Ford Focus Headlights are dim Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(1,852)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(1,852)

Headlights are dim Inspection Service

How much does a Headlights are dim Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford Focus Headlights are dim Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2016 Ford FocusL3-1.0L TurboService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2009 Ford FocusL4-2.0LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2014 Ford FocusL4-2.0L TurboService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2004 Ford FocusL4-2.0LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2012 Ford FocusL4-2.0LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
2016 Ford FocusL4-2.0LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2004 Ford FocusL4-2.3LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
2007 Ford FocusL4-2.3LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Ford Focus Headlights are dim Inspection prices

Whether you’re driving at night, in the rain, in the fog or snow, having working headlights is absolutely essential. They provide light so you can see where you’re going, but they also help alert other drivers to your presence, enhancing the safety of everyone you encounter on the road. If your headlights seem dim, there may actually be an underlying problem that needs to be corrected.

How this system works:

No matter what type of bulbs you’re using, the system works in the same basic way. Your headlights are connected to the engine wiring harness via connectors, and they’re grounded to the chassis of your car (without a ground, they won’t work).

When you turn on the headlight switch, power is sent from the battery/alternator to the bulbs, causing the filaments to heat up and glow, which produces the light you need to see the road. They work just like the light bulbs in your home – a broken filament, or anything that disrupts the flow of electricity through the circuit can cause problems.

However, bulbs are a lot like fuses in that they either work or they don’t work. That means if your bulbs are dimmer than normal, the problem isn’t likely in the bulb itself, but somewhere in the wiring leading to the bulbs.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Corroded Ground Wire: One of the most common causes of dim headlights is a corroded ground wire. Ground wires connect the bulb circuit to your car’s chassis (which serves as the ground itself). If corrosion develops on the wire (or the connection is dirty or damaged), it disrupts the flow of electricity, often enough to limit the output of your bulbs.

  • Discoloring Deposits: This is particularly common with halogen type light bulbs. Over time, the inert gas within the halogen bulb creates a discoloring film (brown or gray). This builds up on the inside of the bulb and dims the light output. Replacing the bulb is generally the only option here.

  • Bad Alternator: Another very common reason to see dim headlights is a failing alternator. If you notice that the lights brighten and dim as the engine revs up and down, the alternator should be checked immediately. If it fails, dim lights will be the least of your problems. The car will begin pulling power from the battery and because it’s not being recharged, it will eventually drain completely. This will leave you stuck on the side of the road.

  • Yellowed Lenses: Often, dim lights have nothing to do with the flow of electricity or aging bulbs. Rather, they have to do with the aging of the headlight lens (the large plastic cover that protects the bulbs inside). Lenses yellow as they age, and this affects the amount of light that can escape and limits your visibility at night.

  • Loose Alternator Belt: Dimming lights may not be a sign of a bad alternator. It might be a loose alternator belt instead. If the alternator belt is loose, it doesn’t turn the pulley correctly (it slips and then grabs, slips and then grabs). This can be noticed in dimming and brightening headlights. The belt should be checked for excess play, as well as wear and tear.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office. The mechanic will inspect the headlights, the wiring harness, the ground wires and other components. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will inspect all parts of the headlight system, including the lenses, the bulbs, the wiring connectors, the ground wires and more. It may be necessary to perform a charging system test to determine if your alternator is healthy. The mechanic may also need to check the alternator belt.

How important is this service?

If your headlights are dim, it could be a sign of a serious underlying problem. Even if the issue is something as simple as a corroded ground wire, your safety is still compromised because you don’t have adequate visibility at night and while driving in inclement weather. One of our professional mechanics can inspect your headlights and determine the cause.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Ford mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ford owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(1,852)

Rating Summary
1,740
62
9
12
29
1,740
62
9
12
29

Brian

23 years of experience
658 reviews
Brian
23 years of experience
Ford Focus L4-2.0L - Spark Plugs - Jacksonville, Florida
Brian is an affable professional who made great recommendations for future car care.

Joe

43 years of experience
821 reviews
Joe
43 years of experience
Ford Focus L4-2.0L - Oil Change - Clearwater, Florida
took time to answer all my questions and offered advice on services he does not perform

Richard

13 years of experience
601 reviews
Richard
13 years of experience
Ford Focus L4-2.0L - Engine or Transmission Mount Replacement - Las Vegas, Nevada
Works on all my cars. Always a great job!

Jimmy

29 years of experience
186 reviews
Jimmy
29 years of experience
Ford Focus L4-2.0L - Oil Change - Rock Hill, South Carolina

Excellent Rating

(1,852)

Rating Summary
1,740
62
9
12
29
1,740
62
9
12
29
Number of Ford Focus services completed
20372+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1700+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

What Is the Shelf Life of Motor Oil?
If you plan on storing your oil, it's good to know how long motor oil lasts. Store your motor oil in a cool, dark place to make your oil last longer.
Symptoms of Bad or Failing Interior Door Handles
If a car door will not open or close, feels loose, or takes more effort to pull open, you may need to replace the interior door handle.
P0715 OBD-II Trouble Code: Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P0715 means the transmission will not be able to read the engine RPMs to shift properly causing transmission to shift hard or erratic.

Damaged steering column.

Hi. It's difficult for me to give you advice without knowing the extent of damage they did to your column. In some cases, all that needs to be replaced is the ignition cylinder and/or switch. This is a pretty simple...

My 1988 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has power in reverse but spits and sputters with hardly any power in drive.

Hello and thank you for your question. Sounds like the manual valve is out of adjustment and the transmission is applying the forward and reverse input clutch at the same time. This will cause the issue you are having. You...

Why does the battery go dead if you forget to use park? 2013 Ford Edge

Hello - newer cars are designed with convenience features that keep certain systems (radio and other infotainment systems) "active" UNLESS the car is in Park. This means there is an on-going battery drain (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-diagnose-a-car-battery-drain_2), which will run your battery down...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com