Passenger side low beam turns off, does not work after two days, other low beam works with no issues

DAVIDNARAYANAN

MEMBER
2010 MAZDA 6
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
164,123 MILES

Hi, I believe I am having a weird issue. My passenger side low beam turns off and does not work. I have changed the fuse. It worked for 2 days. This issue has happened 4 times (10 days in the past). When it does not work, I was told by a auto store person that it could be corrosion in the socket (where the bulb fits). So I removed the bulb, cleaned the socket and inserted the bulb and then the bulb works for 2 days and then turns off. The bulb that works on driver side is actually Sylvania XtraVision Headlight Bulb H7XV and the bulb that does not work is SilverStar Ultra Headlight Bulb H7SU-2. Is it possible that this issue is because I have 2 different H7 bulbs from Sylvania or is the socket faulty? Why is the bulb working for 2 days if I simply remove the passenger side low beam bulb and put it back without doing anything? The driver side low beam bulk works always with no issues. I did have an accident previously on the passenger side and had changed the entire headlight set like 4 years back not sure if that has anything to do. I am planning to put a Sylvania h7SU-2 in the driver side (so that both sides have the same type bulb) and see if that solves the problem. Any other suggestions?

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

They are both halogen bulbs, so the brand shouldn't make a difference. I do have a couple of questions. When it stops working, is it the fuse or bulb that fails? Also, does the vehicle have daytime running lights (DRL)?

Now, if it is a fuse, it could be the connection. When there is a bad connection, it can create an arc that will create excessive heat. That can be an issue.

When you cleaned the connector, was there any evidence of corrosion? Were the connectors in good condition and not pushed in or able to make contact with each other?

That is my first suspect if it is a fuse-related issue. Also, it could be related to the ground for the light causing the same type of issue. However, the left light is grounded at the same point.

Let me know as much as you can. Also, I need to know if it has DRL or not.

Take care and let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

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Thursday, May 6th, 2021 AT 8:35 PM

DAVIDNARAYANAN

MEMBER
7 POSTS

I do not believe it is either the fuse or the bulb.

Yesterday around noon time, I changed the driver side low beam bulb with the same bulb as the passenger side and immediately after I changed it, the passenger side low beam bulb was working. I was amazed how the bulb was working without even touching it. The bulb did not work when I took the vehicle in the evening.

I do not have daytime running lights.

If the bulb works with the same fuse, I am guessing there is nothing wrong with the bulb and nothing wrong with the fuse. For record, I did change the fuse recently as the old one I believe was bad.

Today I switched the fuse for the driver side low beam headlight bulb with the fuse of the passenger side. The driver side bulb still works with the switched fuse but the passenger side bulb does not work. Why is the passenger side bulb working for few minutes or hours when I take off one of the either low beam bulb and put them back.

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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 6:09 AM

DAVIDNARAYANAN

MEMBER
7 POSTS

When I cleaned the connector I saw some white powder (from the grease I used when I installed the bulbs) but I believe it I in good condition and not pushed in. Able to make contact with each other. I am wondering if I need to change the complete socket on the passenger side as can it be some other lose connection if the connector with the bulb is fine. The high beam bulb on both sides works perfectly. The problem is only with the low beam bulb on passenger side. I also noticed the small indicator on the bumper also did not work on the passenger side (may be the wire is not connected. I am going to check this today).

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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 6:13 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

I suspect it is a poor connection at the light. You questioned the light socket, what happens if you wait until it doesn't work and then wiggle the socket and wiring? Keep in mind, a bad connection will create heat, so that could be causing it to shut off.

If you are questioning the socket, when it doesn't work, see if power is present as well as a ground. If both are present, then the socket is the likely cause. Keep in mind, where the wire enters the socket can have a poor connection as well, so check that too as well as where the fuse connects in the fuse box.

I attached the wiring schematic for the headlamps. I highlighted a few things to make it easier to find. Note that I had to cut the schematic in half to make it readable. I did overlap them so you can follow from one to the other.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Friday, May 7th, 2021 AT 6:49 PM

DAVIDNARAYANAN

MEMBER
7 POSTS

You are absolutely correct. I believe there is a problem in the connector in Mazda 6 cars.

As I needed to fix the issue quickly, yesterday I took the vehicle to the nearby mechanic and he cut the connector and connected with a replacement. He did charge me $200.00 which I believe is a little high.

Thanks for diagnosing the problem correctly and mentioned that the heat is shutting the light off due to bad connection.

I am guess this will resolve the issue. If I do not post any additional reply please consider this issue as closed. Thanks a lot once again for your inputs.