c4 headlights issue- how to test between module and switch?
 

Hi all,

My headlights aren't working and I've tested per the manual most of the stuff. I've tested power to both wires. I've hotwired and they've turned on.

Is there an easy way to test whether the signal is getting to the module? I'm 50/50 on ordering a new module. Car is a 92

If yellow wire has 12v when headlights are turned on the headlights should come on. The motors have fused red wires. The black wire is gound. When switch is off white wire is applies 12v module to close headlight doors.
if these are present i think you need module.

Hi Russ! Sorry, but your question is confusing. Headlights not illuminating, or headlight doors not opening?? The "module" is only for the doors, and has nothing to do with the headlights not illuminating.

:cool:

Hi Roy,

I don't believe either is happening. I had one of the 12v lines that was bad which I fixed. Now it's time to see if I have a break between the switch and the module.

I was all set to do this Sunday and then the battery was dead.... I guess I let this project sit too long. Hopefully I'll get back to it tonight or tomorrow.

At a quick glance tonight, I'm nt seeing 12v on the yellow position on the plug going into the module. I did see 12v on the red next to it. I'm going to try to test and see where the break may be.

as a side note, anyone have any idea if the wire goes directly from the switch on the dash to the module (yellow wire)?

Yellow wire goes from headlight switch to dimmer switch. Then through C100 (bulk head connector) to headlight door module. If headlights work and doors don't bulk head connector is a good place to look.

The circuit from headlight switch to dimmer switch is not very long. For nothing to work either no 12v at headlight switch or break between the 2 switches. If you back feed 12v to yellow wire of dimmer switch connector do lights or doors work?

Do you have 'PARK' lights? If yes then it's safe to assume you've 'HOT ALWAYS' to light switch.

The dimmer is very accessible under the dash and I believe you just unplug the dimmer connector and check 'cavity D' (I believe that to be correct - check your FSM) and if there's power there (when headlamps switched on) then the H/L switch is maybe OK.

If nothing there do as Kevova mentions and supply a feed and check further.

I think it easier to check at 'cavity D' before going through the required effort to supply a feed.

hi guys. No power at headlamp dimmer switch connector d with the light switch on. Hit connector d with the multi meter to a known ground and nothing. The manual says:
"check circuit 10 or 2 including fusible link m".

The question I have, is or are there any other ways to test to see if this item is getting power? Is there a point on that same harness where the power goes in? How do I test the fusible links being good. I see that they come off the power distribution block, but where do I test them closer to the harness I just pulled off? are they a, c or b by chance?

I don't have 92 manual to tell you about fusible link and location. I would check for 12v on red wire at switch, if I could not find fusible link. In sub section 8a-201 there should be an illustration of location of fusible link.

got a question. I tested for continuity of the "d" wire to the switch using one of those harbor freight cable tracers. It seemed okay back to the headlight switch. I tested again for 12v at the d position on the headlight dimmer and no power.

took apart the dash to expose the back of the headlight switch. Pulled the connector and tested the red wire and saw 12v. Tested continuity of the yellow cable again and have continuity.

any other ideas?

Be sure you check both fusible links coming off the block. I had an odd situation with my headlights, learned a lot, and the culprit was bad fusible links. So far, they have you on the right track and I agree with them (they helped me sort mine!).

thanks for the input. What type of tests did you have to run to diagnose your situation? I'm wondering if there are additional tests that I can do at the harness to the dimmer or at the switch.

My issue was a little more odd where they would only operate in one direction. Most of what I tested was making sure power was actually making it to the motors. Thankfully the switch itself was functioning. Do you have an FSM for your model year?

You have 12v on red wire to headlight switch. Do you have 12v on yellow wire coming out? You could remove terminals from connector inspect crimp for broken wires.

If you pull the light sw to On and toggle the Hi/Lo Dimmer sw do you see the Hi indicator on the dash light/extinguish?

On my '88 the Yel wire goes from the HL Sw to the HL Dimmer Sw "C" and then to the HL Control Unit at "C2-A".