Scion tC 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

(433)

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

(433)

Headlights are dim Inspection Service

How much does a Headlights are dim Inspection cost?

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

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2015 Scion tCL4-2.5LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$124.99 - $132.49
2010 Scion tCL4-2.4LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2014 Scion tCL4-2.5LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2016 Scion tCL4-2.5LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2011 Scion tCL4-2.5LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.02 - $112.55
2007 Scion tCL4-2.4LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2013 Scion tCL4-2.5LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
2008 Scion tCL4-2.4LService typeHeadlights are dim InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Scion tC 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 Scion mechanics

Real customer reviews from Scion owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(433)

Rating Summary
406
17
2
0
8
406
17
2
0
8

Jamie

22 years of experience
94 reviews
Jamie
22 years of experience
Scion tC L4-2.4L - Alternator - San Bernardino, California
He is a awesome mechanic and a great guy!

Jeremy

20 years of experience
597 reviews
Jeremy
20 years of experience
Scion tC L4-2.4L - Car is shaking or vibrating - Lake Worth, Florida
So thankful for Jeremy's expert opinion and piece of mind! Very knowledgable and helpful!

Peter

21 years of experience
23 reviews
Peter
21 years of experience
Scion tC L4-2.4L - Oxygen Sensor - Cary, Illinois
He was a little late but he called beforehand and let me know so it wasn't a big deal. He was very professional and definitely knew what he was doing and went above and beyond. Would recommend him to a friend.

Andrew

15 years of experience
506 reviews
Andrew
15 years of experience
Scion tC L4-2.4L - Car is not starting - Portland, Oregon
Andrew is knowledgeable helpful and friendly I would hire him again in a second

Excellent Rating

(433)

Rating Summary
406
17
2
0
8
406
17
2
0
8
Number of Scion tC services completed
4763+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Scion MECHANICS
500+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Why Washing Your Car in Winter is Important
Keeping your car clean in winter makes your car last longer. Wash your car in winter to prevent rust under your car and keep ice off your windshield.
P0394 OBD-II Trouble Code: Camshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit Intermittent (Bank 2)
P0394 means the camshaft sensor circuit B that is in engine bank 2 produced an intermittent and incorrect voltage reading
P0353 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
P0353 means a malfunction has been found specifically in ignition coil C. Problems may include broken connector locks and loose connection at coil.

Car lost power and has weird smell. Catalytic conferter glowing orange.

Hello, from what you describe you could have two possibilities, a lean condition, or a plugged catalytic converter. A lean condition can be caused by having low fuel system pressure and volume or by being commanded by the engine control...

P0420 bad under body catalytic converter 2003 Nissan Altima

Hi there - you are correct that there are 2 catalytic converters (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement) on your vehicle; one (sometimes called a pre-catalyst) that is part of the exhaust manifold, and a 2nd converter further "downstream" in the exhuast system. It is...

clutch

Unfortunately many times the transmission needs to be removed in order to replace the clutch. In many areas that are service by YourMechanic, transmission removal is not provided on the platform. This is why you may not have seen some...

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 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com