Dim Headlights

[omg_racing]

My best friend and co-driver is having this issue and I thought I'd ask you guys about it:

"Here's something for your brain-pan: 97 Honda Civic, both headlights are new (replaced w/in 6 months) and they both stopped working at the same time. Both hi and low are not working but the 'high beam' indicator on the dash stays on. Also, all fuses check out. Thoughts? I figured I'd give you a 'stump the chumps' style opportunity to make a guess before I take it to the mechanic"

She also says that the lights aren't totally out but they are dim. One light had been dim previously but other than that this is a pretty new development.

My first guess was a short.

 

[Monk]

My guess is the battery.....

 

[omg_racing]

My guess is the battery.....

Interesting! Wouldn't she be losing other functionality too? I wonder how old her battery is...

 

[Nix]

There was a recall/issue with some wiring melting and causing the headlights not to work. You can order the part for about $15 online but it is a PITA to change out. I can't remember the specifics exactly but ill find out for you shortly.

 

[omg_racing]

She says she got the battery in August and we don't live in a very cold climate. It has not run down at any point either.

 

[Nix]

Ah the recall is on 2001s but it might be the same part. It could be the wiring for the switch.

 

[omg_racing]

I'll mention that to her. Thanks!

 

[Nix]

Inside the steering column near the turn signal switch, look for the high/low wiring harness, check there and see if it's melted. High/low/turn signal wires are all in the same bundle. Should be pretty easy to find.

 

[Monk]

Sticking with my battery theory(not that a wiring problem couldn't be the issue)...... I'd like to see a reading from her battery of 12.2v and no lower with the ignition off, then I'll rest my case.

There's a long story to new batteries being charged correctly, but if hers is 12.2v + then there's no reason get into it now.

 

[omg_racing]

Cool! I just sent her an email outlining this homework for her.

 

[DMS24]

Headlights operate on a relay, it possible that the relay has dirt or something in it, and therefore preventing a clean transfer of current. Would be a good idea to check it on a bench.

 

[webby]

If a headlight bulb loses its ground connection, you can get voltage feedback between the low-beam and high-beam circuits, which can affect the high beam indicator. I have had this happen on another vehicle.

Try pulling the connector off the headlight bulbs on both sides and then operate the headlight switch. If the high beam indicator operates as it should with the bulbs disconnected, the problem is either with one of the bulbs or right at the plug that attaches to the bulbs (plug in one at a time to figure out which one is at fault).