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Headlight problem

Old Jul 29, 2019 | 07:00 AM
  #1  
Eddie Mead's Avatar
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Headlight problem

I just changed both headlamps and now I have a strange pattern of lighting (I think). With the car about 10 feet from the garage door I switch from low to high beams I think I should see both light images move up about 6 inches, and back down going back to lows. Now I have one side going up and the other going down. Is it possible to insert the headlamp 180 degrees wrong? I thought the socket was keyed with one tab larger then the other 2 insuring a proper insert.
Old Jul 29, 2019 | 08:47 AM
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Welcome to the site, I suggest you swap the bulbs side to side, and see if the odd pattern changes side.
it is a possibility the one bulb was assembled incorrectly.
Old Jul 29, 2019 | 10:00 AM
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I suspect that you are seeing the DRL not low beams.

Check the fuses #63, #67, #66, #65, #31 in the under hood fuse box.
Old Jul 29, 2019 | 10:22 AM
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Eddie Mead's Avatar
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Oops sorry......first time so probably didn't do this right. But I have a 2nd problem in that the pictured part was lying on the ground after changing the right side lamp. I don't know what it is or where it came from. Any ideas?
Old Jul 29, 2019 | 10:33 AM
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Thanks guys for the ideas. I will go out when it gets a bit cooler and see if the DRL is fooling me, but I don't think so because I can see both sides changing and they are very bright as they shine on the door. I had to cup my hands around the headlight to see DRL before I started all this. I have become very familiar with the mentioned fuses (and relays). All fuses were good last night. I've had this car since 2011 and wish I had found this forum back then.
Old Jul 29, 2019 | 10:52 AM
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The reason I suggest them is the wiring is sort of odd; if the left low beam fuse is blown the right DRL will not work, which shows a wig-wag effect when flashing up/low.

The DRL is low beam full strength, so it should be just as bright as low.
Old Jul 29, 2019 | 11:10 AM
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Need a few more pictures, and description of that piece .
Old Jul 29, 2019 | 11:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Oldblue
Need a few more pictures, and description of that piece .
And maybe some reference to size.
Old Jul 29, 2019 | 11:35 AM
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These evidence markers , or a tape measure.
Old Jul 29, 2019 | 03:32 PM
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Eddie Mead's Avatar
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The DRL is low beam full strength, so it should be just as bright as low.
OK that sure helps. I read somewhere in the past several days that there is a resistance wire in there (maybe X121 or C121) (2 different drawings) that dropped the voltage that would cause a dimmer lamp during DRL. Guess not.

By covering and uncovering the sensor at the middle base of the windshield I caused the headlights and dash dimming to change so that all works. Pulling fuse 31 didn't make any difference at all unless they are so dim I can't see them in the daylight. Will see tonight.

That small black plastic piece is 1 3/8 inches by 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch. I can take more pics if needed.

Thanks guys!!!

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