Headlight stopped working, replaced bulb and nothing

[sledder12]

Pass side headlight stopped working. Tried the bulb in the drives side and works fine. Any ideas? How would I go about testing the electrical connector?

I used a testing light and was getting power to the one pronge, but wasn't sure how or what the other 2 pronges are for (1 ground and another power?)

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[sledder12]

Weird, light started working again this morning?

[volp]

Check the headlight relay, could be intermittently malfunctioning. May as well just buy a new one for like $4 and replace it. If the problem comes back you know that's not the case.

Faulty ground?

[Empty V]

Weird, light started working again this morning?

My '01 headlights were working intermittently and the issue ended up being the rotary type switch attached to the steering wheel. The one that looks similar to what you use for your wipers. It cost about $80 new from the infinity dealer which was surprisingly cheap.

Billy

[sledder12]

Check the headlight relay, could be intermittently malfunctioning. May as well just buy a new one for like $4 and replace it. If the problem comes back you know that's not the case.

Faulty ground?

Thanks. Where would that be located? I have one kicking around I could try.

[Densetsu]

For my '03 the headlight relay is under the hood, in a black box right beside the air intake. Everything is labeled on the top of the box.

I just had the same problem last week as well. Driver side low beam wouldn't work, everything else would, including high beam and daytime light. After spending an hour looking at and testing the bulb, harnesses, relay, daytime running light module... I sat down, wiggled the combination switch (like Empty V was referencing) and voila, light came on. Dirty or bad contact in the switch.

It's been staying on for now, so I'll hold off on buying a new one.

[sledder12]

Thanks everyone. I'll keep an eye on it.

[Buzzman]

What year is your truck? That might make helping you a little easier.Also, I was thinking that if the relay is wonky, then wouldn't both sides be affected?Same thought re: the signal stalk/switch on the steering column. If it's flaky, I would think both lights would react the same way. No?Quick story: my son has a 2001 Maxima, and he had the same problem: One wonky headlight, low beam only. Turned out to be a wiring problem in the harness near the headlight assembly.Good luck and let us know what happens.

[Empty V]

If it's flaky, I would think both lights would react the same way. No?

That's what I thought. First my driver's side light would randomly go out while driving. I would pull over, turn the ignition off, flip the switch back and forth a few times, set it to auto and start her back up. Most of the time that would work. At first I thought it was a loose wire, then I started to get paranoid thinking it was a ballast or lamp which would be $$$. I tried not to flick it on and off while the lights were active as it can cause undue stress on the lamps and the ballasts. One time both lights went out while doing 75mph on the 405, no bueno!

Billy

[nnorton44]

My headlight on my 2001 QX4, drivers side, has been out for about 8 months now I cant drive at night, replaced the ballast and bulb already I am out of ideas can anyone elaborate? Any help appreciated

[Densetsu]

I have no idea why the combination switch controls the lights individually, but it does. It's wired with two switches per position, so it turns on one light, then the other. Most vehicles I've seen just have one switch per position, turning on both lights at once. I guess if the contacts start to wear or get dirty, or the switch otherwise fails, then there's a better chance of you only losing one light instead of both of them? I dunno, still seems illogical to me.

Each side also has it's individual relay. One for left, one for right.

The things to check: bulb, harnesses, (EDIT: fuses), relay, daytime light module (if in Canada), combination switch, wiring. God help you if it's wiring. I hate how the wires off the bulb harness go inside a gigantic wiring cover with dozens of other wires after only a few inches.
Modified by Densetsu at 11:38 AM 8/20/2009