1995 Caravan: Headlights dead

[WheelDweller]

There are so many local experts on this problem, yet none of them can agree where I can find a fusebox, or just how many there are. Let me paint the picture before I start asking questions:

One night on guard duty, I hit the headlights and instead of off/on, it dimmed, and came on. Sounds like a bad switch, aye? Nope. I tore the dash out, replaced the switch; no change. It's all back now, but when I hit the switch, I *do* hear a click, so there *is* a headlight relay, and it's operating. I just have no idea where it's hiding.

I see:

-Fusebox with relays: under the hood, driver's side, that doens't say "Headlamps".
-Fusebox without relays: above the driver's left ankle.

Where would the relay be hiding? Is it true that there would be NO fuse in the headlight circuit? (Even if it's just a fusible link...)

Please help; it's otherwise a lawn ornament, and it's a PERFECT vehicle for lot-sitting on my job.

Thanks!

[B33p3r]

Originally Posted by WheelDweller

There are so many local experts on this problem, yet none of them can agree where I can find a fusebox, or just how many there are. Let me paint the picture before I start asking questions:

One night on guard duty, I hit the headlights and instead of off/on, it dimmed, and came on. Sounds like a bad switch, aye? Nope. I tore the dash out, replaced the switch; no change. It's all back now, but when I hit the switch, I *do* hear a click, so there *is* a headlight relay, and it's operating. I just have no idea where it's hiding.

I see:

-Fusebox with relays: under the hood, driver's side, that doens't say "Headlamps".
-Fusebox without relays: above the driver's left ankle.

Where would the relay be hiding? Is it true that there would be NO fuse in the headlight circuit? (Even if it's just a fusible link...)

Please help; it's otherwise a lawn ornament, and it's a PERFECT vehicle for lot-sitting on my job.

Thanks!

I don't know what year it started, but the newer vehicles have a Front Control Module which controls the headlights. I believe it's usually located behind the center of the dash. Sorry, it's the ebst I can do.

[cyclonicblade]

Originally Posted by B33p3r

I don't know what year it started, but the newer vehicles have a Front Control Module which controls the headlights. I believe it's usually located behind the center of the dash. Sorry, it's the ebst I can do.

What about the taillights and markers?

[WheelDweller]

Originally Posted by cyclonicblade

What about the taillights and markers?

Everything else is fine; just the headlights are out. I can hear the headlight relay kick in; it's somewhere inside the panel near the driver's knee. Oh, and the windshield is cracked....my hands came off the durned dash-parts trying to take it off backwards. (Going to a pull-a-part shop does WONDERS for figuring these things out...)

[cyclonicblade]

Originally Posted by WheelDweller

Everything else is fine; just the headlights are out. I can hear the headlight relay kick in; it's somewhere inside the panel near the driver's knee. Oh, and the windshield is cracked....my hands came off the durned dash-parts trying to take it off backwards. (Going to a pull-a-part shop does WONDERS for figuring these things out...)

Ok I have the manual for the 84 thru 95 and the wiring diagram says thay it goes from a hot lead to the headlight switch (w/Ciruit breaker built into it ) to the high beam switch and then right to the headlights
sounds like a bad dimmer or a short somewhere try disconnecting the dimmer and see if the popping noise is still there the noise might be the internal breaker

[WheelDweller]

Originally Posted by cyclonicblade

Ok I have the manual for the 84 thru 95 and the wiring diagram says thay it goes from a hot lead to the headlight switch (w/Ciruit breaker built into it ) to the high beam switch and then right to the headlights
sounds like a bad dimmer or a short somewhere try disconnecting the dimmer and see if the popping noise is still there the noise might be the internal breaker

Sorry, no; the dimmer switch (which, btw shows no signs of carbon or burning) has already been switched out with another one. Identical performance.

And it's a shame, really; the heater's so much better in that vehicle, and all my guard-things are in there. I'm headed to work in a couple of hours, so I need to switch'em to the other vehicle. It's gonna be 30 tonight, which isn't bad, but the next shift I work will be *18*.

But there *is* a relay in there; I can hear it click, and it's coming from the panel to the left of where the steering wheel goes into the dash. (Just above the fusebox...) The radio's off...it's got me confused....maybe if I can figure out how to get the "lower dash" removed, I'll find it.

And when I figure this one out, I'll post it here, so other folks can find the answer on Google...

[cyclonicblade]

if you have the headlight timer on it it could be the problem if it is a seperate unit

[Mrbizness1]

I know this sounds dumb, but a few months ago my daughter's Maxima had the same problem, both headlights out. I checked all the wiring and relays, It was the bulbs. Both were N/G