I drive a 99 eclipse gs. one of my headlights went out the other day and i dont appear to be able to get it working. i replaced the bulb immediately and when that didnt work i checked the fuse. with a brand new bulb and a good fuse, what else could be the problem? ps quick help would be appreciated, the dick cops around here are ticketing me.

 

Most likely then it is in the wiring. I am guessing you don't have a voltmeter ? If you did I'd suggest measuring to see if you had 12 volts min at the light between both leads and then if not using the Ohm/Continuity function to see if it is grounded. One side should be connected to ground (frame, metal chassis, battery negative, etc). Most common is black for ground in a DC car system.

If you are electrically naive (don't be ashamed) .. try making a jumper connection from your other lights wiring to the same color wire on the non-functioning side. Be sure to use the same gauge (size) wire or larger.

This is a quick fix suggestion. Seek a more permanent/proper solution if you do this to get it to work. Enlist a friend if you have one who knows what I'm talking about.

BD

 

thanks for the suggestion. i do actually have a voltmeter and will check as soon as it stops raining here.

 

ok so i checked the socket that the bulb plugs into and it's getting the same volts as the side that works. also, i've checked the bulbs in the side that works and they work fine. with a good bulb and a socket that has juice, what else could be the problem?

 

If you have 12V at the front of the socket where the bulb plugs in the only thing it can be is a new bad bulb or the metal contacts aren't touching the bulb contacts. If you measured at the back of the socket then maybe you have a bad socket with broken metal contacts inside.

Just re-read your response. If the bulb works in the other side then it isn't the bulb and most likely the socket. I mean c'mon .. you get 12V on a working bulb it will light.

 

I agree with brokedad, if you look at the socket that the bulb goes into alot of times there is a contact down around the metal casing that will fall off.

 

J/w did you touch the headlamp bulb when you installed it?

 

weird weird updates. i replaced the socket today with one that at least used to work. still no light. i checked the voltage at the socket and it was normal. i also checked the voltage of the bare wires and it was normal as well. i even tried putting the bare wires directly on the bulb contacts and nothing. i know the bulb works because it works just fine in the other side. i'm out of ideas. damn foreign cars... lol

 

look for cuts and splices in the wire..seems very weird.that you get 12v @ socket and wont power up.

 

is the headlight bulb making contact with the bottom of the socket. Sometimes it may not be seating right