Headlights on but no beams 96 XJS
#1
Headlights on but no beams 96 XJS
Excited to finally put the top down on a nice evening to dinner and get the old Cat out after a sleepy winter. After dinner it was dark so I got in the car and turned on my lights as usual. Going down the driveway I could tell that I had no headlights. However my high beams worked so I could see to get home. When I arrived home to examine the lights I pulled in and would have sworn I had no headlights, but indeed they were both on, but there didn’t seem to be much light coming from them. All other lights are working normally. While driving it’s as if there were no headlights at all. These are the euro style original lights on a 96 Celebration.
Does this mean my low beams are out? Would seem unusual for both at same time. I suspect a relay or fuse perhaps but haven’t had time to troubleshoot yet. Any advice or help on which relay to check or where that fuse might be is greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Ryan
Does this mean my low beams are out? Would seem unusual for both at same time. I suspect a relay or fuse perhaps but haven’t had time to troubleshoot yet. Any advice or help on which relay to check or where that fuse might be is greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Ryan
#5
Ryan,
Are you sure the headlight bulbs were illuminated on Low Beam, or were you just seeing the sidelight bulb lit?
I wouldn't just change the logic module without first checking whether current is being sent to the bulb when the light switch is set to low beam headlights.
Good luck
Paul
Are you sure the headlight bulbs were illuminated on Low Beam, or were you just seeing the sidelight bulb lit?
I wouldn't just change the logic module without first checking whether current is being sent to the bulb when the light switch is set to low beam headlights.
Good luck
Paul
#6
Thanks all for your assistance. I’m not sure if they were illuminated or not. There was light coming from somewhere but I couldn’t tell exactly where. I could look directly into the headlight. On high beams they definitely were. So what are you suggesting it could be?
The module I ordered is guaranteed working order and returns are accepted. Of course it is a used 1994 part so it could fail next week too. But ya takes ya chances.
Ryan
The module I ordered is guaranteed working order and returns are accepted. Of course it is a used 1994 part so it could fail next week too. But ya takes ya chances.
Ryan
#7
I'm a newbie to this Forum. But feel lucky I found this Thread.
Ryan: I also have a 96' Celebration. And it has the exact same headlight issue as yours. Often times, I'll start the engine and let it warm up a bit. Then I switch on the low beams and nothing. Just the side lights come on. So I switch on the high beams and they come on as normal. BUT, if I drive for 5-10 minutes with the high beams on (which I know I shouldn't do) and switch back to the low beams, they come on as normal. And they will stay on till I turn them off. Other times, the low beams come on as normal the first attempt. It's about 50/50.
There is a headlight module on the left side in the engine compartment. I unplugged it and cleaned it with electric parts cleaner. No change. So I bought a new module (years ago now) and replaced it. Still no change. I've learned to live with it since most of my driving is during the daytime. It can't be a fuse, otherwise the low beams would never come on. Possibly one of the many relays may have a faulty connection ? Hopefully, we can keep this Tread alive and figure out the problem. But couldn't help notice your's is also a 96'.
Rick
Ryan: I also have a 96' Celebration. And it has the exact same headlight issue as yours. Often times, I'll start the engine and let it warm up a bit. Then I switch on the low beams and nothing. Just the side lights come on. So I switch on the high beams and they come on as normal. BUT, if I drive for 5-10 minutes with the high beams on (which I know I shouldn't do) and switch back to the low beams, they come on as normal. And they will stay on till I turn them off. Other times, the low beams come on as normal the first attempt. It's about 50/50.
There is a headlight module on the left side in the engine compartment. I unplugged it and cleaned it with electric parts cleaner. No change. So I bought a new module (years ago now) and replaced it. Still no change. I've learned to live with it since most of my driving is during the daytime. It can't be a fuse, otherwise the low beams would never come on. Possibly one of the many relays may have a faulty connection ? Hopefully, we can keep this Tread alive and figure out the problem. But couldn't help notice your's is also a 96'.
Rick
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#8
#10
Well, this headlight module seems to be a more common problem than I first imagined. Hmmmm... thinking back now, I believe I tried replacing it with a used one. It was a few years ago now. I'll try the solder route first. Nothing to loose there. If that doesn't fix it I'll purchase a "new" module. WOW!! There about $180.00USD - OUCH.
Thanks again guys for your replies. I'll report back when fixed. Just goes to show me the value of Forums such as this one.
Rick
Thanks again guys for your replies. I'll report back when fixed. Just goes to show me the value of Forums such as this one.
Rick
#13
#15
its not the highbeams though. Its the low beams, and thats where the solder has cracked inside the module.
#16
Mine went bad after I upgraded my headlights.. I replaced the transistor in it with one that has a higher capacity. It works great. Unfortunately, I forgot the number.
#19
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Fireflights (04-05-2023)
#20
Brewtech:
You’re right, and I get that the module is very problematic. I had to open & reflow the solder on mine as well.
I simply meant that cleaning the fuses and the tension contacts in the fuse block may help.
Even after redoing the module, mine didn’t have the left main beam until after I cleaned up all the high / dipped beam fuse points in that fuse box.
You’re right, and I get that the module is very problematic. I had to open & reflow the solder on mine as well.
I simply meant that cleaning the fuses and the tension contacts in the fuse block may help.
Even after redoing the module, mine didn’t have the left main beam until after I cleaned up all the high / dipped beam fuse points in that fuse box.
Last edited by Fireflights; 04-05-2023 at 09:45 AM. Reason: Missed a reply tag