Diagnosis And Testing - Headlamps
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Always begin any diagnosis by testing all of the fuses and circuit breakers in the system. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS .
HEADLAMP DIAGNOSIS
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSES | CORRECTION |
|---|---|---|
| HEADLAMPS ARE DIM WITH ENGINE IDLING OR IGNITION TURNED OFF. | 1. Loose or corroded battery cables. | 1. Clean and secure battery cable clamps and posts. |
| 2. Loose or worn generator drive belt. | 2. Adjust or replace generator drive belt. | |
| 3. Charging system output too low. | 3. Test and repair charging system. Refer to CHARGING . | |
| 4. Battery has insufficient charge. | 4. Test battery state - of - charge. Refer to BATTERY SYSTEM . | |
| 5. Battery is sulfated or shorted. | 5. Load test battery. Refer to BATTERY SYSTEM . | |
| 6. Poor lighting circuit Z1 - ground. | 6. Test for voltage drop across Z1 - ground locations. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . | |
| 7. Both headlamp bulbs defective. | 7. Replace both headlamp bulbs. | |
| HEADLAMP BULBS BURN OUT FREQUENTLY. | 1. Charging system output too high. | 1. Test and repair charging system. Refer to CHARGING . |
| 2. Loose or corroded terminals or splices in circuit. | 2. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . | |
| HEADLAMPS ARE DIM WITH ENGINE RUNNING EVEN ABOVE IDLE.* | 1. Charging system output too low. | 1. Test and repair charging system. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . |
| 2. Poor lighting circuit Z1 - ground. | 2. Test for voltage drop across Z1 - ground locations. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . | |
| 3. High resistance in headlamp circuit. | 3. Test amperage draw of headlamp circuit. | |
| 4. Both headlamp bulbs defective. | 4. Replace both headlamp bulbs. | |
| HEADLAMPS FLASH RANDOMLY. | 1. Poor lighting circuit Z1 - ground. | 1. Test for voltage drop across Z1 - ground locations. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . |
| 2. High resistance in headlamp circuit. | 2. Test amperage draw of headlamp circuit. Should not exceed 30 amps. | |
| 3. Faulty headlamps switch circuit breaker. | 3. Replace headlamp switch. | |
| 4. Loose or corroded terminals or splices in circuit. | 4. Inspect and repair all connectors and splices. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . | |
| HEADLAMPS DO NOT ILLUMINATE. | 1. No voltage to headlamps. | 1. Repair open headlamp circuit. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . |
| 2. No Z1 - ground at headlamps. | 2. Repair circuit ground. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . | |
| 3. Faulty headlamp switch. | 3. Replace headlamp switch. | |
| 4. Faulty headlamp dimmer (multi-function) switch. | 4. Replace multi-function switch. | |
| 5. Broken connector terminal or wire splice in headlamp circuit. | 5. Repair connector terminal or wire splice. | |
| (DRL EQUIPPED VEHICLES) HEADLAMPS STAY ON WITH KEY REMOVED. | Inoperative DRL. | Using a scan tool, check CCN and TIPM for DTC's, and then check inputs/outputs. Refer to appropriate diagnostic information. DRL functionality is covered by the TIPM headlamps will stay ON with key in RUN and if TIPM is getting left multi-function switch status message as SNA from SCCM which has headlamp switch integrated into it. |
| *Canada vehicles must have lamps ON. | ||