Headlight issue

[2005Explorerguy]

Switched on my headlights after starting my 2005 explorer and the parking lights came on but both headlights did not. Checked the fuses and they look good, not blown. Fog lights and high beams work fine. Anybody have suggestions?

 

[J_C]

Might be the multi-function switch, it can get corrosion and hardened grease inside, need cleaned out or replaced. If you have a lamp out warning module, this can develop a crack in the solder joints causing failure, but can usually just have the solder reflowed on the big resistors in it.

The other more comprehensive way to attack this is get a wiring diagram, use a multimeter to probe for 12V along the circuit path and see where power stops. This can find a wiring or connector fault in addition to the above two possibilities.

 

[mountaineer2004]

Coincidence perhaps that both low beams blew at the same time ... have you checked the bulbs themselves first?

 

[TechGuru]

Coincidence perhaps that both low beams blew at the same time ... have you checked the bulbs themselves first?

THIS!

Also check fuse 22, fuse 43, and fuse 42. (Locations shown in owners manual)

 

[TechGuru]

If you find that it's time for new bulbs you might consider upgrading to HIR's with a simple modification (How to Modify HIR bulb bases). 9012 and 9011.

HIR bulbs are the cheapest from RockAuto. They're $25 each (last I checked a few years ago) at AZ/OR/AAP.

9012 Low Beams:

More Information for GE / TUNGSRAM 9012

More Information for WAGNER 9012LL

9011 High Beams

More Information for WAGNER 9011