☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: Driver side headlights are dim. When I flash brights, the engine dies.

asked by on November 09, 2016

So the driver side headlights are working but they are very dim. The passenger side are nice and bright. I replaced the alternator with a new 145amp. It came with a 105amp reman. Before I replaced the alternator if I turned the brights on or just flashed them the engine would die. Now after replacing the alternator I can turn the brights on and leave them but if I pull the lever back to just flash them real quick the engine dies. Any thoughts on where to look or what could be the culprit?

My car has 162000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Recommended Services

Service Battery/cables $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Headlight Switch Replacement $125.06 - $514.72 Get a Quote
Electric Problems Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

Hi and thanks for contacting YourMechanic. First check the battery cables for a clean and corrosion free contact. If the battery is good, then there is a problem with the wiring in the steering column. There is a short crossing the lights system and the dimmer switch to the ignition power wire. Check the wires on the dimmer switch to see if there is a loose connection and if there is a burned wire. If the wires are good, then check the light switch for any burned wires and see if the wires are loose. If there is no issues with those wires, then follow the wires to the lights and see if there is a loose ground wire on the frame or fender. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic, that can assist you with the headlights issue causing the engine to shut off.

GMC
headlights
alternators
High Beams
2003
V8-5.3L
Yukon XL 1500
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Check Engine light came on
Multiple lights may be caused by multiple problems.Your BMW has a few dozen computers which can trigger warning lights to appear on your dash. Diagnosing multiple problems may be time extensive, but can be performed by a qualified technician with...
Read more
Car shaking when accelerating
If you had a mechanic replace the CV axle, I would suggest getting the mechanic to recheck the work so that we can rule that out. Mechanics are human and make mistakes too! We sometimes forget to tighten a nut...
Read more
Transmission not shifting gears, engine died out
Hi there. It sounds like the engine is the issue and not the transmission. If the engine was low on oil, then that will cause a serious engine failure. As the engine failing can cause some strange shifting issues as...
Read more
Difficult startup, chugging and rough revving
Hello. If the engine is having trouble starting after it has ran for a while and you are getting the smell of fuel, then it may be a failing fuel injector (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuel-injector) or an issue with a bad sensor. Most...
Read more
My spider gears in the rear end keep busting. Chunk isn't harmed. What is the problem?
Hello there, thanks for writing in. The spider gears are only used when you are turning left or right, unless you have two differently-sized tires on the same axle, in which then the spider gears will turn all the time....
Read more
Theres grease oozing from the inner cv joint
The CV joint boot is leaking out its lubricant grease. This is most commonly caused by a joint rubber boot is cracked or torn and also the clamps that hold the boots in place can be loose or out of...
Read more
My emissions light is on a d my gas light is on even though I put full tank
I would recommend disconnecting your battery (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-replacement) for about thirty minutes to see if the computer will reset. Those types of lights should not come on just from a jump start. It is possible that the wires may have been...
Read more
How often should I get my spark plugs replaced in my 2014 Chevrolet Spark
Hello. GM recommends that you have the spark pugs replaced ever 97,500 miles. This is part of their normal maintenance schedule. If you need to have this service done, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to...
Read more
2010 camaro ss I'm getting a low oil pressure stop engine light. Oil is topped off and oil pressure is reading normal on guage
Hi There, If your oil pressure falls below a specific level, the ECM (car's computer) will in some cases automatically shut the engine down or put the vehicle into a reduced power mode to avoid further damage to the engine....
Read more

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re Over Six Feet Tall
While While shorter than average drivers can have a tough time finding the right car, it’s equally hard for taller drivers, perhaps more so. If you’re feeling squished, or have to hunch over the wheel to drive, then you’re not...
Read more
How Long Does an Alternator Belt Last?
Your Your car’s alternator is what delivers energy to your vehicle’s battery. It works by means of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, taking power from the engine’s crankshaft and delivering it to the battery where it is stored. The...
Read more
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Headlight Closure Relay
If the headlight doors will not open, close, or are opening and closing on their own, you may need to replace the headlight closure relay.
Read more

Browse other content

Cars
Maintenance
Cities
Services