HELP! Headlights are out!

[JackoliciousLegs]

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First off, it's a 2005 2.5RS with 33k. I walked out to my car last night and turned it on. Headlights weren't turning on. Fogs are on, driving lights on, tails on, high beams work. No low beams. I checked the fuses and they're ok. Subaru can't get to it until next week. I've got to drive to an AutoX this weekend, what do I do?

[.RJ]

Ok, I might sound like cap'n obvious here, but check the bulbs?

[Evan]

odd. never heard of that happening

[JohnC]

Go spend some quality time in the electrical harness with a multi-meter. Have fun.

[Nis01]

Are your headlights cleared (amber pieces removed)? Because if somebody did it before you they may not have sealed the casings back up completely. Have you ever had any moisture get into the headlights? I have heard of people having trouble when this occurs. You might have to reseal the headlights and replace the bulbs... also make sure the harnesses are nice and tight because they are just clips that I could see coming loose if not properly pushed together... just ideas.

[JackoliciousLegs]

Are your headlights cleared (amber pieces removed)? Because if somebody did it before you they may not have sealed the casings back up completely. Have you ever had any moisture get into the headlights? I have heard of people having trouble when this occurs. You might have to reseal the headlights and replace the bulbs... also make sure the harnesses are nice and tight because they are just clips that I could see coming loose if not properly pushed together... just ideas.

Thanks for the info, and yes they were cleared. I checked the headlights last night, but it was dark and I was so pissed at subaru roadside. I'll go out at lunch.

[Dave]

might also be a relay involved with headlight, although I'm sure this is obvious.

[Rex4life]

I had the same problem with my rx-7 except the high beams would not work. It turned out to be the whole turn signal/wiper/light cluster thing behind the steering wheel had shorts to about everything. could be something in there, but on a car that new i would doubt it

[JackoliciousLegs]

might also be a relay involved with headlight, although I'm sure this is obvious.

Each headlight has an individual relay. I'm going outside now, but could this cause a problem with both lights?

PS Going to the car is an ordeal because I don't park anywhere near my building.

[Jeff]

If they are BOTH not coming on at all I would bet it has something to do with a fuse or your multi-function switch in the steering column.

[WRXtranceformed]

Sounds like a fuse, or could be some worse electrical problem =/

Check your bulbs though.

[ViPER1313]

If they are BOTH not coming on at all I would bet it has something to do with a fuse or your multi-function switch in the steering column.

I agree with Jeff, or possibly the actual headlamp switch (if it is separate from the multifunction stalk.) On the SHO, the lowbeams are fed from a separate fuse from the highbeams and from the accessory lights. On the SHO, the path of the headlamp circuit is basically:

Battery -> 3-Way Headlamp Switch on Dash -> Multifunction switch on steering column -> Headlamps -> Chassis ground

Autolamp features and bulb out indicator wires will make troubleshooting this harder.

I have a LOT of first hand experience troubleshooting this problem thanks to project SHO 8)