Headlights working intermittently, sometimes they turn on sometimes not?? - LotusTalk

6i9 · 10-09-2009, 06:32 PM

Hello

Ive been having an issue with my lowbeam headlights, particularly the passenger side.

When I turn my lights on, only my driver's side will light up and my passenger one will not light up immediately. The first time this happened, the passenger light did come on a few seconds after the drivers side and I went along my way.

Earlier this week, when I turned my lights on again, the passenger side was completely out, and would not come back on. I figured the light bulbs had burnt out on that side, so I went to buy new H1 Sylvanias.

However, earlier today, both headlights began to work again. Is this some kind of wiring/fuse issue? How can I check the fuse box?

Also, I noticed there is some condensation behind the halogen projectors within the headlights (not building up behind the headlight lenses, but the actual projector glass bowls)

TIA for your help

tesprit · 10-09-2009, 06:40 PM

Intermittant headlights?......sounds like the switch pack is failing to me.

WileECoyote · 10-09-2009, 06:47 PM

I've had this problem with both sides. The connector on the back of the bulb would come loose. First with the light working intermittently then not at all when the connector finally came completely off. Just follow the steps to adjust the headlights to gain access to the connector and reattach it.

TheViper · 10-09-2009, 07:05 PM

It is either a bad bulb/connector or as Tesprit said a defective Switch pack Module (SWP). If you find it to be the SPM, I have some used ones for sale, PM me if needed.
Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6i9

Hello

Ive been having an issue with my lowbeam headlights, particularly the passenger side.

When I turn my lights on, only my driver's side will light up and my passenger one will not light up immediately. The first time this happened, the passenger light did come on a few seconds after the drivers side and I went along my way.

Earlier this week, when I turned my lights on again, the passenger side was completely out, and would not come back on. I figured the light bulbs had burnt out on that side, so I went to buy new H1 Sylvanias.

However, earlier today, both headlights began to work again. Is this some kind of wiring/fuse issue? How can I check the fuse box?

Also, I noticed there is some condensation behind the halogen projectors within the headlights (not building up behind the headlight lenses, but the actual projector glass bowls)

TIA for your help

PECivil · 10-09-2009, 08:53 PM

I had the same issue and got a new switchpak and it seems to have fixed it.

6i9 · 10-10-2009, 01:47 PM

The starter engine button also started flickering rapidly...is this related or a separate issue?

JSteffen · 10-10-2009, 02:19 PM

I also had this happen to me, however my Parking & high beams work but the low beams don't. I had just washed the car and jumped in to move it and turned on the parking light first then the head light heard a "snap" like a fuse went out. Highs work but not the lows, been driving it all summer like that having to rush home before dark.

TheViper · 10-10-2009, 02:40 PM

Seperate issue, check the connections.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6i9

The starter engine button also started flickering rapidly...is this related or a separate issue?

SPM location.

407Driver · 10-10-2009, 03:50 PM

I had the same problems with Left headlight low beam and flickering start button, loose connector on the low beam and replaced the start button........Fixed

Wasabi · 10-10-2009, 04:58 PM

Ditto. Mine was just a loose connection, once the screws were tightened up they both work just fine!

6i9 · 10-10-2009, 11:51 PM

Ugh, I hope its just a connection issue...I dont have time to work on the car until next weekend though...

Judging by that picture, the SPM is a PITA the replace? Are there any DIY instructions out there

TheViper · 10-11-2009, 05:35 AM

1. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers (6 screws ). Removing the trip reset button connector is recommended.
2. Remove the instrument cluster cover (four spring clips, pull toward the steering wheel, do not pull on the instrument shroud, only on the sides).
3. Remove instrument cluster (4 screws).
4. Remove the two lower column cover mounting brackets (4 screws).
5. Gently remove the instrument cluster, disconnect connectors (2).
6. Two machine screws hold the Switch Pack module to a dash bracket. Don't drop them!
7. Gently pull out the Switch Pack module.
8. Test and Reassemble. Be careful with the instrument cluster connectors and cable routing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6i9

Ugh, I hope its just a connection issue...I dont have time to work on the car until next weekend though...

Judging by that picture, the SPM is a PITA the replace? Are there any DIY instructions out there

6i9 · 10-11-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

1. Remove the upper and lower steering column covers (6 screws ). Removing the trip reset button connector is recommended.
2. Remove the instrument cluster cover (four spring clips, pull toward the steering wheel, do not pull on the instrument shroud, only on the sides).
3. Remove instrument cluster (4 screws).
4. Remove the two lower column cover mounting brackets (4 screws).
5. Gently remove the instrument cluster, disconnect connectors (2).
6. Two machine screws hold the Switch Pack module to a dash bracket. Don't drop them!
7. Gently pull out the Switch Pack module.
8. Test and Reassemble. Be careful with the instrument cluster connectors and cable routing.

Thanks Michael! I will let you know if I need a SPM

6i9 · 10-13-2009, 11:53 AM

My headlight issue was fixed. It was a loose connector and blown fuse on the passenger side lowbeam.

The wiring harness looks a little brown/stressed from high resistance. Is this a common issue and have people needed to replace wiring harnesses?

10-09-2009, 06:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
6i9 Chris Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 391 Images: 1	Headlights working intermittently, sometimes they turn on sometimes not?? Hello Ive been having an issue with my lowbeam headlights, particularly the passenger side. When I turn my lights on, only my driver's side will light up and my passenger one will not light up immediately. The first time this happened, the passenger light did come on a few seconds after the drivers side and I went along my way. Earlier this week, when I turned my lights on again, the passenger side was completely out, and would not come back on. I figured the light bulbs had burnt out on that side, so I went to buy new H1 Sylvanias. However, earlier today, both headlights began to work again. Is this some kind of wiring/fuse issue? How can I check the fuse box? Also, I noticed there is some condensation behind the halogen projectors within the headlights (not building up behind the headlight lenses, but the actual projector glass bowls) TIA for your help

10-09-2009, 06:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
WileECoyote 2006 Sport Elise #9 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 103	I've had this problem with both sides. The connector on the back of the bulb would come loose. First with the light working intermittently then not at all when the connector finally came completely off. Just follow the steps to adjust the headlights to gain access to the connector and reattach it. __________________ Jason Current: '06 LotusSport Elise, #9 of 50 Lost in divorce: '00 Ford Explorer XLT Sold: '96 Jeep Cherokee Sport, '03 Dodge Dakota Sport, '99 Chevrolet Cavalier, '94 Dodge Stealth RT, '88 Toyota Corolla DX, '84 Dodge Daytona Turbo, '82 Pontiac T1000

10-09-2009, 08:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
PECivil Engineer of Record Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SandyEggo Posts: 196	I had the same issue and got a new switchpak and it seems to have fixed it. __________________ 02 Phoenix Yellow M3 (fast and fun) 06 Autumn Gold Elise (faster and funner) 07 328iT (wifey's car)

10-10-2009, 02:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
JSteffen Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Farmington, Minnesota Posts: 417 Images: 9	I also had this happen to me, however my Parking & high beams work but the low beams don't. I had just washed the car and jumped in to move it and turned on the parking light first then the head light heard a "snap" like a fuse went out. Highs work but not the lows, been driving it all summer like that having to rush home before dark. __________________ www.linkedin.com/in/johnsteffen My Photo Album www.fuzionathletics.com

10-10-2009, 03:50 PM	#9 (permalink)
407Driver Live from the Bubble Room Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tejas Posts: 145	I had the same problems with Left headlight low beam and flickering start button, loose connector on the low beam and replaced the start button........Fixed __________________ "Never leave well enough alone" Raymond Loewy

10-09-2009, 06:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
tesprit Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 1,925	Intermittant headlights?......sounds like the switch pack is failing to me.

10-10-2009, 01:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
6i9 Chris Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 391 Images: 1	The starter engine button also started flickering rapidly...is this related or a separate issue?

10-10-2009, 04:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
Wasabi Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Ramon, CA Posts: 448	Ditto. Mine was just a loose connection, once the screws were tightened up they both work just fine!

10-10-2009, 11:51 PM	#11 (permalink)
6i9 Chris Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 391 Images: 1	Ugh, I hope its just a connection issue...I dont have time to work on the car until next weekend though... Judging by that picture, the SPM is a PITA the replace? Are there any DIY instructions out there

10-13-2009, 11:53 AM	#14 (permalink)
6i9 Chris Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 391 Images: 1	My headlight issue was fixed. It was a loose connector and blown fuse on the passenger side lowbeam. The wiring harness looks a little brown/stressed from high resistance. Is this a common issue and have people needed to replace wiring harnesses?

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