Why does my high beam work but not my low beam?
Amelia Brooks
Updated on March 27, 2026
Why does my high beam work but not my low beam?
Headlight Fuse or Relay If a headlight fuse blows, it could cause the headlights to stop working. Most headlight systems are also designed with a relay that switches the power between low beam and high beam headlights. If this relay goes bad, it could allow power to the high beams, but not the low beams.
Is there a fuse for low beam lights?
Like all electrical systems, the headlights in your vehicle have a fuse in the circuit to prevent too much electricity from reaching the bulb. There will also be a headlight relay that switches power from the low beams to the high beams. If the fuse goes bad, you likely won’t have any headlights at all.
How do I know if my low beam relay is bad?
The most common sign of a bad headlight relay is headlights that don’t work. A headlight relay will typically fail in the open position, preventing voltage from reaching the headlights. If the low beam relay fails, the low beams won’t work.
Does high beam and low beam use the same bulb?
Generally, you’ll have a standard halogen bulb for low beams, and then an HID bulb for your high beams. These are not interchangeable. If you only have two headlight elements (one per side), then your vehicle uses a dual filament bulb to operate both the high and low beams.
How do you test a low beam headlight?
Measure the distance from the ground to the headlights to ensure the suspension is level. Check the inclination value on the headlight. It’s usually on the shell of the reflector. 1% means the low beam tilts 10cm for every 10m, and 1.2% means the low beam tilts 12cm for every 10m.
Why are my low beams so dim?
Most DIYers think they’ve got a bad headlight switch or a bad connection in the power feed. But most dim headlights are caused by a corroded ground wire. If your headlights aren’t as bright as they used to be, yank one of the bulbs and look for gray or brown residue on the glass.
How do you check a headlight relay?
Check in your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the location of the headlight closure relay. It will most likely be under the hood of your vehicle where your main fuse panel is located. However, it may be located inside the cab of the vehicle if you vehicle is equipped with an interior fuse box.
How much does it cost to replace a headlight relay switch?
The average cost of replacing the headlight switch or the dimmer switch is in the range of $150-$250. Sometimes, accidents can damage the headlight and you are left with no option but to replace the entire assembly unit.
Do LED headlights have high and low beam?
Improved illumination is the most apparent difference from halogen lights. LED headlights can illuminate dark roadways 25% farther than their halogen counterparts, and high-beam settings on LEDs offer a significant improvement over low-beam settings, according to a study from AAA.