# Jeep head light high beam problem

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [October 22, 2014, 7:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780 "2014-10-22T19:51:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![PeterAndHisHeepRubic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/46a35a/32.png) [@PeterAndHisHeepRubic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PeterAndHisHeepRubic)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2014, 7:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/1 "2014-10-22T19:51:37Z")

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Hello,

Just discovered that both high beams are not working. Regular lights ok. When switch to high beam both go off. I know some bulbs have two filaments, is this the case for this car?

Are the bulbs burnt out or something else is wrong?

Thanks!

Peter

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**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2014, 7:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/2 "2014-10-22T19:55:54Z")

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I would look at the unit that controls your high beams. You could remove the headlight and then check the voltage at the high beam terminal when high beam is selected. If it has 12VDC then it’s a headlight bulb problem. If not…it’s a problem with the headlight high beam control. I suspect the latter only because both high beams are out.

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**Author:** ![SteveCBT](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/stevecbt/32/3192_2.png) [@SteveCBT](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveCBT)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2014, 9:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/3 "2014-10-22T21:17:09Z")

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Once you check the voltage like missileman says, try to back track the wiring to see where the voltage break is. This can be a PITA. The headlight switch is a common problem on Wranglers, but very easy to replace. The high beam switch is not too bad to replace. My sons Jeep had a similar problem, turned out to be at the fuse box, where the wire going out from the fuse looked like it was intact but when I pulled on it with needle nose pliers it was loose, had corroded away. Not sure about the Rubicon, but on the Wrangler it is easy enough to get the fuse box off and check underneath.

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**Author:** ![PvtPublic](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/pvtpublic/32/13089_2.png) [@PvtPublic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PvtPublic)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2014, 11:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/4 "2014-10-22T23:02:58Z")

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Do you even know if you jeep has 2 or 4 bulbs ( seperate bulbs for high and low) for the headlights? Have you even looked? Have you tried new bulbs? I don’t even think about problems until I at least try the obvious things. And since the head light will be out so you can get a new one might as well check for voltage.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2014, 11:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/5 "2014-10-22T23:23:52Z")

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The Wrangler only has two headlights. So each headlight has two filaments.

Tester

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**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 7:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/6 "2014-10-23T07:59:07Z")

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Isn’t the Rubicon just the name for a Wrangler trim line?

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**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 8:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/7 "2014-10-23T08:21:51Z")

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Rubicon is the off road package, locking differentials, 4:1 transfer case ratio, different axles, wheels, tires and shocks. First offered in 2003, “Rubicon” doesn’t tell us if it is a TJ or JK series. Knowing the model year would allow us to research common problems.

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**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 8:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/8 "2014-10-23T08:43:27Z")

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You have not stated the year model but just looking at a random Wrangler schematic it could be that the dimmer switch has failed as both high and low beam appear to have a common power source through the headlamp switch.

A test light or Voltmeter should be used to verify power at the lamp connectors with the dimmer being checked on both the low and high beam positions. Power in one blade and not the other would likely mean the dimmer has failed.

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**Author:** ![PeterAndHisHeepRubic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/46a35a/32.png) [@PeterAndHisHeepRubic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PeterAndHisHeepRubic)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 11:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/9 "2014-10-23T11:41:37Z")

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Ah yes thank you everyone. I’ll try testing the voltage and check on the dimmer switch.

This is a 2007 Rubicon Unlimited.

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**Author:** ![oblivion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3ab097/32.png) [@oblivion](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oblivion)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 2:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/10 "2014-10-23T14:07:06Z")

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If both are out, I’d suspect the hi-lo beam switch first. Do the high beams come on with the headlights on if you pull the switch forward for “flash to pass”? Also, check all your fuses.

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**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\
**Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 7:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/11 "2014-10-24T07:04:59Z")

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If you haven’t first verified the high beam filaments are good I suggest you do that before you go looking for trouble you may not find, just because both filaments are burned out.

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**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\
**Post date:** [October 24, 2014, 7:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/12 "2014-10-24T07:21:39Z")

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Agree w/ @Cougar above, the first thing is to check to see if the high beam filaments are burned out. It wouldn’t be that unusual for both high beam filaments to burn out in the same time frame. The high beams draw the most power and therefore get the hottest, making them the first to go. What I’d do in this situation first is remove the electrical connector (for each side) and use an ohm-meter to measure the resistance of both filaments. If it turns out both high beam filaments are burned out, all you need to do is install replacement bulbs and you’re done.

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**Author:** ![chris\_174236](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecae2f/32.png) [@chris\_174236](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chris_174236)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2021, 4:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/13 "2021-02-23T16:01:17Z")

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any additional advice for my situation? when i try and go to high beam, all the lights go off and stop working completely. i assume it’s the dimmer switch but would like to hear how to verify before we start changing things.

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**Author:** ![chris\_174236](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecae2f/32.png) [@chris\_174236](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chris_174236)\
**Post date:** [February 23, 2021, 5:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/14 "2021-02-23T17:17:39Z")

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i have an '05 Rubicon BTQ

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\
**Post date:** [February 26, 2021, 11:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/15 "2021-02-26T23:38:32Z")

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To verify it check the voltage on the high beam wire at the switch. You should have voltage on that lead when the high’s are selected. Does the flash section section of the switch work?

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**Author:** ![old\_mopar\_guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/6bbea6/32.png) [@old\_mopar\_guy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/old_mopar_guy)\
**Post date:** [February 27, 2021, 2:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/16 "2021-02-27T02:37:21Z")

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You’ve let this go for over six years? If you changed the bulbs and that didn’t fix it, change the dimmer switch.

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**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\
**Post date:** [February 27, 2021, 2:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/17 "2021-02-27T02:42:32Z")

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> [@old\_mopar\_guy](#):
>
> You’ve let this go for over six years?

I don’t think Chris has let this go for 6 years . He just revived a 6 year old dead thread .

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**Author:** ![old\_mopar\_guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/6bbea6/32.png) [@old\_mopar\_guy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/old_mopar_guy)\
**Post date:** [February 27, 2021, 4:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/18 "2021-02-27T04:13:22Z")

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You are right, i thought he was the OP.

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**Author:** ![chris\_174236](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecae2f/32.png) [@chris\_174236](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chris_174236)\
**Post date:** [March 2, 2021, 9:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/19 "2021-03-02T21:31:40Z")

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Correct Volvo-v70. i searched for information on this and found this thread. The issue just happened a few days before i posted FYI.

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**Author:** ![fleetmanager](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/fleetmanager/32/24111_2.png) [@fleetmanager](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fleetmanager)\
**Post date:** [March 2, 2021, 9:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780/20 "2021-03-02T21:37:55Z")

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Does the High beam indicator on the dash illuminate when the switch is activated?

[Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-head-light-high-beam-problem/87780.md?page=2)
