Headlight not working

[Averitt]

The low beam on the driver's side on my 99 Carrera stopped working so I removed the headlight and replaced just the low beam bulb and leaving the high beam HID lamp untouched. When I replaced the headlight none of the lights in that assembly work, low beam, high beam and turn signal. When I use the turn signal it binks rapidly in the dash and not at all in the front and just a sold light in the rear as though there is a break in the current or bad ground. I've removed and inspected. Reconnected the clip inside the housing and the one that attaches to the back of the housing. It easily slips in and connects with the fixed connection on the rear as well. What happened with a simple bulb replacement? If the switch, wouldn't both headlights quit working? Thanks!

[rfuerst911sc]

Put the light assembly back in the car . Lock it in . Turn the key on and put that side blinker on . If it blinks fast in the rear give the headlight a few good smacks with your hand . If the blinker now works you know the issue is poor contact in the connector to the headlight frame . It's not unusual for the connector frame plastic to crack , when you slide the light in the cracked plastic allows the connector to push back making a poor connection . I hope that makes sense .

The frame that the headlight assembly slides into is adjustable. There are three ( I think ) brass knurled nuts that hold the frame in the car . Unfortunately you can't get to the front two unless you remove the bumper . The one at the back can be reached by partially removing the inner fender liner . Hope this helps .

[Correyyt]

The whole headlight unit plugs into a multi-pin connector in the fender. If that plug doesn’t seat perfectly when you slide the light back in, you’ll lose the whole assembly low, high, and turn signal exactly like you’re describing. The rapid blink on the dash is just the car telling you front signal not connected.

[NeoAura]

Your driver-side headlight issue on the ‘99 Carrera is most likely due to the headlight assembly not being fully seated or making proper contact with the car’s connector. Even if it feels connected, these headlights are picky and won’t work unless fully locked in. Also check for bent pins, dirty contacts, or a loose internal plug. A fuse issue is less likely since only one side is affected. Reinstall the headlight carefully and make sure it clicks in securely, that usually solves it.

[Anothray099]

Verify you have power going to the low beam bulbs. If you do, then bulbs, if not then troubleshoot the circuit.

[rfuerst911sc]

I have had intermittent issues with my passenger side headlight for 2 years . I smack the headlight with my palm and it works . Run over an ant and it doesn't work . Last week I was fed up . Pulled the headlight and all looked good . There was nothing broken and the connector in the car was locked in place . Now what ?

I then noticed the connector on the headlight housing is held in place with two screws . I removed the screws and gently pulled the connector away from the housing . I then installed one aluminum rivet washer between the connector and the housing . I then installed the two screws . In essence I spaced the connector away from the housing which means it goes deeper into the connector in the car . Bingo ! Locked the headlight in and I now have a solid electrical connection .

I previously had pulled both headlights ( bi xenon ) and installed all new bulbs . Surprisingly all wire insulation looked perfect . I am glad my headlight saga is over .