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Mazda 3 Headlights being weird
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RcRoses
New User
Mar 27, 2021, 2:06 AM
Post #1 of 2
(739 views)
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Mazda 3 Headlights being weird
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For a: Mazda 3 2014 iGrand Touring Sedan (Japan built)
Hi!
So a bit of an ambitious project here... My mom and I have been working on a salvage car even though we're not mechanically inclined people. So far it's gone great, we've learned so much and fixed things we never thought we could, a real confidence and determination builder!
It's all done except for the headlights. With everything back together and buttoned down, we go to turn on the lights only to find they're not working right. Hmm. We kind of tested them before installing, but forgot to check all the modes.
(Before attempted fixes) Lowbeams were working, both bright. Drivers side Highbeam was bright.
Passenger side Highbeam was not coming on, when the Highbeam switch was activated the Lowbeam stayed on (and the DRL).
(After attempted fixes) I disconnected and reconnected the Passenger side Highbeam connector after I gave it a shot of Deoxit, Also replaced the Highbeam relay with a new one...
Highbeam status is unchanged when Highbeam switch is on, the Passenger side does not come on but the Drivers side does.
Now in Lowbeam mode the Passenger side Low is still bright but the Highbeam is coming on dimly with it. (weird!)
The drivers side Lowbeam is now dim, but no weird Highbeam activity during Lowbeam mode.
The Highbeam weirdness is the first problem. Second is the blinkers...
The DRL bulbs in the headlamp assembly are supposed to double as blinkers, but they only illuminate solid at all times, despite blinkers being activated. The other flashing signals all work fine, including the lower independent signal lamps, the side mirror markers, and the taillights. The hazard flashing mode also blinks everywhere except for the DRL bulbs in the headlamp assembly.
I went ahead and switched out the Hazard fuse with a new one anyway as some internet resources indicated that could be implicated. No change.
Note: all bulbs are brand new, and in one mode or another have shown they can light up. Phillips brand regular Halogen, for High and Low. The DRL/blinkers bulbs are OEM.
Other note: all lighting connectors were blasted with Deoxit and left to dry well before headlight installation.
I have one new short wiring harness ordered and on the way, just in case it's needed, since one of the headlights is reusing an old short harness that came with the vehicle (it seemed fine). This way both will be new.
Before installing the headlights, the OBD reader showed a dtc code that one of the headlight wires had a short to ground or open connection. That was without the short headlight harnesses connected. I worried about it but then we figured it might be throwing that code because of being disconnected... When we installed the headlights and I cleared + rechecked the codes, it was gone. No dtc codes now.
Tomorrow we will be taking the front bumper back off to double check the ground points because I read elsewhere online that can be a common lighting problem.
I know it would be easiest to have an auto electrician investigate this, but it's also an unplanned expense and would be taking away a bit of our "Look at us girls we fixed a car ourselves!" pride.
Which after doing some big jobs like all new brakes, fluids, installing a new radiator shroud, body panels, and so on, it feels too wimpy to give up this easy.
So please and thank you so much for any help you guys may be able to give me!!!
(This post was edited by RcRoses on Mar 27, 2021, 2:18 AM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 27, 2021, 4:29 AM
Post #2 of 2
(726 views)
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Re: Mazda 3 Headlights being weird
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Here's what you're going to need.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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