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Headlight Function Issues

JDAMG

E500E Enthusiast
Member
I believe this started after my wiper motor failed on the highway, but can not be sure as this was on the first drive since my major engine repair (timing chain/ guide rails / cam adjuster) but maybe someone has a clue what I have going on.

The headlights do not work in sequence. And the sequence seems to change.

At first only the driver headlamp and corner and fog light comes on when i turn the switch to parking lights, also the wiper on the headlamp would intermittently operate on its own for no reason. When I turned the headlamps on all the way both low beams would come on, and the same combination of corner and fogs would remain. At this time I still had the fuse pulled for the windshield wiper motor because I was waiting on my replacement to arrive, so I thought it might be related.

I have since replaced the wiper motor and the headlamp switch (just a guess).

Now just the driver corner light, and the passenger low beam come on when I turn on the headlamps. When I turn on the high beams, the low beam goes out and the other side high beam comes on. Sometimes the flash the brights function works, sometimes it doesnt. Sometimes both low beams will come on, sometimes they dont.

I checked fuses, pulled both headlamps and checked connections, tried leaving the headlamp wiper motors unplugged thinking one of those may be shorted, no real change except for that did trigger one instance of both low beams working. But then it reverted back to only one after a couple of ignition cycles. I am not sure where to go from here.
 
Oh i forgot to mention, I reinstalled my OEM headlamp switch after I changed it out and it developed different symptoms, but that did not change anything.
 
Since you already tried a different headlamp switch and there was no difference, have you tried a different bulb-out module? I assume you've verified the bulbs are good. Do you have a spare combination switch (turn signal/flasher switch) to try?

Otherwise it could be a bad ground somewhere causing weirdness, but if so that could be difficult to track down.

:shocking:
 
I have not tried a different bulb out module, is that in the relay box on the driver side by the firewall? If so where?

Yes I have verified bulbs are good. And I do not have a spare combo switch, but the instrument cluster reads the functions of operations of the switch, so I am thinking that might be ok?? (could be wrong)
 
@gsxr I did take a look at the grounds on the passenger side engine bay, but couldnt find any near the actual headlamps.
 
I have not tried a different bulb out module, is that in the relay box on the driver side by the firewall? If so where?
See the two largest relays in the photos, for examples of what they look like.

 
Thanks everyone! I have ordered a bulb out relay, hopefully that can remedy my issue. Should be here next week.
 
So I made some progress on this today but still need some help.

I replaced the bulb out relay and all associated fuses with lighting. I regained most of my functionality except for the passenger corner light and when I turn on the highbeams it shuts down the entire passenger headlamp.

Note: i do have aftermarket headlamp bulbs (slyvania) but havent had an issue before.

I noticed that now when I turn on the headlamp switch, fuse #3 immediately blows.

I tried it with disconnecting the passenger taillamp and the corner light, still blows. My gut tells me its the headlamp washer motor that is shorting it, but any input would be appreciated. I need to remove the headlamp and try disconnecting that next. But i dont have time while at work.
 
Start by locating the short circuit which is blowing fuse #3. You'll need to trace the schematics in the ETM.

I can tell you that a failed headlight wiper motor will blow fuse #3... had that on one of my cars 10+ years ago.

This may or may not be related to the lighting issues....

:124:
 
Start by locating the short circuit which is blowing fuse #3. Youll need to trace the schematics in the ETM.

I can tell you that a failed headlight wiper motor will blow fuse #3... had that on one of my cars 10+ years ago.

This may or may not be related to the lighting issues....

:124:
Thanks @gsxr I am hoping I get lucky with unplugging the wiper motor.
 
Well after some tracing in the ETM, i did some experimentation and was able to track down my short to the drivers side headlamp wiper motor. Disconnected both headlamp wipers (not needed where I live fortunately) and I have all of my lighting functionality back. Corner light is working, both low beams and fogs. No more blowing fuse #3! Thanks again guys.
 

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