How to replace the headlight close relay

Your headlights depend on the headlight relay located in your vehicle's fuse box. Sometimes these relays need to be replaced.

All relays, including the headlight close relay, are used to protect the driver from high voltage and current systems as a safety measure. Used in "fold-out" headlights that fold out of the car body, headlight relays are required for the headlights to work. This relay is located in the main fuse box or panel.

Any relay that supplies power to an electrical system that is used as much as headlights will eventually need to be replaced; you may even have to do this more than once in the lifetime of your vehicle. Symptoms of a bad relay include headlights that won't open or close and possibly intermittent headlight motors.

Part 1 of 1: Replacing the Headlight Switch Relay

Necessary materials

• Pliers (if needed)
• Replacing the relay

Step 1: Locate the headlight relay.. Check your vehicle owner's manual for the location of the headlight relay. It will most likely be located under the hood of your vehicle where the main fuse panel is located. However, it can be located in the cab of the vehicle if it is equipped with an internal fuse box.

Step 2 Remove the fuse box cover or cover.. To access the headlight relay, you will need to remove the cover or cover from the fuse box.

Step 3: Remove the old relay. The headlight relay will pull straight out of the terminal. If it's hard to get a hold of, you can use pliers, a needle, or something else. Make sure it is the same type of relay as the replacement relay.

• Functions: Check the terminal that connects to the relay. Before installing a new relay, make sure it is clean and makes a good connection. Check the old relay for damage. Serious damage can be caused by other components related to the operation of the headlight relay. In this case, these problems must be resolved before the installation of the new relay is completed.

Step 4: Insert the new relay. Insert the new headlight relay where the old relay was removed. Press firmly on the relay to connect it properly.

Step 5: Check your headlights. Turn on the car and check the headlights. Make sure the headlights rise and turn on in a timely manner. Then turn them off to make sure they close properly. Run this test three or four times to make sure it works properly.

Step 6: Replace the fuse box cover.. Replace the fuse box cover that you had to remove to gain access to the relay. You can then dispose of your old relay if it is in good condition (i.e. no melted plastic, no melted metal, or major damage).

Old-fashioned "pop-up" headlights add to the appeal of many old and new cars. They include more moving parts, including extra kits, motors, and electrical systems to make them work. If your headlight relay leaves you in the dark, or you just prefer a professional to do this repair for you, you can always have a certified technician, like the one from AvtoTachki, come and replace the headlight relay for you.