Common Headlight Repairs and Cost Estimates
Burnt Out Bulb Replacement
Labor: 0.5 hours ($62.50)
Parts: $15-45 per bulb
Total Estimated Cost: $77.50-107.50
Blown Fuse
Labor: 0.5 hours ($62.50)
Parts: $5-10
Total Estimated Cost: $67.50-72.50
Faulty Wiring Repair
Labor: 1-2 hours ($125-250)
Parts: $20-50
Total Estimated Cost: $145-300
Headlight Switch Replacement
Labor: 1 hour ($125)
Parts: $50-150
Total Estimated Cost: $175-275
Headlight Assembly Replacement
Labor: 1-1.5 hours ($125-187.50)
Parts: $200-600 per assembly
Total Estimated Cost: $325-787.50
Headlight Module Replacement
Labor: 1 hour ($125)
Parts: $150-300
Total Estimated Cost: $275-425
Note: Prices are estimates and may vary based on vehicle make, model, and year. Additional diagnostic time may be required in some cases. Parts prices are approximate and subject to market fluctuations.
Common Headlight Repairs and Procedures
Burnt Out Bulb
Repair Steps:
- Open hood and locate headlight housing
- Remove protective cover from back of headlight assembly
- Disconnect wiring harness from old bulb
- Remove old bulb (avoid touching new bulb's glass with bare hands)
- Insert new bulb with correct wattage and type
- Reconnect wiring harness
- Replace protective cover
- Test new bulb
Foggy/Yellowed Lens
Repair Steps:
- Clean headlight surface thoroughly
- Tape off surrounding paint to protect it
- Sand headlight lens with progressive grits (1000-3000)
- Clean surface with alcohol
- Apply UV-resistant clear coat
- Allow to dry completely
- Buff to restore clarity
Electrical Issues
Repair Steps:
- Check fuses first
- Inspect wiring harness for damage
- Test voltage at connector
- Check headlight switch functionality
- Inspect ground connections
- Repair or replace damaged wiring
- Replace faulty components
- Test system operation
Water Inside Housing
Repair Steps:
- Remove headlight assembly
- Locate source of leak
- Dry interior completely
- Replace damaged seals
- Apply silicone sealant if necessary
- Reassemble headlight
- Test for water resistance
Misaligned Headlights
Repair Steps:
- Park on level surface
- Locate adjustment screws
- Mark wall with tape for alignment reference
- Measure proper height for alignment
- Adjust vertical aim
- Adjust horizontal aim
- Test alignment pattern
- Fine-tune as needed
Note:While some of these repairs can be DIY projects, we recommend professional service for complex electrical issues or if you're unsure about any procedure. Our certified technicians have the proper tools and expertise to diagnose and repair your headlight issues correctly the first time.
Understanding Headlight Issues
What is a non-working headlight
A headlight that's not working refers to a situation where one or both of your vehicle's front lights fail to illuminate properly. This can include complete failure, dim lighting, flickering, or intermittent operation.
What do headlights do
Headlights serve several critical functions:
- Illuminate the road ahead during nighttime driving
- Improve visibility during adverse weather conditions (rain, fog, snow)
- Make your vehicle visible to other drivers
- Help communicate your presence to pedestrians and cyclists
Common causes of headlight failure:
- Burnt-out bulbs
- Faulty wiring
- Blown fuses
- Damaged headlight assembly
- Corroded connections
- Failed ballast (in HID headlights)
Safety Implications:
Driving with non-working headlights is:
- Illegal in most jurisdictions
- Extremely dangerous for nighttime driving
- Increases risk of accidents
- Can result in traffic citations
When to seek professional help:
While some headlight issues can be simple DIY fixes, you should consult a professional if:
- You're unsure about the exact cause
- The problem persists after changing bulbs
- There are electrical system complications
- The headlight assembly needs replacement
Common Symptoms of Headlight Failure: Identifying When Your Headlights Aren't Working Properly
Common Headlight Issues & Maintenance Guide
Signs of Headlight Failure
Dim Headlights
- Yellowed or cloudy lens cover
- Reduced visibility while driving at night
- Light appears significantly less bright compared to the other headlight
Flickering Headlights
- Light intermittently dims and brightens
- May indicate loose wiring connections
- Could signal alternator problems
Complete Failure (No Light)
- Burnt-out bulb
- Blown fuse
- Faulty wiring or connection
- Damaged ballast (in HID headlights)
Typical Service Schedule
Regular Maintenance
- Check headlight function monthly
- Clean headlight lenses every 3 months
- Inspect wiring connections annually
Replacement Intervals
- Halogen bulbs: Every 500-1000 hours of use (approximately 2-3 years)
- HID bulbs: Every 2000-3000 hours of use (approximately 3-5 years)
- LED bulbs: Usually last vehicle lifetime (8-10 years)
Professional Inspection Recommended
- During annual vehicle service
- When alignment seems off
- If experiencing any dimming or flickering
Note: Actual service intervals may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle make/model, and headlight type. Consult your vehicle's manual for specific recommendations.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
