Headlight Puzzler

[larryshomework]

The right lowbeam on my 2002 Boxster is out.

I replaced the bulb but that was not the problem (old bulb still looks fine as well).

I checked the fuse for the right lowbeam and the fuse is fine.

The highbeam and parking light both work on the right side and all 3 bulbs on the left side work.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[wvicary]

Check the plastic retainer the holds the electrical socket in the fender area, it can break and when you install the headlamp assembly it makes a poor connection.

[larryshomework]

Originally Posted by wvicary

Check the plastic retainer the holds the electrical socket in the fender area, it can break and when you install the headlamp assembly it makes a poor connection.

Thanks - any idea how I check to see if the connector itself is working - sending power to the lowbeam bulb?

[djomlas]

you sure you swapped out the right one?
i did that mistake, higher bulb is low beam, and lower bulb is high beam

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Using a Multimeter, Headlights ON, check for 12V between Pin #4 and Pin #9 of the Connector on the Headlight Bracket. That will tell you whether there is Power to the Bracket. Then do a Continuity Test on the Electrical Connector on the Headlight itself. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[larryshomework]

Problem solved.

It was a combo solution from djomlas and Jim.

A continuity check showed no connection in the lowbeam - but as suggested by djomlas, I had mistaken it for the highbeam. I visually inspected both bulbs the first time I tried this but they both looked okay.

Even though the bulb appears to be intact it was bad. Confirmed by switching low and high bulbs (continuity shifted to low but none in high). Replaced bad bulb and all is fine.

The real question is should I keep the multimeter I just bought

I think I'll keep it.