1988 honda accord lxi headlight problem

Discussion in 'Accord' started by Michael O'Brien, Dec 13, 2003.

  1. Hey,
    I have an 88 Honda Accord LXi. I bought it used and, according to the
    previous owner, it had sat unused for quite some time.

    My problem is, the lowbeam headlights are so dim, I have better
    visibility when I use my turn signal. Only one light has a working
    highbeam, which appears to be at full power.

    I checked all the fuses-- they are good.
    I repleaced both sealed-beam lamps--

    When replacing the lamps, I noticed a lot of flaking and corrosion on
    the "plugs." This is the only thing I can think of that would be
    causing the problem with the lights.

    Is there anyone that can sell me new "plugs" or does anyone have any
    tips on how to clean or repair these? (Or, if someone has an
    alternate diagnosis, I'd love to hear it)

    thanks in advance.

    -O'Brien
     
    Michael O'Brien, Dec 13, 2003
    #1
  2. Michael O'Brien

    N.E.Ohio Bob Guest

    See if there is a loose or corroded ground somewhere close to the
    lamps. bob
     
    N.E.Ohio Bob, Dec 13, 2003
    #2
  3. If you have lost the ground on a dual filiment lamp or sealed beam,
    you get three filiments in series. That is each filiment sees about
    four volts instead of twelve volts and is therefore very dim. Start by
    turning the lights on on low beam and looking if both filiments are
    glowing. If two filiments are glowing then you have to reestablish the
    ground path, to do this, you determine which if the three tabs is the
    ground and install a new wire from that tab to the body.The third
    filiment is one of the two filiments in the other headlight.

    On high beam both filiments in one lamp see no voltage.
     
    Charles Sayle, Dec 14, 2003
    #3
  4. Michael O'Brien

    N.E.Ohio Bob Guest

    Also, check the wire harness for broken wires where the wires rotate
    when the headlights pop up. i had a wire break on an '86 LX-i that we
    owned. The break was inside the taped bundle. Lost low beams on the left
    side as I recall. bob
     
    N.E.Ohio Bob, Dec 14, 2003
    #4
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