96 Accent Headlight Low Beams are out

[brg25]

High Beams, Hazard and Tail lamps work fine. Low Beams (both) are out.

Checked all fuses in the dash fuse box. Tested OK.

Checked for continuity on the Headlamp Relay in the engine compartment. Also swapped with another identical relay to test. Tested OK.

What am I missing here? I have a hard time believing both head lamps need to be replaced at the same time. I guess I'm going to print out the exterior lights schematic and see if I can trace it. Ahh the trials and tribulations of the shade tree mechanic.

Suggestions?????

FYI...the Hyundai Webtech site is the best thing since sliced bread. It contains detailed troubleshooting guides, schematics and service bulletins.

[jason_bet]

did you try a new bulb?

[Code.Master]

Hate to point out something obvious, but did you check out the continuity on the wire loop? after you checked continuity on the relay you should have gone right to the headlamp plug and checked for continuity back to the relay itself.

Its really simple to see if its bulbs or elecrical system, you didnt have to do any of that other crap, yet. All you have to do is unplug the connectors to the bulbs, hook up a volt meter and check for a potential with the car on, not necessarily started, and the lights on. If you get voltage, its the bulbs, if you cant find voltage on the connector then you would have had to do that other stuff.

You can also visually inspect the bulbs and if they are bad, you will probably be able to tell. I keep an entire set of spare bulbs for the car in the trunk... Just in case, and because I dont do much work at home...

There is no reason why they couldnt be out at the same time. Might have been some sort of voltage surge that popped them, gremlins in the loom... Might have been above average quality control making headlamps that last nearly the same amount of time, or you might just be that one guy that it happens to. I understand your reasoning though, if they are both out, it usually does indicate something else bad.

Some other things to consider are the switch at the steering column having problems as well as actually testing for continuity across the fuse. Sometimes they are bad without being as visible as designed.