Q: The headlights malfunction

asked by on May 25, 2016

Hi. I'm having problems with the headlights in my car. I had the fuses checked but it looks fine. However, the low beam on the passenger's side has been malfunctioning. It would turn on but it seems quite dim. What could be the issue? I appreciate your help.

Headlight Bulb Replacement $108.60 - $1479.74 Get a Quote

The bulbs are xenon type bulbs and they will fade away before they burn out. My suggestion would be to replace both headlight bulbs. This way you do not change one and the other burns out in a few weeks. They will also be the same brightness if replaced in pairs. After about 100 hours they will be less blue and be more white anyway.

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

Lots of noise on startup, car isn’t a morning person
Hello! Thank you for writing in with this question. Due to the design and characteristics of the “boxer” style engine, this cold-start noise is considered “normal” by Subaru corporate. It may be a good idea to have a professional at...
Emergency brake lever broke
Hi. I'm not sure if you mean the cable broke of the lever itself. In any case, you'll need to replace the failed components in order to fix your vehicle. There is no workaround way to release the emergency brake....
Car shaking and smelling of gas
The symptoms you describe lead me to believe you have a fuel leak in your steel fuel line. A fuel leak is a serious concern that needs to be addressed immediately for your safety. The lack of power you are...
Hear clicking sound when air conditioner is on
The clicking noise is most likely being emitted by one of the actuators that control the ducts in your air conditioning system. When they go bad they often make the clicking noise you are referring to. Depending on where the...
Car sporadically idle high & runs around 1500 RPMS
Hi there. The most common causes of this on your vehicle are either a bad idle control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement), a dirty or failing throttle body (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-body-replacement), or a vacuum leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-vacuum-leak). It is very common for the engine to have...
Steering wheel hard to turn
Most people don't know this but your steering and your brake booster have a lot to do with each other. Often times if you pump the brakes while trying to turn you will experience stiffness. If this is the problem...
How do I stop my transmission from slipping?
This suggests low transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) or possibly a faulty transmission control module. A faulty transmission control module may cause a delay in acceleration or erratic shifting of gears. The transmission control module has various sensors such as vehicle speed...
In my 2016 Nissan Altima, what are the fuel lines that run underneath the car under driver's side.
Hello. You will have two brake lines, a pressurized fuel line, and an evaporative emissions line. The smaller metal lines are the brake fluid lines and the other are fuel system lines.

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mercedes Benz S-Class
If If you’re looking for a vehicle that delivers top-of-the-line features, comfort, performance and safety, all while showing off the prestige of the driver, the 2012 Mercedes Benz S-Class is your choice. Key Features With Active Body Control and a...
5 Essential Things to Know About Luxury Vehicles
There’s There’s something to be said about the looks and offerings of luxury vehicles, but appearances can always be deceiving. If you’re considering buying a luxury car, there are a few things you need to know before you make your...
How Long Does a Fuse Box Last?
In In most modern vehicles there are usually two fuse boxes. One is usually mounted under the hood and one is on the driver’s side in the cab of the vehicle. There are so many things in a car that...