Q: My passenger headlight keeps going out, then tap it and comes back on?

asked by on September 06, 2016

My passenger headlight keeps going out then I can tap the headlight and it comes back on. I'm wondering what I can do to fix this. Thanks

My car has 178000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Headlight Bulb Replacement $108.60 - $1479.74 Get a Quote

Hello. This sounds like the bulb filament in the glass is intermittently loose or the plug connection to the back of the bulb is loose, corroded, broken, or intermittent. If the bulbs are many years old, they have probably lost 20% of their lumen output anyway. So try replacing both headlight bulbs (they should be replaced in pairs), and while replacing them, check the plug connection for dirt, corrosion, salt, or electrical faults.

If you need new plug connector at the headlight, a new connector should be spliced in for you. Dielectric grease is sometimes recommended for the plug area to keep moisture out. Do NOT touch the bulb glass. If you leave body oil on it, the bulb could shatter in use. Also, keep bulbs away from your face as they can shatter and cause eye injury. If you want to have this taken care of for you, a certified professional from YourMechanic, can come to your car’s location to replace the headlight bulbs for you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does it mean if the Charging System light on the dash of comes on?
Your car’s charging system is an essential component – without an operable battery and alternator, your car won’t go anywhere. If the Charging System light is flashing on the dash, there’s something wrong. The main reason for the light to...
Radiator fan cover???
Thanks for writing in about your 2003 Infiniti J35. This is the radiator fan shroud upper and lower. They are the same as a radiator fan cover. If you need to have a technician inspect your the noise to verify...
How to disable the 120 km/h speed warning chime
Hello. This is a speed limiter built into the programming of the computer. You may be able to find an aftermarket computer programmer to add performance to the vehicle and change the speed limit of the vehicle. Alternatively, you may...
My car won't start - 1999 Ford Taurus
There is an important distinction to be made here. Is your car not cranking or is it cranking but not starting? Most likely you have a bad connection and a jump start is adding additional voltage to overcome it. Either...
Vibration or humming felt while driving my Uplander.
Hi there. If there is a vibration or humming noise on the front end of your van and the wheel bearings were already replaced, then either the CV shaft inner bearing is worn or the transmission final drive is worn....
the car kind of stall when car excellerate
The issue you are writing in about is fairly commonly encountered. If you request a diagnostic for engine hesitation (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-hesitates-during-acceleration-inspection) a certified mechanic will identify the underlying issue and that mechanic will also explain what has failed and the cost...
altinater is fine but battery light keeps coming on what could be the problem? came on 7 times while on the road
The battery should be load tested by a professional. Load testing can only be reliably performed on a fully charged battery. If the battery passes a load test be sure it is NOT a marginal pass in which case you...
My battery light came on, power steering went out, & overheated 1997 BMW 528i
Hello - I believe the serpentine belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-long-does-a-serpentine-drive-belt-last), which drives the alternator, power steering pump, and water pump, failed. This caused all of the symptoms you describe. I recommend a serpentine belt replacement (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement) performed by a mobile, professional mechanic,...
Car won't start vsa light tmps light on car is like locked won't do anything
Hi there. The vehicle stability assist (VSA) Off light is located on the instrument panel and illuminates whenever the VSA system is deactivated. When the VSA system is reactivated, the light will disappear. I would assume that this particular warning...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 GMC Sierra
The The 2012 GMC Sierra may not have sold quite as well as the Ford F-150, but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss this rugged and reliable model. For one thing, the Sierra is available in a half-ton version (1500)...
2012 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2012 GMC Terrain: Which One Should I Buy?
The mid-size crossover SUV category offers the comfort and size of an SUV, but on the platform of a car, giving it the look and feel of a large hatchback. The unibody construction typical of passenger vehicles is used instead...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re Over Six Feet Tall
While While shorter than average drivers can have a tough time finding the right car, it’s equally hard for taller drivers, perhaps more so. If you’re feeling squished, or have to hunch over the wheel to drive, then you’re not...