1995 Mitsubishi Verada Headlights not working anymore

Tiny
MARKALARK
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 MITSUBISHI VERADA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 213,000 MILES
Hello!
I have a 1995 Mitsubishi Verada Station Wagon (also known sometimes as a Magna). The other night, while riding, the headlights flickered a bit a couple times, just before getting to our destination. I found it odd, but it was late, I was tired and soon forgot about it. This week (the first time driving at night since), when I tried to turn the headlights on, nothing happened. The column switch has 3 positions:

1-All lights Off
2-Position Lights, Tail lights, Instrument panels
3-Headlights ON

So here is what I have gathered: Set in either position 2 or 3, the position lights turn ON, but the headlights (High beam or low beam) never do. All the other lights work (parking, blinker, brake lights, and instrument panel) set in either 2 or 3. When I switch on the High beam, the blue indicator in the instrument panel does NOT light up as it used to. I’ve checked the fuses and they all seem fine and unbroken. The only one that might be relevant and that I haven’t been able to check is the square relay in the engine fuse housing indicated H/LP as it is a small non-transparent plastic boxed unit (can’t see if anything is blown and I don’t have a tester with me as I am travelling). I'm not sure it is relevant to this problem, but it is labeled the same H/LP as the fuses relating to the headlights, but they don't mention anything about them in the owner's manual

So NONE of the headlights, left or right, high or low turn on anymore. Any ideas? I had the feeling that the switch position 3 was not registering, but I think I remember the highbeams lighting ON while pulling on the lever even if it was on position 2. It would just not stay on Highbeams. I'm not sure though. But right now, nothing happens.

Thanks!
Marc
Monday, March 22nd, 2010 AT 7:56 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Marc,

Thank you for the donation.

Seems power supply to the headlights are missing.

What I have are only for the Diamante and I believe it has the same circuit.

Check the underhood fusible link # 5, 40 A.
Check the headlight relay as well.
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 AT 11:02 AM
Tiny
MARKALARK
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As I mentioned the first time, all the fuses are fine.

I've tried to check the relay, but I don't have any kind of a tester since I am on vacation. When I turn the power to the car ON, it does click. It also clicks when the column switch is set to position 2. It does not click when I set it to position 3 though. Is it supposed to? I'm not sure.

If the relay clicks on and off, can it still be faulty? It would cost 50$ to buy a new one, and i'd like to make sure it's the problem spending that money for nothing.
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Thursday, April 1st, 2010 AT 9:04 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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You would need a test lamp to perform test to diagnose the problem

The relay would only click once and when turned to Position 3, it would not click again as it is already activated. Relays can click but not work. The coil is working the contacts but the contact for supplying power is faulty due to bad contact points.

Remove the headlight relay and test terminals 3 for battery voltage. If voltage is available, bridging terminal # 1 and # 3 should turn the headlights on.
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Friday, April 2nd, 2010 AT 9:28 AM
Tiny
MARKALARK
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Humm. I think I get what you mean. The only question I have is, how do I know which terminals are #1 and #3? There are 4 of them and none are numbered.

Also, does that Headlamp relay also control the blue light dashboard indicator that show that the highbeams are activated? Because that indicator does not light up either.

Thanks for all the effort you are putting in this
marc
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Friday, April 2nd, 2010 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
MARKALARK
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Here, I just took some pictures, it might help with the orientation process of which number is which.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/505242_IMG_1032_1.jpg



Looking at the relay in a good light, I noticed that the two right pins (looking at it from the bottom) are redder, and the plastic is not as even. Is it always like that or is that evidence of corrosion or burning?

The bottom left socket plastic is also uneven (it might be because of all the taking out putting back in though...


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/505242_IMG_1034_1.jpg




https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/505242_IMG_1033_1.jpg



Anyway, can you direct me which is terminal #1 and #3 with that picture?
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Friday, April 2nd, 2010 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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The 2 terminals that are redder would be 1 and 3. They are subjected to high current and the heat is causing the difference in color. It can also mean the relay is bad.

You can try pulling another relay to swap with it and test.

As long as the relay has 4 pins, it is the same type. The 2 round relays in the picture should be 4 pins as well.
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Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 AT 6:04 AM
Tiny
MARKALARK
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Problem solved!

I tried bypassing the relay with some wire and the lights turned on! So I ordered a new one and it arrived today. Put it in and everything is back to normal!

Thanks for all the back and forth help!

Funny thing though, the two connector pins on the new relay are also discolored. So I guess that it wasn't an overload problem. Oh well

thanks again!
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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 3:02 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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You're welcome and gald to know you have fixed the problem.

Thank you for the input and have a nice day.
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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 9:09 AM

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