Low beam not working? Check what to do!
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Low beam not working? Check what to do!

It's time for a quick recap of your theory driving test - what kind of lights do you turn on from dusk to dawn and in limited air conditions? This is, of course, low beam, also known as low beam. This is the main type of car headlights that are used to illuminate the road while driving. For their absence (for example, due to a defect or more serious damage), a fine and demerit points are provided. So what to do if the dipped beam does not work? You will learn from the text below.

What will you learn from this post?

  • Dipped beam - how do they work?
  • What could be the reason for the failure when the dipped headlights are inoperative or inoperative?
  • How do I find the source of the problem?

Shortly speaking

Do you get the impression that the low beam in your car does not work very well? Or maybe they refused to obey at all? Do not underestimate this problem and contact a mechanic as soon as possible. The reason may be trivial, for example, burned out light bulbs. However, sometimes the reason lies in the electrical system. In this case, repairs without the help of specialists will be practically impossible.

How do low beam headlights work?

If the dipped beam is not working properly, you need to determine the cause of the failure as soon as possible. Pretty logical, right? Unfortunately, things are not always that simple. The lighting in your car does not emit light out of nowhere in some magical, vague way, but is an integral part of the electrical system. This, in turn, means that There are at least several possible reasons for rejection.and defining them may be more problematic than you originally thought.

The dipped beam headlamps are connected to the electrical system (via connectors) and to chassis ground. When they are on, energy is transferred from the battery / generator to the light bulbs. Then the filaments in them heat up and begin to glow, emitting a beam of light through the headlight, making you visible on the road. Standard household light bulbs work in a similar way. If it comes to them damage to the filament or violation of the free flow of energy in the electrical circuit, they will stop working or the quality of the light they emit will be noticeably reduced.

As you can see, the bulbs themselves are to blame. They can, but they don't have to. If the dipped beam does not work due to a malfunction in the electrical system, it is necessary to find out what the specific source of the problem is.

Dipped beam headlights dimmed or muted - what to check?

  • Generator malfunction. If you notice that the low beam headlights alternately brighten and darken in proportion to the load on the engine, the problem may be a malfunctioning alternator. So be sure to check its condition - generator malfunction draws power from the batterywhich (without the possibility of recharging) will be completely discharged, immobilizing the vehicle. Then the lack of low beam headlights will be the least of your problems.
  • Loose alternator belt. If the low beam headlights are not working properly, check that the alternator belt is not loose - it does not rotate the pulley correctly. You will see this by dimming and brightening your headlights. When checking the degree of weakening of the alternator belt, also pay attention to its general wear.
  • Rusty mass. This is one of the most common causes of dimmed low beam headlights. Your vehicle chassis (which is also a ground) is connected to the lamp circuit using ground wires. if cables are corroded, dirty or damaged, the flow of electricity will be disrupted to such an extent that it can limit the output of the lamp.
  • Yellowed lenses. Low beam not working well? This is not necessarily due to a malfunctioning light bulb or electrical system. This may be due to aging of the reflector lenses, which turn yellow over time, which affects the amount of light emitted.

Low beam not working? Check what to do!

Low beam not working? Possible causes of failure

  • Defective relay.
  • The light switch is damaged.
  • There is no weight in the lamp.
  • The lamp holder is damaged.
  • Broken wire harness.
  • Fuse blown.
  • Light bulb (s) burned out.

What to do if low beam headlights do not work?

Problems with the operation of low beam headlights directly affect your safety on the road - so do not delay with their repair. The smartest solution is to have a professional mechanic perform a comprehensive inspection of the lights and electrical system. The scope of this service includes, among other things, checking the condition of the alternator, relay, light switch and all parts of the headlight system (for example, bulbs, lenses, ground wires, etc.). The mechanic will also determine fuse wear level (replace them with new ones if necessary) and check the mains voltage.

You already know what the risk of missing low beam headlights in a car is and what to do if this problem affects you too. If the cause is burnt out bulbs, don't wait and go to avtotachki.com, where you will find a wide range of automotive bulbs from the best manufacturers. Remember that proper lighting is the basis of safe driving!

To learn more:

Which H7 bulbs emit the most light?

Halogen lamps 2021 - an overview of new products and popular classics

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