Headlights, along with taillights, are essential for safe driving at night. If both headlights are not working then this could be problematic, especially in a state that requires two headlights. In this article we will provide a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting both headlights not working.
Check the Fuses
The first step to troubleshooting either of your headlights not working is to check the fuses. To do so:
Find the Fuse Box: Locate your vehicle’s fuse box and open it up. On many vehicles, this is usually located on the dashboard or near the driver’s side door of the car.
Inspect the Fuses for Damage or Corrosion: Once you have found and opened up your fuse box look for any signs of damage or corrosion on the fuses within it that could be causing a short circuit or an interruption in power flow to either or both headlights. If you see any damage, such as melted plastic on a fuse contact point, then it may need to be replaced before further troubleshooting can occur.
Test the Bulbs and Socket Connections
The next step is to test the bulbs and socket connections. To do so:
Remove and Replace the Bulbs and Sockets if Necessary: Unplug the bulb from its socket and inspect it for signs of damage, such as cracks or broken filaments in the center of the bulb. If any damage is present then it should be replaced before further troubleshooting can occur.
Make Sure Bulb Is Properly Seated in Socket: Re-seat the bulb into its socket and make sure that it is properly secured in place. If it isn’t securely seated then this could cause an interruption in power flow to either headlight, resulting in both headlights not working.
Inspect the Headlight Wiring Harness and Relay Connectors
Next, check the wiring harness and relay connectors for any signs of corrosion or other signs of damage that could be causing a short circuit or interruption in power flow to either headlight. If any corrosion is present then these connections should be cleaned before further troubleshooting can occur. Also learn about water in headlight, how to fix it, and how to stop it from happening again in our easy-to-understand guide. Keep your driving safe and your lights clear.
Check for Loose Ground Connections
Finally, inspect each headlight’s ground connection for any signs of looseness that could cause an interruption in power flow to either headlight. If any ground connections are loose then they should be tightened and secured before further troubleshooting can occur.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting both headlights not working can be a tricky process, but following the steps outlined in this article should help to provide a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and resolving the issue. If all else fails, it may be necessary to contact a professional mechanic or auto electrician in order to resolve the issue.
