Driver's side high/low beam not working

Tiny
BOUNCINJKU
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 JEEP WRANGLER
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
Around two days ago I lost power to my driver side headlight, yet my passenger side works just as good. I don’t believe the light went out due to the fact that the voltage coming out of the connector was lower than what my passenger side connector was putting out. Connectors seem to be clean and not corroded. I understand the basics of figuring out electrical issues but since the wiring in these vehicles are set up the way they are, this one has me stumped.
Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 7:51 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

The headlamps are controlled by a printed circuit board in the totally integrated power module (TIPM). Because the module has so many wires coming from it, the pins in the connectors are very small and are known to break, corrode, or simply push in and lose connection.

Based on your description, I suspect this is where the issue is coming from. If you look at pics 1 and 2 below, I included the wiring schematic for the headlamps. When you check the voltage on the white wire with the dark blue tracer and then the white wire with the light green tracer, do you get 12v?

If not, the TIPM is part of the under-hood fuse box. Disconnect the battery and remove the box so you can access the connectors under it. In connector 3, locate pins 3 and 10. Inspect the pins for damage, corrosion, or anything that would limit the amount of power that can be transmitted.

If everything appears good, check the voltage at those pins. If it is low there as well, chances are the TIPM needs to be replaced.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, July 11th, 2022 AT 10:06 PM
Tiny
BOUNCINJKU
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I have purchased a rebuilt TIPM, I have hooked everything up and no luck, headlight still does not work. I’m guessing it has something to do with the wiring?
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Friday, July 15th, 2022 AT 3:44 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Before you replaced the original TIPM, did you check the voltage right at the pins in the TIPM? If you did, was it low?

As far as now, if there is power at the connectors I mentioned above, then there must be an open circuit between the TIPM and the lights.

Also, have you checked for power at the lamp assembly?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, July 15th, 2022 AT 10:11 PM
Tiny
BOUNCINJKU
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I made sure to check what was coming out of the TIPM and it had a good reading, both on the high and low beam pins. So far, I have checked the plug where the headlights plugin at, and that's where I've found the low voltage to be. I currently have aftermarket LEDs hooked up, yet I reverted back to my factory Halogens and still the same issue. Would this be a grounding issue or a bad connection somewhere along the wiring harness for the headlights? If you have one available, would you be able to send a picture of the entire headlight wiring harness diagram?
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Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 9:01 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

The pics above are the entire schematic for the headlamps. If you need something enlarged, let me know.

As far as your issue, I assume you checked the connector pins to make sure nothing is corroded or damaged. So, that leaves the wire itself that has too much resistance. It could be partially broken internally, cut, or shorted at some point.

When you check for power at the TIPM, are you getting 12v? What are you getting at the lamp assembly?

Joe
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Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 5:02 PM
Tiny
BOUNCINJKU
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I’m getting 12v out of the TIPM, yet the wire is holding 4v in the three different areas that I have tested it on. My ground is good, and I’m thinking it’s either the wire or the connector in the plug that goes into the TIPM. I’ve put enough time into it, planning on taking it to a local mechanic so they can get in to take the wire out.
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Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 5:04 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If you checked three places and have 4v, it sounds like the connector. Disconnect it and check if the pin is pushed in, corroded, or damaged in any way. If it is good, then you need to check the resistance in the wire itself. That will tell you if there is a short or damaged wire.

If you do continue working on it, let me know if I can help. Also, if you have a chance, could you let me know what is found? I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 5:12 PM
Tiny
BOUNCINJKU
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Will do, I’m doing a hard reset on it tonight to see what happens in the morning.
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Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Disconnect both battery terminals and then tie the cables together with a zip tie. That helps drain any capacitors.

I hope this helps, but unfortunately, I have my doubts. However, you never know.

Let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, July 16th, 2022 AT 9:20 PM
Tiny
BOUNCINJKU
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Since the technician at our local shop is booked until the 25th I’ll see if I can tinker around myself to try and fix the issue. The hard reset didn’t solve the problem, I'm thinking the ground wire is damaged, so I’ll be checking that one next.
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Monday, July 18th, 2022 AT 7:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

When you check voltage at the light socket, you should be providing your own ground with the multimeter or voltmeter. Is that what you are doing? I ask because if that is the case, the original ground wouldn't be the issue.

Just trying to save you time.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, July 18th, 2022 AT 12:57 PM
Tiny
BOUNCINJKU
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I’ve done both a ground from a bolt on the frame and the ground on the plug itself, it’s possibly a connection in the plug for the TIPM.
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Monday, July 18th, 2022 AT 2:55 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Absolutely. Disconnect it and inspect the pins to see if any are corroded, damaged, pushed in, or broken.

If you are only getting 4v and at the TIPM you get 12v, there is an issue either with the connector or the wire itself is damaged, shorted, or has internal issues.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, July 18th, 2022 AT 9:24 PM

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