I have a 2003 Chevy Malibu and have a problem with the headlights. Both are rather dull, but one is so faint it's barely noticeable. I've tried changing the bulb myself and the people at Jiffy Lube also changed it. Each time, the bulb is still barely visable. I know this much -- it's not the bulb.
What else could it be, and how do I fix it?
2007-12-09 13:27:09 · 8 answers · asked by Jordy 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The brightness doesn't improve when I switch to a high-beam. It also looks the same from different angles.
Also, I am not a car person. I don't think I could fix it myself.
If it is the grounding, how much should I expect to pay at a repair shop? I don't want to get screwed and have them overcharge me just because I have no clue what the hell everything is.
2007-12-09 13:43:52 · update #1
Is the bulb dim, or is the headlight assembly discolored, and the light not shining through? That car uses a plastic headlight assembly. If the problem is with the assembly, you can try one of the headlight cleaner kits, or you can use car was and a buffer to clean it!
If there is moisture or discoloration on the inside of the assembly, you will need to have the headlight assembly replaced!
2007-12-09 13:39:04 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You should always change both bulbs when changing head lights just for cheap insurance. With that being said it sounds as if you have a ground problem on the side with the dim bulb. If you are the do-it -yourself type consult a Chilton or Hayes repair manual (they usually have a good wiring diagram) , or if not any good repair shop should be able to fix the problem relatively cheaply.
2007-12-09 13:38:18 · answer #2 · answered by vadagirl 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Hi, It is possible that you have two different rated bulbs. If the bulbs are the same then check the earth wire to see if it is corroded, if it is poor and gives a high resistance it will affect the brightness.
There is also another possibility where the bulb might be out of alignment in which case go to your local mechanic and they can readjust both headlights for a low fee.
2007-12-09 15:23:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
A poor ground.
The mechanic should be able to tell you quite quickly by grounding out the wire on the light socket, on the ground side of the circuit., ( black wire ) Should only cost about 1/2 to 1 hour at the going rate, if simple.
2007-12-09 14:04:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
remove the electrical connection from the head lamp and check the voltage. if it is within a volt or so of the battery voltage them clean the connectors and replace. otherwise you have a very bad connection in the wiring harness. do you notice the same dim light when switched to high beam??? if so the problem is most likely a very poor ground.
2007-12-09 13:34:54 · answer #5 · answered by no religion know peace 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
High resistance in the circuit. that's why its dim. If you want to fix it your self get your self a diagram of the circuit and check along the wires. A multimeter will make a world of a difference. Do voltage drops across the circuit. you should have source voltage(voltage of the battery) all across the circuit. take it to the dealer though. unless you wanna go buy yourself a multimeter which can run you a hundred or so for a decent one.
2007-12-09 17:29:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Probably a poor ground--check the ground points and wires for each light or run a new ground wire for the dim one to a clean metal surface. Test for power at the wire connector for the bulb to see which wire is the ground.
2007-12-09 13:33:35 · answer #7 · answered by paul h 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
You probly have them out of ajustment an your looking at the light at different angles, or you have two different light bulbs.
2007-12-09 13:32:38 · answer #8 · answered by texcowboy712 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋