What is a headlight switching? What are the symptoms of a headlight switch failure? How do you know if your headlights are not working?
What is a Headlight Switch?
Headlight switches are an electronic component that can be problematic in controlling the car’s lights. Some vehicles have an individual switch located on either the left or right side of the instrument panel. Others use the same turn signal lever integrated into the steering column. Headlight switches are used to control interior lights, running lights as well as low and high beam headlights. Fog lights can also be controlled by the switch.
Some models have a switch that transmits a 12-volt signal to turn on the headlight relay or other relays. Some send a 5V voltage signal to ground for the headlight relay and/or body/body control module. Depending on which function is selected and what vehicle configuration it is, the relay circuits open and the lights turn on.
What are the symptoms of a headlight switch failure?
The headlight switch may wear down over time and fail. The symptoms of a faulty headlight switch are designed to alert the driver that there is a problem. These are the most common symptoms of a malfunction:
Problems switching between modes
The most common sign of a bad headlight switch is the inability to change headlight modes. Failure of the headlight switch can cause problems with the headlights. Broken headlight switches can cause the lights to not work in certain modes, or they may turn on and off irregularly. A problem with the vehicle’s lights can cause reduced visibility and lighting to make it unsafe for drivers.
Problems with High Beams
High beam headlights that stop working or don’t work are another sign of a bad headlight switch. The lever is pushed back by most headlight switches to activate high-beam headlights. The high-beam lights can become dimmed over time as broken components within the arm. The high-beam lights can be turned off by a faulty switch.
Vehicle lights are not turning on
Vehicle lights that aren’t working properly can be a bigger problem than a defective headlight switch. It is possible for all the lights in your vehicle to not work if the headlight switch has gone out. It is possible that you won’t see any lights when you turn your key. Driving a car without lights is unsafe, especially at night.
While a faulty headlight switch can cause obvious symptoms, it may also lead to problems with other components. It is important to have your vehicle checked by a professional electrician if you suspect that there may be a problem with your headlight switch.
