I did read the other thread that bsstan started.

When I pulled into the garage this morning, both hi beams and low beams were working. When I left the office 30 minutes earlier, the passengers side low beam would not illuminate. When I pulled into QFC, (before I got home) both low beams were on.

Previously, if the right side low beam would not come on, I could turn the lights off and back on, and the right side light would come back on. I have checked to make sure, it is the low beam and not the high beam, that is giving me problems.

The flackyness of the passengers head light will occur when the car is just sitting still. All I do is turn the light switch on or off.

When I first noticed this, I noticed that the pass side low beam was off. I turned the engine off. I used my FOB to unlock the door (Thus turning on both lights), I turned the headlight switch to on. I turned the ignition switch and started my HHR. Both low beams remained on until I got to work and turned everything off.

I don't think it is the bulb. I presume that the headlights are wired in parallel, through the light switch.

Any ideas on where to start with this one?

Thank you.

-JJ

 

Just replace the bulb. The chances are, it is just making a momentary contact at the broken filament.

Have you even pulled the bulb out to examine it for a broken filament? That is the basic first step in diagnosis.

 

I concur x2

 

Just to be sure; you are not confusing DRL with headlights?

 

Almost sounds like the bulb is not making good contact in the socket.

 

I sure am sure. :)

-JJ

 

I wondered about that. But I can stand outside the car, with the engine off, and flip the lights on and off with the FOB, i.e. nothing is shaking the car, engine is off. Sometimes the bad light comes on, sometimes it does not. If I had a lose connection, the bulb would go on and off as I hit bumps. Once the bulb comes on, it will stay on. I can sit in the car, with the head lights on and the bulb off. I can play with the head light switch and get the bulb to come on. Since I drive at night, I can keep an eye on the passengers head light. It does not flicker when I hit a rough patch of the road.

I am taking my car to a new mechanic, Thursday, and I'll get the light bulb changed, then.

-JJ

 

Remember when you are locking/unlocking with the fob, it's the high beams flashing, not the low beam.

 

Have you tried switching the left and right bulbs to rule out any issues with bulb itself? Also have you tried reseating the bulb?