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'02 Headlight issue

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Old Jan 29, 2017 | 07:17 PM
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'02 Headlight issue

Occasionally, when I start my car with the headlight selection in auto, one or the other headlight, sometimes both, will blink about 5 times and then go off. I can bump the switch to off, then back on, and both headlights work correctly. Anyone else out there had any issue like this? And if so, what was the solution? I have replaced both headlight assemblies because the lenses for my originals were beyond cleaning, but this problem started before I replaced them so I'm guess it's not a problem with the actual transformer on the headlights, but I'm not sure where else to look.
Old Jan 29, 2017 | 08:24 PM
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If the ballasts are new, it might be an issue w/the headlight switch.
Old Jan 29, 2017 | 09:36 PM
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I forgot in my original post to add that I am also having issues with my wipers in the intermittent mode occasionally. They will only wipe partially and then stop for a few seconds, and then continue, so you may be correct. I was really hoping it wasn't going to be the switch.
Old Jan 30, 2017 | 06:28 AM
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I had a similar problem where I had to turn the headlight switch on-off-on-off-on to get both lights to come on. It turned out to be a bad ignitor.

Ignitor Photo

Last edited by LQ91SE; Jan 30, 2017 at 06:33 AM.
Old Jan 30, 2017 | 03:05 PM
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OK, that's something to look into. Thanks. Still don't answer why my stupid wipers goof up sometimes though...LOL
Old Jan 30, 2017 | 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by blue02max
Still don't answer why my stupid wipers goof up sometimes though...LOL
My wipers do the same thing. They work fine when the windshield is really wet, but stop mid stroke when it is somewhat dry. I just live with it.
Old Jan 31, 2017 | 10:04 AM
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My OCD is not going to allow me to do that...lol
And now the headlight is completely out. Guess it's time to start doing to electrical checking and tracing.
Old Jan 31, 2017 | 12:28 PM
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Ok, after pulling the headlight assemblies out and swapping EVERYTHING around at least once, it looks like it is just going to be the bulb. Going to go ahead and order a pair of OEM Phillips bulbs and replace both. Will post the results when they come in and are installed.

Last edited by blue02max; Feb 1, 2017 at 03:43 AM.
Old Feb 4, 2017 | 12:23 PM
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Got the new Phillips OEM 4300k bulbs put in today, and so far everything seems good. I swear I saw the driver's side flash when I first turned it on after installation, but haven't noticed it do that again. I guess only time will tell.
Old Feb 8, 2017 | 09:44 PM
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Ok, so I got the new headlights installed, and both are working, HOWEVER, the driver's side is back to occasionally flashing about 5 times and then going off when the headlights are in the automatic mode. Again, I can turn off the headlights and turn them back on and both headlights come on normally. I have switched the relays around thinking maybe that might be the problem, but after switching them it is still the driver's side light that flashes. It doesn't do it all the time, but pretty often. I changed out both headlight assemblies a couple of years ago, which came with the ballasts, igniter, and headlights as I was having this problem then. The new lights did not solve the problem then, and the new bulbs did not solve the problem now. There are only 2 things left that I can think of that could possibly be causing this, especially since the "flashing" is not just a random blinking, but exactly timed between on and off until it goes out. The headlight switch, and more probably, the smart entrance control module. Not real pleased with either being the problem. If anyone has any other ideas, because I am grasping at straws at this point...lol

Last edited by blue02max; Feb 9, 2017 at 08:43 AM.
Old Feb 22, 2017 | 09:33 AM
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So I have a smart entrance control module that should be here today. When I change them out am I going to have to reprogram anything like my key fobs?
Old Feb 22, 2017 | 01:15 PM
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Ok, module installed. Key fobs reprogrammed. So far the headlights appear to be working as they should when in auto mode. Time will tell.
Old Feb 23, 2017 | 09:09 AM
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Well, that didn't take long...driver's side headlight back to flashing when I start the car with the headlights in auto mode...UGH!
Old Feb 23, 2017 | 09:38 AM
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Originally Posted by blue02max
Well, that didn't take long...driver's side headlight back to flashing when I start the car with the headlights in auto mode...UGH!
I would look at the switch stalk since you have wipers + headlight issue.




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