QA

Quick Answer: Why Won T My Headlights Turn On

Most total headlight failures are caused by a bad component like a fuse, relay, or module. Wiring problems can also cause both headlights to stop working. The cause: A burned out bulb, or a problem with the high beam switch or relay. The fix: Replace the bulb, switch, or relay.

What do you do when your headlights wont turn on?

If neither of your headlights work it’s time to do some detective work. Solution: If both headlights aren’t working, it’s unlikely that a bulb is at fault. The likely cause is a fuse, headlight relay, headlight switch, dimmer switch or a wiring fault. About the only cause that is an easy fix is a blown fuse.

Why won’t my headlights turn on but my brights will?

By far the most common reason your brights will stop working is from a blown fuse or a bad relay. Or, it could be a bad relay. If the headlight relay has failed, it may not respond when you attempt to switch the high beams on. Replacing the relay should restore the system and get your high beams working once again.

How do I know if my headlight relay is bad?

Headlights Don’t Turn On The most common sign of a bad headlight relay is headlights that don’t work. A headlight relay will typically fail in the open position, preventing voltage from reaching the headlights. If the low beam relay fails, the low beams won’t work.

Does each headlight have its own fuse?

If one or both headlights don’t work after you replace the bulbs, check the fuses. The low beams and high beams have their designated fuses for each of the circuits. In some car models, you will have a separate fuse for the left and right low beams. Locate the fuse box under the engine and by the dashboard.

How much does it cost to replace a headlight relay switch?

The average cost of replacing the headlight switch or the dimmer switch is in the range of $150-$250. Sometimes, accidents can damage the headlight and you are left with no option but to replace the entire assembly unit.

Why would both headlights go out?

Most total headlight failures are caused by a bad component like a fuse, relay, or module. Wiring problems can also cause both headlights to stop working. The cause: A burned out bulb, or a problem with the high beam switch or relay. The fix: Replace the bulb, switch, or relay.

Where is headlight relay located?

Find the headlight relay closure: Usually, it is under the hood of the car. The point where your fuse panel is most likely located. On the other hand, it may also be located inside the cab of the car, this would be the case if your car comes with an interior fuse box.

What do you do when your headlight goes out?

If your headlights suddenly go out, do the following: First, try your dimmer switch. Often that will turn them back on again. Try the headlight switch a few times. Pull off the road as soon as you can and leave your hazard lights on so that other cars can see you.

How do I know if my headlights are getting power?

How to Check That Power is Getting to the Headlights: Use a Test Light Unplug the light bulb electrical connector. Turn on the headlights. Connect your test light to a good ground and touch the test light probe to the power side of the connector terminal.

How do you check a headlight switch?

Touch the positive lead of the multimeter to the pin on the switch that receives power. Touch the negative lead of the multimeter to the pin to which the output wire for the parking lights connects. Turn the headlight switch to the parking light position and observe your meter.

How do you tell if a relay is broken?

The only tool required to check a relay is a multimeter. With the relay removed from the fuse box, the multimeter set to measure DC voltage and the switch in the cab activated, first check to see if there are 12 volts at the 85 position in the fuse box where the relay plugs in (or wherever the relay is located).

How much is a fuse for headlights?

Depending on the make and model of the fuse, the cost to have it replaced can vary. Most common fuses are $10 to $20, although some specialty ones can cost more than $100 to replace.

Can a blown fuse cause headlights to go out?

All the electrical systems in your car, including the headlights, are protected with fuses. These are designed to ‘blow’ and break the circuit if too much power comes through them. This protects all the components on the circuit. If a headlight fuse blows, it could cause the headlights to stop working.

Can AutoZone fix headlights?

If simply a headlight needs to be replaced, an experienced AutoZone employee should be able to handle it with ease. AutoZone does not provide mechanic services; thus, no disassembly should be done. However, they can change headlight bulbs in some cases.

How much does it cost to fix a headlight?

According to an aftermarket auto part retailer, the cost per each High-Intensity discharge bulb replacement is $100 or more while the average cost of replacing an entire headlight assembly is ranges from $250 to $700.