Different Headlight problem
Chromehero
03-06-2007, 11:13 AM
Hello everyone,
Got a 95 Metro at auction. Previous owner tried to pimp it out, I guess. So, there are some modifications done to it before I got it.
Anyway, I am trying to research the headlight problem. There are no daytime running lights, no night low beams, no high beam. The only time there is light is to pull back on the high beam flash bar.
On the fuse block, the white w/black wire connection seems fine. The metal is nice and shiny. No charred plastic, wire insulation, or metal.
While at the junk yard the other day, I pulled extra fuses and relays for backups. Haven't found any problems in that area.
Symptoms: All three wires on the headlights have 12V power regardless of the headlight switch positon. All other lights and functions are working. Checked headlight lamp, it is good. Removed DRL module, and everything worked the same as when it was plugged in.
Suspect the DRL module is bad (do they even go bad?!) but if I need to get one, I will go to the junk yard. Chevy wants $120.00+ for one.
(Sorry, no pics yet. Trying to work out how to get them to show in here)
Chromehero
Got a 95 Metro at auction. Previous owner tried to pimp it out, I guess. So, there are some modifications done to it before I got it.
Anyway, I am trying to research the headlight problem. There are no daytime running lights, no night low beams, no high beam. The only time there is light is to pull back on the high beam flash bar.
On the fuse block, the white w/black wire connection seems fine. The metal is nice and shiny. No charred plastic, wire insulation, or metal.
While at the junk yard the other day, I pulled extra fuses and relays for backups. Haven't found any problems in that area.
Symptoms: All three wires on the headlights have 12V power regardless of the headlight switch positon. All other lights and functions are working. Checked headlight lamp, it is good. Removed DRL module, and everything worked the same as when it was plugged in.
Suspect the DRL module is bad (do they even go bad?!) but if I need to get one, I will go to the junk yard. Chevy wants $120.00+ for one.
(Sorry, no pics yet. Trying to work out how to get them to show in here)
Chromehero
Mike_Van
03-06-2007, 12:52 PM
On my '96 the DRL and low-beams only come on if the e-brake is off.
I discovered one lighting fuse was completely missing, resulting in lights that worked (with e-brake off) but only *dimly*. Most of the time, my brights will not stay on (lever forward), but they always work when I pull the lever back.
I'd look for corrosion/melting in the fuse-box on the interior (near hood release lever). This can contribute to creating a situation in which the expected current cannot make it to where it needs to go. Once, after cleaning the connections, I could get my brights to stay on, but they soon went back to their old behavior. Re-doing the fuse box completely is a pain, but I hear it helps...
Peace,
Mike
I discovered one lighting fuse was completely missing, resulting in lights that worked (with e-brake off) but only *dimly*. Most of the time, my brights will not stay on (lever forward), but they always work when I pull the lever back.
I'd look for corrosion/melting in the fuse-box on the interior (near hood release lever). This can contribute to creating a situation in which the expected current cannot make it to where it needs to go. Once, after cleaning the connections, I could get my brights to stay on, but they soon went back to their old behavior. Re-doing the fuse box completely is a pain, but I hear it helps...
Peace,
Mike
Chromehero
03-06-2007, 02:06 PM
Mike,
You were right. I plugged the DRL back in, chocked the wheels, started the engine, took off the parking brake, and there were the running lights. Now I need to go through the forums again and look for EXACTLY what wire I need to check. I have the fuse block sitting down in the foot well now, but I do not see any charring, or melted portions. Any advice would be helpful.
Just checked the connection again. The connector is simiilar to those described in other posts, except there is no melted plastic, no charring. There is also no current going through the connection. Headlights on or off, the connection and the wire have no current.
With engine running, daytime lamps are on. I turn on the parking lamps, no problem. I flip the headlights on, Headlight relay #1 clicks, and the headlights go out.
Electrical problems and I do not get along....
Thanks again.
You were right. I plugged the DRL back in, chocked the wheels, started the engine, took off the parking brake, and there were the running lights. Now I need to go through the forums again and look for EXACTLY what wire I need to check. I have the fuse block sitting down in the foot well now, but I do not see any charring, or melted portions. Any advice would be helpful.
Just checked the connection again. The connector is simiilar to those described in other posts, except there is no melted plastic, no charring. There is also no current going through the connection. Headlights on or off, the connection and the wire have no current.
With engine running, daytime lamps are on. I turn on the parking lamps, no problem. I flip the headlights on, Headlight relay #1 clicks, and the headlights go out.
Electrical problems and I do not get along....
Thanks again.
Mike_Van
03-07-2007, 12:24 PM
"Electrical problems and I do not get along"
Not in my skill-set either, sorry. Perhaps get your hands on an electrical system schematic and tracing the circuits? Maybe try teamswift.net's forum if you don't get other replies...
Not in my skill-set either, sorry. Perhaps get your hands on an electrical system schematic and tracing the circuits? Maybe try teamswift.net's forum if you don't get other replies...
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