Car Trouble

[dobejazz]

I have a '93 Dodge Intrepid and the head lights won't come on. We have checked the obvious the bulbs are OK. Parking lights -turn signals and brake lights all work fine It's just the main headlights don't come on.
Any one run into this before? Any idea what to check?

[Keith M]

If the bulbs are good it can only be the following,

1- Bad ground wire on headlight circuit
2- Bad headlight switch
3- Daytime running light modual (if equiped)
4- Corroded connectors
5- Broken feed wire.

I know this sounds like alot but can be checked quite quickly with a test light.

Keith

[dobejazz]

Originally Posted by Keith M

If the bulbs are good it can only be the following,

1- Bad ground wire on headlight circuit
2- Bad headlight switch
3- Daytime running light modual (if equiped)
4- Corroded connectors
5- Broken feed wire.

I know this sounds like alot but can be checked quite quickly with a test light.

Keith

Thanks for the starting point I'll give your list to my husband we checked the chiltons manual and the problem wasn't even addressed

[know-it-all]

any excuss you can find to not help Joanne

[Twitterbait]

um... check the fuse for starters.

any time you have an electric issue with a component in the car it is best to start with the fuse.

[Junkzoo]

Kelli, I'm leaning toward a bad headlight switch , (i take it you do not have hi beams either?),,,plus prob have a circuit breaker for your headlights (kinda safety feature,,,better to have lights flash off/on, instead blowing a fuse at 80MPH))
I'm willing to bet either a headlight switch, or feed wire from switch down the steering column(I'm assuming your headlight sw. is a column type)
You can prob check to see if you have 12volts DC at the bottom of your steering column, w/ the sw. on,,(A chiltons/haynes manual should have the wiring diagram for you) If you have the on/off voltage w/ the sw,then the problem is farther down the wiring. If you have no power at the bottom of the steering column, chances are it's the switch thats the culprit,,,,
Also, there are prob a load of Dodge forums out there, Ya never know, you might find a answer there also,,,,,more likely than not, you will prob find a post on one of those boards, with the same prob as yours..if not, post on,,,i've had a lot of questions answered on a few truck forums,,when i needed some,,,
Good luck, and let us know what you find!

[dobejazz]

Originally Posted by know-it-all

any excuss you can find to not help Joanne

That would only work if this was my only car !!

[redwinger]

Here is a service bulletin that may apply to your problem. Otherwise my best guess is the switch itself.

NO: 08-10-93

SUBJECT: Electrical Failures Due to Loss of Ground Circuit

DATE: Mar. 5, 1993

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

On some vehicles, the left front and/or right front frame rail ground screws may become loose or broken causing intermittent or total loss of wiring harness ground.
GROUND SCREW FAILURE SYMPTOMS:

• Headlamp and park/turn lamps may be noticeably dimmer on one side.
• Headlamp may flash when turn signals are actuated.
• Fog lamps may be inoperative.
• Radiator fan may be inoperative.
• Speedometer, tachometer, and warning indicators in the instrument cluster may function erratically.
• Message center indicators may flash erratically.
• Transmission may default to limp-in.
• A/C blower motor may default to high blower mode.
• ABS warning light may come on.
• Horn may be inoperative.

This list is not complete as a floating ground can cause unpredictable or non reproducible results. Any time a ground problem is suspected proceed to the repair procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:

Quantity	Description	Part No.
2	Zinc-Tin Plated Screws	PN 00154552

REPAIR PROCEDURE:

This repair involves bath the front frame rail electrical grounds.

1. Disconnect battery negative cable.
2. Remove bath ground screws and all ground eyelets. (See Illustration and See Illustration)
3. Drill a 5/32 inch diameter hole in the general area on then bottom of the rail for easy tool access. Also make sure that once the eyelets and screws are fastened to the rail that the ground wires will not contact sharp edges or mechanical devices.
4. Use two PN 00154552 screws to fasten all ground eyelets.
5. Fasten the screw to the rail with a torque of between 3.6 - 6.2 Nm (32 - 55 in. lbs.).

POLICY:

Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:

Labor Operation No.	Time
08-90-65-97	0.3 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE:

Code	Description
83	Connection loose

[know-it-all]

sounds like a full day

[dobejazz]

Originally Posted by know-it-all

sounds like a full day

I'm gonna have to drive the Van tomorrow so Hubby can try to fix the car. My argument to take the convertable out of storage fell on deaf ears

[know-it-all]

it's a heat wave, take the convertable out

[dobejazz]

Originally Posted by know-it-all

it's a heat wave, take the convertable out

I wish !! The insurance is suspended though and my hubby freaks about salt on the car

[know-it-all]

we'll wash it before we bring it back

[dobejazz]

Originally Posted by know-it-all

we'll wash it before we bring it back

[Doug1]

Originally Posted by know-it-all

we'll wash it before we bring it back

With DRY ICE???????????