Would be odd for both to go out at the same time but how are the bulbs? Also have you checked at the socket if you are getting power when you pull/push the lever?


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I had this with dipped beam, I suspected the lighting module but it turned out to be the dip switch. Contact cleaner cured it. Start @ the fuses and check for continuity.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I replaced the bulbs this year with Sylvania silverstar ultra night vision.

I will check for power at the sockets.

What is dipped beam?

What is the dip switch? Stalk?

Thanks

Rock

 

"Translation"

dipped beam= low beam
Main beam= high beam

 

I don't know the US terms.
Lights in the UK have 3 settings
Side lights
Dip beam
Main Beam

The dip switch is the multi function stalk. If you don't have power at the fuses the chances are it's the stalk. Check power coming from this switch, you will find the connector under the dash. You could do with a wiring diagram and a jump wire to check this.

If you have power at the fuses you could try a temporary jump wire across the N7 module pins, if the lights come on it's an ECU fault.

I don't know the MY of you're car but a 95 with halogen lights goes something like this

S1 (main light switch) > S2 (stalk) > Fuses > N7 module > lights

I like to use a test lamp rather than a meter. Good luck.

 

I had same problem with high beams not working and replacing combi switch solved it

 

Read about Sylvania silverstar bulbs and their very short life span. Not a good bulb to buy!

 

x2. years ago I used the silverstars for a while. the quoted life (hrs) is very short. Actual life in my experience is even shorter. I was going through a set every 3-4 months on my silverado and on a honda. called sylvania, they sent me a free set for both, acknowledged the short life.

After those went out again, in short order switched to other mfg high output bulbs and just as good of light but way longer life. for the silverado I went with HIR bulbs, last 2-3 years, much better beam and light than the silverstars. On the Mercedes E420 I used an Osram that is a higher wattage bulb (60WIIRC) in the base the E420 uses. These have lasted several years as well.

IIRC there was even a class action lawsuit against sylvania and the silverstars because of the extremely short life.

 

update

I originally said fuses were good.

But when I checked for power at the fuse holders there was none.

I guess the stalk is next.

 

I.I.R.C.
Remove the cover under the dash, you will find a multi pin connector going to the stalk.
Pull the plug apart, you have a power wire (White/Yellow) coming from the light switch, jump this to the high beam wire (White). If you have lights, it's the stalk or stalk harness.

My switch came back to life with a good dose of contact cleaner, so I've not had to replace it (replacing is PITA job because the steering wheel has to come off)

Yellow/White (power from light switch)
White > Main beam fuse 15&16
Yellow> Low beam fuse 13&14

 

My switch came back to life with a good dose of contact cleaner, so I've not had to replace it (replacing is PITA job because the steering wheel has to come off)

I have had this same issie for a few weeks now, MOT due soon so it had to be sorted. found your post Richard. Bought some contact cleaner, popped the little panel, sprayed loads of cleaner up into the hole and hey presto, main beams now flashing properly! Thankyou Richard!

 

Richard F

I do have an adjustable steering column.

Should I run it all the way in to make it easier to get some contact spray on it?

Thanks

Rock

 

Mines a fixed column, which means instead of having a switch under the column I have a small cover piece.
This pops out with the aid of a small screwdriver and provides access. With a tube fitted to the nozzle of the switch cleaner I can direct enough at the high/low switch.

I've not worked on one with a power column, so I wouldn't know how to get @ the switch without removing the steering wheel. Try to find a way in from behind (oh-er misses ) use a longish tube and a good blast 1st. Your column adjustment switch may come out to give you better access.
Switch cleaner won't damage anything so don't be afraid to use loads. The worst that will happen is some access cleaner will drip out.
Good luck.