Q&A for How to Fix a Low Beam Headlight

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What would cause one headlight to not work?

Duston Maynes
Automotive Repair Specialist
Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere.

Duston Maynes

Automotive Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

To diagnose the problem, you will have to go through a process of elimination. First, remove the bulb and check if there's any kind of discoloration. If the bulb looks fine, try swapping it with the other side to check if there's power getting to the headlight. If the problem persists, check the igniter or the fuses to see if the headlight is getting power.

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Question

How do you check a headlight?

Duston Maynes
Automotive Repair Specialist
Duston Maynes is an Automotive Repair Specialist at RepairSmith. Duston specializes in leading a team that handles a variety of automotive repairs including replacing spark plugs, front and rear brake pads, fuel pumps, car batteries, alternators, timing belts, and starter motors. Duston holds an Associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from The Universal Technical Institute of Arizona and is a Certified Diagnostic Technician and Automobile Mechanics Technician through BMW STEP. RepairSmith received The 2020 Big Innovation Award by Business Intelligence Group and The Startup of the Year by the American Business Awards. RepairSmith was also included in Built in LA’s 50 Startups to Watch and The Business Intelligence Group’s 52 Names Leading the Way in Customer Service. RepairSmith offers in-home services to provide car owners convenient and complete auto repair everywhere.

Duston Maynes

Automotive Repair Specialist

Expert Answer

You have to make a series of tests on different parts of the headlight system. Remember to make sure the car is turned off and the headlights are off before starting. If you want to be extra safe, disconnect the native battery cable before testing the bulbs, avoiding shorts and electrical shocks.

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Question

I replaced my headlight bulb, but the low beams still aren't working. What am I doing wrong?

Community Answer

There may be a blown fuse or the wiring leading to your headlights may have been compromised. First, locate the headlight fuse and make sure it is intact. If it is, use a voltmeter to see how much power, if any, is reaching the headlights. If there is no power reaching them, there is a break in the wiring somewhere between the fuse panel and the headlights themselves.

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Question

What can cause the light to be dim except when on the high beam setting?

Community Answer

The filament in your low beam bulb may be about to break or there may be a voltage issue going to the headlight when you have the low beams on. Use a voltmeter to see how many volts are reaching the headlight. If it is fewer than 12 or so volts, there is an issue somewhere in your electrical system.

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Question

My low beams don't work, and neither do my wipers or my radio. What should I do?

Community Answer

It's a blown fuse. Locate your fuse box and use your owner's manual to find the fuse and replace it.

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Question

If one headlight is not working, will it cause both to not work?

Community Answer

No. Your headlights should be powered independently from one another and blowing out one should not have any affect on the headlight on the other side of your car. If both of your headlights are out, they may have both blown out, or there may be an electrical issue with the vehicle. A blown headlight fuse is also a likely culprit.

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Question

Can changing the main beam bulb cause my car's automatic transmission to stop working?

Community Answer

No. Your transmission will be fine. The headlights don't have anything to do with the transmission.

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What should I do if a new bulb and new fuse does not make my low beam headlight work?

Community Answer

Take it to a local mechanic for servicing. This will resolve your issue if you are 100% certain you've done everything correctly.

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What should I do if my headlights don't work, but the bulbs and fuses are okay?

Community Answer

Check the fuse for that particular headlight and ensure that it is hooked up correctly. If you aren't sure how to do this, take your car to a shop.

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Question

What do I do if my low beam lights don't work, but the high beams do?

Community Answer

Check your grounds that are leading to and from the headlights. Sometimes the ground wires get rusted and disconnect.

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Question

My left low beam light works for a little while then it goes off when I'm driving, but if I turn it back on and off it works again, so I don't think it's the bulb. What else could it be?

Community Answer

Change the bulb anyway and if this does not fix it, then go see the local mechanic.

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