimps on the offending side. This wire has a tendency to fail right at the crimp, with it seeming to work in one position and not in another. A small amount of movement and lack of a large current draw will make it seem ok. has a wiggle test on the pigtails installed shown up anything?
_________________
Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

youremyboyblue · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 11:20 am Post subject:

wiggle test > no change
9) reviewed crimp on shared ground plug (brown) @ high beam > looks good
10) ...

i'm stumped. the fact that the head light turns on with the highs leads me away from a ground issue but, everything else inline (fuses/relays) are high/low as opposed to left/right

*scratching head*

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:25 pm Post subject:

The wire socket for the bulb may be bad. Did you look closely inside at the contacts with it unplugged? Sometimes the contact in there gets burned up by high wattage bulbs. It would be the yellow/blk wire pin. You can get a generic socket/pigtail at a FLAPS. Are you certain fuse S22 is good?

Mark

jacob. · Samba Member Joined: August 10, 2009 Posts: 802

kevtherev · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:29 pm Post subject: Re: Headlights aren't working

jacob. · Samba Member Joined: August 10, 2009 Posts: 802

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:49 pm Post subject: Re: Headlights aren't working

Did you check if the wipers work? If so, bad headlight switch. If not, bad ignition switch. Prolly.

There is only one red wire providing battery power to the fuse box. If it was bad everything would be affected. You say your lights are on if you hold the hi/low switch up. That power comes from the same red wire as the regular lights.

Mark

jacob. · Samba Member Joined: August 10, 2009 Posts: 802

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 4:09 pm Post subject: Re: Headlights aren't working

Prolly the headlight switch. You can't know 100% without more work. Did you try the wipers and headlights both at the same time? Sometimes problems come and go and confuse the issue.

Could be other things still, like the not as thick red wire I think Kev meant. It powers the ignition switch which then powers the headlight switch and turns on X relay with the key.

You can jumper bypass the headlight switch as a test and temp fix if it is the switch. If still a problem with the jumper then look elsewhere.

Mark

I would definitely pin it down as the headlight switch then because the wipers still work. Is the fix for this just the headlight relay kit?[/quote]

Mikeyb · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 5:14 pm Post subject:

Yep. It was the high beam switch, located in the wiper arm. As soon as we changed it, the lights came back. Now, If we can just figure out the back-feeding issue. . . Confused

_________________
'82 1.9 TD Westy (Tortuga Veloce)
2014 Honda Pilot
2021 VW Atlas

jacob. · Samba Member Joined: August 10, 2009 Posts: 802

Where can I buy the headlight switch? I don't see it on van-cafe.
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kevinbassplayer · Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2009 5:55 pm Post subject:

Van-Cafe does carry the headlight switch:

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/smartlist_585/headlight_switch.html

jacob. · Samba Member Joined: August 10, 2009 Posts: 802

Is there a difference between headlight switch and high beam switch?
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Mikeyb · Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2009 5:24 am Post subject:

There is definitely a difference between the headlight and high beam switches.

The headlight switch is located to the left of the steering wheel and speedometer in the gauge cluster.

The high beam switch is located in the windshield-wiper arm assembly, mounted on your steering column beneath the plastic cover.

You have to replace the whole arm (not cheap & only available in black), located here:

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3784&category_id=304&category_parent_id=
_________________
'82 1.9 TD Westy (Tortuga Veloce)
2014 Honda Pilot
2021 VW Atlas


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