Headlights not working and dash lights go dim

take it to the parts store and have the alternator checked for maximum output. The

Hi,

The idea that the lights fade is likely the result of a weak battery. That is the first thing I would check.

First, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight. Here is a link to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Next, I would recommend doing a simple load test on the battery. Here is a link that explains how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

I also attached two pics below that show the electrical schematic related to the headlamps. I circled two fuses and a headlamp relay that should be checked as well. When checking the fuses, make sure there is power to them as well as just checking the fuse. Note that the two pics are from one page. I cut them in half to make it easy to follow. I did overlap them so you can see where they come together.

Here are two links you may find helpful when testing the relay and fuses:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know if you have other questions or need help.

Take care,
Joe

The car listed above is a six cylinder, front wheel drive, automatic.

I am having problems with my headlights. The other night they were working perfectly. I parked the car and shut it off. When I went to start it up the lights didn't turn on as they usually do. When I manually attempted to pull the switch so that the lights would come on, nothing happened. The only way for the headlamps to come on is the pull the lever on the steering column in which the high beams came on, however would not stay on. All other light work, fog, interior, turn signals, brakes, etc. Just not the high/low beams. And this vehicle does have a day/night sensor that automatically turns on the lights.

I've checked my fuses, relays, bulbs, connections, and other common problems. The last thing I think it could be would be the light switch on the steering column. Any feedback/troubleshooting would be a great help.

Most likely the switch itself is bad.

Make sure you are getting voltage to the high and low beams at the headlamp bulbs. Use a test light or meter before u replace anything! You may have 2 bad bulbs only!

Hi,

If they aren't working at all, we need to start by checking fuses and the headlight relay. I attached a portion of the wiring schematic. I suggest checking the fuses indicated and the relay. In addition to checking the fuses, confirm there is power to them.

Here are a few links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-car-fuse-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Here is a link that explains how to test a relay as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know what you find. If you have other questions, let me know as well.

Take care,
Joe

My headlights wont come on all others do turn signals won't work pull the hi beam lever they come on but go off as soon as you let go of lever. used my scanner and there was no codes.

Replace one of the bulbs to see if they are bad. Maybe both headlight bulb are bad.

I have checked both and there good any other ideals

There should be two relays one for each headlight in the fuse box under the hood. check to make sure they work. you can try another one in the fuse box as long as it mthe same number. most chevy's use the same relay. Also check the wiring connection on each headlight to make sure it is getting good contact.

I checked all of connections they good but however I was able to run a ( (GROUND) not a (HOT WIRE) and the lights came on but only the (L/BEAMS)not the(H/BEAMS) and the (turn signals) STILL don't work but the (HAZARD LIGHTS) work. I was told it could be the (B.C.M) body control module.
I WILL WAIT for your response now thank you

The headlights work on a system of there own, that way you don't go down the road and the headlights don't go off unexpectially. You say you hooked up a ground. there is one that grounds to the engine and one that goes from the engine to the frame. Check them both out. you can just run a piece of wire from the ground on the body or head light to the body and one to the engine. Check the fuses under the hood to see if they all are in good shape.

The turn signals work part of the time now the headlights don't work now.

Hello,

Turn signal: possibly a bad flasher unit (hazard switch with the big red triangle).
Headlights: possibly a bad relay/fuse, or a bad headlight switch (do your dash lights come on when you turn on your headlight?).

my headlights do not come on when i pull the switch out. i have parking lights and fog lights but no headlights. if i put the high beams on they work. what could this be?

check for faulty headlamp relay, on top side of left instrument panel fuse block. also make sure the bulbs and fuses are good.

Electrical problem
2000 Chevy Monte Carlo 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

My high beams lamps aren't working properly when I pull the lever to turn them on. I can see the high beam icon in the instrument panel and i can see the high beam lamps come on, but they do not remain on after i release the lever. Do this mean the lever is bad or what? Are these difficult to replace? Are they expensive? This vehicle only has 78,000 miles on it.

Thanks

sounds like you need a dimmer switch. have a professional do it, there is a possibility that you may blow the air bag when you replace unless you know what your doing

Replaced heads and get in to start. Starts up many many times no problem. Get in a few days later to finish up and tie up loose ends and try to start. No power anywhere except check engine light and information center with mpg. Info on roof is the only thing that is working in whole car. No headlights no dash lights no power anywhere except cell and info center. Any ideas? I am going to get a netspend card so I can give some money for your help.

interesting problem. id start with battery voltage. then if that's ok, look at the side terminal battery cables. take the black and red rubber boots back off the cable ends as they can be multi layered and build up corrosion between the layers. also check for wire damage in the air box behind the air filter. rodents LOVE to get in there and chew on all the little wires. if that's all good turn the key on and start wiggling wires watching for signs of life as you go.

I have replaced the battery with another one from another vehicle we have. It starts up that vehicle ok so I'm sure the battery itself is ok. But I will for sure check the terminals and the wiring by the air filter first thing in the morning. I will be sending u some money through as son as I get a net spend card to do that with. Lol. U r awesome and thank u so much for ur quick response. Wow is all I can say.

glad I could give you help! don't worry about money til its going! lol!

The headlights on my 1998 Monte Carlo won't work. I've replaced the bulbs. I'm trying to find the headlight relay but its not located inside the relay boxes under the hood. Where is this? If that doesn't work what other problems can cause this and how do you fix it?

scan for codes it may be the DRL module as headlights go through that. a pro will need to do it.it cold also be the multi function switch but get it scanned first.

My low beam head lights won't come on. The high beam side works as it should. I can't find a seperate fuse for the low beam headlights. I checked all the fuses and bulbs I could and they are good.

Check for power at the bulb socket and work your way back. Multifunction switch are a common cause.

[quote:c6d02ec830="tooomanytoys"]Check for power at the bulb socket and work your way back. Multifunction switch are a common cause.[/quote:c6d02ec830]

Where is the multifunction switch located?

Its located on the steering colum. It controls the high beams on and off, and you turn signals.

when turning on my head lights, my dash lights and parking lights will not work but head lights come on. i checked the fuses and change the head light switch what else can it be

Problem maybe in dimmer switch. car have DRL or SEO?

head light and dimmer switch is all one unit