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09-07-2009, 11:47 PM | #1 | |
Big Tall Dumb Ass
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Headlight problems
2000 GMC Jimmy 4.3L 2WD SLE I just started having problems with my automatic head lights. Started the truck the other night and no head lights. All the other running lights were good, but no head lights. The high beam lights come on but not the low beam lights. I played with every button, dimmer switch, Dome Override, and even turned off the engine and restarted, nothing. I kept on pushing buttons and nothing worked. I sat there getting pissed and then they just came on. I know there is a photocell sensor on the passenger side of the dash in the speaker but it was dark outside at the time. The Multifunction switch in the steering column was replaced once before by a dealship under warranty so it is not the original factory installed MFS but should be OEM. I did check the ground that is located under the driver's head light and it seem good and tight. Anyone seen or had this issue? The lights do seem to eventually come on, but this is a pain in the @$$.
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09-09-2009, 09:36 AM | #2 | ||
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Re: Headlight problems
Quote:
A All data online DIY SUB might help/have some good repair info on them. I would get some one to read out and check body computer for problems. Also connections and plug ins on it and headlight system. And correct headlight bulbs. Post back any body computer codes. Also make sure sensor is open good not covered up. Let us know how it goes. MT
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09-09-2009, 02:37 PM | #3 | |
Big Tall Dumb Ass
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Re: Headlight problems
Thanks MT, I'll see what I can find. The bulbs are good because they eventually do light up, and I haven't changed any bulbs for over a year. I guess it is possible that something jiggled loose.
I suspect it is something to do with the Photocell. The problem is sporadic, as the low beam lights sometimes light right up when you turn the key, other times it takes a second for them to light up, and other times it takes a minute or two before they come on. One thing that I have found that does seem to work is to turn the high beams on then off a couple of times and it may be coincidence, but the low beams will come on once the high beams go off. I can't believe that I am the poster child for things that no one has ever seen before.
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09-09-2009, 02:43 PM | #4 | ||
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Re: Headlight problems
Quote:
He put a piece of tape over the sensor, to keep his lights always on. The Dealership wanted $500.00 to replace the dash unit (parts & labor), so that piece of tape stayed on for over a year (he traded the car in last June) He also had a faulty brake light/ABS sensor problem. $700.00 repair bill (Again, dealer replacement- ABS unit). Sorry, no advice. Just wanted to let you know, you're not alone.
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09-09-2009, 02:51 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Headlight problems
I have thought about doing the tape trick if it would work. I am wondering if the photocell unplugs and could be jumpered or just left unplugged to achieve the same thing.
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09-10-2009, 02:33 PM | #6 | ||
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Re: Headlight problems
Quote:
Unless of course, it's a 3 wire or more connector. The photocell itself is just a switch that either opens or closes the circuit dependant on light, so it may be worth a try. Try the tape first though.
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09-10-2009, 04:54 PM | #7 | ||
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Re: Headlight problems
Quote:
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09-11-2009, 12:46 PM | #8 | ||
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Re: Headlight problems
Quote:
A factory repair manual or all data diy online sub. http://www.alldata.com/products/diy/index.html
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09-11-2009, 02:03 PM | #9 | ||
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Re: Headlight problems
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I am not sure if there are anymore grounding locations, any suggestions? One thing the guy at the parts counter said was the ECM tells the headlights when to turn on and off. Where is the ECM Ground wire?
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09-12-2009, 06:18 PM | #10 | ||
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Re: Headlight problems
Quote:
All Data online sub wiring diagram shows all grounds. For the ground circuits you need a good wiring diagram. Usually the body computer has first control on Day time running lights them. Engine Oil pressure switch may work threw the ecm to body computer to tell the body computer and daytime running light module the engine is running or not running. Also park brake light switch is tied in there to.
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09-12-2009, 06:28 PM | #11 | |
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Re: Headlight problems
ON ECM grounds look for the black wires.
C1 pin 17/18 C2 pin 17/18 ECM grounds are connected to/grounded to black ground wire Right rear cylinder head
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09-14-2009, 08:15 AM | #12 | |
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Re: Headlight problems
O.K. here is another piece of information. The lights coming on after slamming the hood got me to wondering about the Headlight Relay. The Relay/Fuse panel is located over the driver's wheel well inside of the engine compartment, just under the hood, which I think would be probably be jostled around when the hood is slammed. I opened the cover and it appears that the Headlight Relay is located at the front of the panel, closest to the radiator. The diagram inside the cover of the panel shows a relay marked HDLP PWR. I assume this means HEADLAMP POWER. I tapped on in and wiggled in its socket but I decided to see about a replacement before trying to remove it (and possibly break it). Here is the funny thing, since I did this on Friday afternoon, the headlights have worked properly and not given me anymore trouble. I talked to a parts guy at the local parts store and they did not have any replacement relays, but he did say that traditionally, relays are either good or they are bad and there is no sporadic function with these things. Well I don't know, considering that I am a poster child for things that no one has ever seen before in the entire history of automobiles, I am hoping that my problem was a dirty socket or some other minor issue, but for now, I am going to keep a close watch on this and see what happens.
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09-17-2009, 07:55 AM | #13 | |
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Re: Headlight problems
Well, I knew it was too good to be true. Last night and again this morning I had no headlights when starting the Jimmy. In both cases I carefully opened the hood with the motor running and lightly tapped on the headlight relay and instantly, the head lights came on.
What I don't know is whether I have a bad relay or possibly a dirty socket. I guess I will stop at the dealership on the way home from work and pick up a new relay. Can any of you tell me anything about these relays? I have heard of fuel pump relays going bad, but any info is goodness.
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09-17-2009, 01:16 PM | #14 | |
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Re: Headlight problems
On my '97, I have 3 relays on the firewall in the engine compartment.
Is the unit you're talking about in this area? I also have two or three behind the cover in the glove box. If so, try swapping them out with each other if they are similar types, and see if the problem moves with the relays. As far as stating earlier they either work or don't work, not necessarily. It could be a short or weak connection in the coil, which when energized, either opens or closes the relay (dependant on the type: normally open or normally closed).
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09-17-2009, 01:28 PM | #15 | ||
Big Tall Dumb Ass
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Re: Headlight problems
Quote:
Based upon your comment that there could be sporadic issues, I will see if I can get a new one and keep my fingers crossed.
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