Headlight wiring

ANMCDAN15

MEMBER
2007 PONTIAC VIBE
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
235,848 MILES

I've replaced the sockets on my headlights but I'm pretty sure it's wired incorrectly. I've tried testing the voltage on each connection with a multi-meter, but the voltage on two of the three connections on both sides is fluctuating instead of a steady 12 volts.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

If when monitoring the voltage it is fluctuating then I suspect you are correct. However, just want to check what type of meter you are using? Is it a newer good quality meter? I have seen many times where a techs meter is causing voltage fluctuations and it really causes headaches trying to figure out why it is doing it.

If this is not the issue then yes, I think you have a wiring issue. I would continue to monitor the voltage and start doing a wiggle test. That means you just grab the wiring harness and move it around. You don't need to move it aggressively, just move it around and see when the voltage moves as a result of your movement.

Let me know if you have questions and we can go from there.

Images (Click to make bigger)