Headlights don't work

I investigated a problem in which my tail lights would not illuminate, and eventually discovered that a yellow relay on the drivers side of the trunk, hidden behind the trunk liner near the trunk hinge was at fault.

I replaced it, and discovered that my headlights no longer worked. At first, I thought the new relay might be the problem, but I don't think that this particular relay has anything to do with the headlight circuit.

One clue is that, though both the normal and high beam positions on the switch give no love, if I hold the headlight switch in the "flash high beam" position, then the high beam lamps work (rather inconvenient, not too safe, and definitely impolite to drive this way!).

Could it be the relay (I doubt it, since I don't think that relay is related to the headlights)?
How about the headlight switch (unlikely, since it worked perfectly right before my relay-replacement project)?
What about one or more fuses and/or relays? This seems most likely, but I'm not an expert. There are so many fuse and relay panels all over the car, in illogical places. There are only so many things it could be, especially given the clue that the flash high beam function works.

Please help!

Thanks!

Jason Wren
Denver, CO

Possible causes

fuses
high-beam switch
headlight switch
headlight relay

The flash to pass feature will work with headlights off, whereas the high-beams won't. So don't discount it because it has to power inputs for the lights.

Use a wiring diagram, and a test light or meter to test to see where you have voltage.

KimMG,

Thank you so much for your imput. Do you know where I can easily find a wiring diagram for this car (perhaps one that isolates the headlight circuit)?

Thanks again!

Jason Wren

Try this: http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/14/09/20/0900823d80140920.jsp It appears fig 17 and 22 apply. Also you might get some info from the FAQ and manuals section at the top of the forum.

I realize this is an old post but did you ever find a resolution to this problem? I'm having a similar situation. I have a 97 Camry. The headlights will work on high beam but not low beam. When they are on high beam, the high beam indicate is NOT lit on the dash. Any ideas?

Check the headlight number and make sure the correct headlights are installed. Make sure they are connected correctly.