Headlight low beam problem, high beams work fine

[dharmadelica]

My low beams quit working a few weeks ago and am not sure why. I've been pretty busy with work/school/moving and am hoping that one of you lovely people could offer a few suggestion that might make trouble-shooting less painful. I had a rear tow hitch installed, watched the wiring happen and am pretty sure it would not be involved. A 30 amp fuse blows within .45 seconds and it is supposed to take a 10 or 15 amp I think. I'm planning on chasing the wires to and fro hoping to find the culprit short, any ideas. . .

[Green1]

the number one most common issue for any headlight issues in these vehicles is aftermarket Daytime Running light modules... check yours.

[patty]

i had the same problem, found the ground was all flimsy, so i soldiered the hell out of it and now they work fine.

[dharmadelica]

What is the best way to check the DRL module?

[Green1]

first trick is finding it, they've been found mounted inside the steering column, under the dash, behind the headlights, or all sorts of other locations. once found, disconnect it and see if your problem goes away.

[dharmadelica]

mine is in the engine compartment, disconnect and see if problem goes away, ok I'll try it.
I'm following this thread as well which might help but thanks for the tips, I'm not all that electrically inclined so I'm hoping it's not a nightmare

http://www.delica.ca/forum/another-head ... tml#p46675

cheers!

[Green1]

As has been pointed out before, troubleshooting over the internet can be extremely challenging, If you think you're in way over your head, you may be best to take it to someone who knows more about this stuff, either another local Deli owner who may work for a couple beer, or a shop that specializes in such things.
Note: I'm a firm believer in DIY, so don't take this the wrong way, if you're willing to try it, we're willing to help as much as we can from the other end of a keyboard.

[dharmadelica]

Green1, I couldn't have said better myself and thank you your honest size-up of the situation. Long distance relationships really do suck!
Well, I've checked most of the wires at the headlight units as well as where it comes into the cab. The DRL unit has a wire to the + battery terminal with a fuse holder which shorts out and due to that of course the fuse panel on van right side also shorts. There is no sign of a bad DRL unit and am not certain of how to bypass it to check. . . I'm stubborn as well as practical so if it looks like I'm likely to break anything I'll pull out and let the pro's go on it. I know how much $ one can spend on these type of troubleshooting issues.
Beers on me!

[Green1]

DRL usually doesn't need to be "bypassed" so much as simply disconnected, usually if you disconnect the tentacles from wherever it's latched on, the original system will be left intact.

[dharmadelica]

ok ok, so I'm not much of a techno guy but yes, I did manage to figure it out. Some switch behind the steering wheel, while trying to diagnose I just noticed that it was bit warm and on removal was a barely discernible mark likely from a spike of some sort. part was maybe 20$ and I'm back on the road. Thanks Green1 for the support! :)

[bikepoor]

As a sucker for Brit motorcycles and cars, and a certain brand of German air cooled vehicles, while growing up and learning to drive, hands on, and fingers in has been the best shop manual never published in the world. Too bad most of learning sessions seemed to happen on the side of a road, (confirm this with my wife!) Wiggle the wires and follow the smoke!!!!
Bikepoor

[dharmadelica]

Well said Bikepoor! I'm a huge fan of learning, and having the help of our friendly BCAA if things ever go terribly wrong is such a nice warm feeling.
Dharma

[jphillips]

I'm having the same issue, I found my DRL down under the steering column. Where can one purchase a new DRL?