Q: Headlights work intermittently

asked by on February 19, 2016

The headlights seems to have an electrical problem. Sometimes both work, as well as the high beams, but mostly they don't turn on.

Headlight is not working Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The headlights work on a high voltage circuit including relays and fuses for over voltage protection. The vehicle may be experiencing faulted relays or the switch that powers the headlight circuit. I recommend having a technician experienced in vehicle electrical systems inspect the exterior lighting circuit. From their diagnosis, they will be able to perform the necessary repairs for your headlight issue.

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

What does the traction control system (TCS) off light mean?
If the “Traction Control System (TCS) off” Warning Indicator Light is on in the dashboard, this is an indication that the traction control system (TCS) has been disengaged. When adverse weather conditions are present such as ice, snow, or rain,...
Car accelerated on its own, increasing RPMs & speed
Hello. There are a few possible causes of this but most of the time it is caused by a failing throttle body (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-body-replacement). If the throttle plate sticks and does not return to the correct position then the vehicle will...
no spark
You'll need to look in the engine compartment's fuse box and check the ENG-1 fuse and all of the other fuses (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuse-replacement) to see if you have any are blown. The crankshaft sensor's pink wire should have ignition switch power...
What causes an ignition relay to go bad?
Hi, thanks for your question. If the relay is not making a good contact inside the relay socket, I suggest inspecting the old relays that came out and see if one or more of the pins look like they got...
Installing a trailer hitch requires cutting out a piece of the underbody trim panel.
Hello, thanks for writing in. Personally, if it was my new car I would check to see if there is another different trailer hitch on the market that does not require cutting any trim panels. If there is no other...
The ABS light came on dashboard
Hello, The ABS light refers to your anti-lock braking system which is controlled by a module and wheel speed sensors at each of the four wheels. This may be an issue of a faulty ABS control module or possibly faulty...
Charging system warning light.
Hi There, This indicates you may have a faulty alternator that is not properly maintaining the charge in your battery. 11.7 and 11.3 are pretty low and definitely suggest that either battery is bad or the alternator is not charging...
Have a 2010 Camaro V6 with error code P0008. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6
Hi there. P0008 is a generic OBD-II code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0008-obd-ii-trouble-code-engine-positions-system-performance-bank-1-by-paul-lancette) indicating an issue with the engine control module (ECM) detecting a variation in the mechanical timing between the crankshaft and bank 1 camshaft. The ECM uses sensors to detect the position...
I bought a bolt on exhaust system do you guys do installation?
I would first recommend you contact our customer service so they can check to see if this service can be done in your area. Some services like exhaust work may not be able to be done in your area or...

Related articles

Alternator or Car Battery: How to Tell Which Part Is the Problem
When When you need to go somewhere and your car won’t start, it’s not unreasonable to think that you could have a car charging problem. A jump start might fix it in the short term and get you to work...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Porsche Cayman
The The 2012 Porsche Cayman is a compact sports car designed to deliver a full dose of adrenaline every time you slide into the cockpit. Streamlined and powerful, it also delivers the precise handling that has made Porsche such a...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Arkansas in 2012
Arkansas, Arkansas, like many other states, has to deal with a wide range of weather, from the stifling to the icy. This means drivers need vehicles that can handle the heat while also helping them get through slippery conditions. In...