Help - both headlights stopped working

oil_rider · Apr 4, 2010

Hi folks,

Looking for some advice where to start first.
Last night both headlights stopped working - during a drive.

I checked the fuses (#4 adn 5 I think) they're good.
the fog lights work, as do the signal lights
when I turn the headlights on, I still head the electrical click in the passenger compartment - so I figure that's a good sign.

Thoughts?
I know it should be something simple....

Thanks for your input
Brian

Marlon_JB2 · Apr 4, 2010

Did you check the relay?

Trace the ground, it may be corroded.

And.... uh..... I know this sounds stupid but I have heard of this before.... have you checked the bulbs themselves?

Corwyyn · Apr 4, 2010

Chances of both bulbs going at the same time are small but you should still check them, also check the headlight relay (you can hear a click and still have problems with the relay), and the wiring and connectors going to the bulbs for any discoloration that might indicate a problem. If all those check out then you may have a problem with the multifunction switch in the cabin.

Corwyyn · Apr 4, 2010

Dang I type slow compared to Marlon... (bowdown)

Marlon_JB2 · Apr 4, 2010

Corwyyn said:
Dang I type slwo compared to Marlon... (bowdown)

Ry' N Jen · Apr 5, 2010

I hope you don'y have rodents under the hood eating your wiring!

I've found rat shi t under the hood too many times on our KJ...

kb0nly · Apr 5, 2010

Ryan09 said:
I hope you don'y have rodents under the hood eating your wiring!

I've found rat shi t under the hood too many times on our KJ...

Really? Wow... Where do you park? LOL

yellocoyote · Apr 5, 2010

I've had squirrels store walnuts inside the lower part of my front bumper before. It happens.

Billwill · Apr 5, 2010

Does either high beam or low beam work on either side?
From my circuit diagram I believe fuse F3 (50Amp) may be common to both.
Ive had rats chew my wiring big time!

jnaut · Apr 5, 2010

kb0nly said:
Really? Wow... Where do you park? LOL

If you park outside it happens more often than you think. They crawl up there in the winter because of the warmth of the engine. I found rat droppings on the manifold once. I haven't seen them again after I cleaned my engine but it does happen.

Prospect62 · Apr 5, 2010

oil_rider said:
Hi folks,

Looking for some advice where to start first.
Last night both headlights stopped working - during a drive.

I checked the fuses (#4 adn 5 I think) they're good.
the fog lights work, as do the signal lights
when I turn the headlights on, I still head the electrical click in the passenger compartment - so I figure that's a good sign.

Thoughts?
I know it should be something simple....

Thanks for your input
Brian

My vote is for the multifunction switch, although problems with those usually manifest themselves with dome light issues.

There's a pretty good amount of info around here on the multifunction switch and a "how-to" on replacement (I think).

Marlon_JB2 · Apr 5, 2010

I completely forgot about the Multifunction Switch.

Glad someone remembered.

jnaut · Apr 5, 2010

Good call on the multifunction switch, said the Monarch grudgingly...

Hey, just one more question... do the instrument lights come on when the headlights are supposed to be on?

LibertyFever · Apr 5, 2010

jnaut said:
Good call on the multifunction switch, said the Monarch grudgingly...

Hey, just one more question... do the instrument lights come on when the headlights are supposed to be on?

yes

Corwyyn · Apr 5, 2010

Marlon_JB2 said:
I completely forgot about the Multifunction Switch.

Glad someone remembered.

Hey I mentioned it in my post - guess it got overlooked...

jnaut said:
Good call on the multifunction switch, said the Monarch grudgingly...

Hey, just one more question... do the instrument lights come on when the headlights are supposed to be on?

Yes the cluster lights should come on as soon as you turn the park lights on. If you have any problems ask 21 and he can probably get you straightened out

osufans · Apr 5, 2010

I'm inclined to think that since the dash lights are still working, it wouldn't be related to the multifunction switch, but rather a relay or possibly both bulbs.

Just my $.02

Ry' N Jen · Apr 5, 2010

kb0nly said:
Really? Wow... Where do you park? LOL

I park outside under one of those "Portable garages" and the rat poop is usually there in the winter months only.

Billwill · Apr 6, 2010

Oil Rider, the fuses 4 and 5 you quoted are for the low beams. Fuses 26 and 27 (both 10A) are for the high beams. Hence my question as to whether or not you have a problem with only low or high beam and left or right.
What year model do you have and is it gas/diesel and sport/limited?....the circuit diagrams change slightly depending on the above.

oil_rider · Apr 6, 2010

thanks for the advice folks.
going to check the relay today.... and I guess the multi function switch too (not sure how to test either).

Yes the high beams still work, as do the dash lights.
when I turn the lights to the on position the tail lights light up also.

and nope, no rats. I live in a Rat free province (and I park indoors, so that's never been an issue, squirls can be a pain too).

lil black liberty · Apr 7, 2010

If you need a multifunction switch... never mind just saw you had fogs.. I have a spare but it doesn't have the fogs on it...

Help - both headlights stopped working

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