1998 Corolla Head Lights out Simultaniously

Hi,

I have a 1998 Corolla, in which both the headlights went out
simultainiously - the daytime running lights, night lights and high
beams all don't work.

I just replaaced the lights a week or two ago as they had burned out
(individually)

Anyone ideas on how I may be able to fix this myself?

Thanks.

"Kevin Miller" <kcmiller@rogers.com> wrote in message
news:1142893375.848883.245530@t31g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
> Hi,
>
> I have a 1998 Corolla, in which both the headlights went out
> simultainiously - the daytime running lights, night lights and high
> beams all don't work.
>
> I just replaaced the lights a week or two ago as they had burned out
> (individually)
>
> Anyone ideas on how I may be able to fix this myself?
>
> Thanks.
>[/color]

A multi-meter and wiring diagram will make the job a LOT easier. You can
use a 12 volt checker but it is not as useful as a multi-meter.

Start by checking the ground for the lights and the multi-function switch
for loose connections.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Kevin Miller wrote:[color=blue]
> I have a 1998 Corolla, in which both the headlights went out
> simultainiously - the daytime running lights, night lights and high
> beams all don't work.
>
> I just replaaced the lights a week or two ago as they had burned
> out (individually)[/color]

You know you are not supposed to touch the bulbs, right?
[url]http://www.pa.msu.edu/sciencet/ask_st/022394.html[/url]

I'm don't think that I did touch the bulbs, but I may have - how much
quicker would they die?

Update:

I tried to change the headlights, didn't work, I've checked the fuses,
they work fine.

I'm really new at this stuff so if someone can help me out with some
more directed advice that would be great.... where can I find a wiring
diagram? What is the best way to proceed once I do (I'm guessing start
at the lights and work my way back..?

Also, i noted there is a bunch of goup on the light connecters.. what
should I use to clean this off?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide!

Kevin
Ray O wrote:[color=blue]
> "Kevin Miller" <kcmiller@rogers.com> wrote in message
> news:1142893375.848883.245530@t31g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...[color=green]
> > Hi,
> >
> > I have a 1998 Corolla, in which both the headlights went out
> > simultainiously - the daytime running lights, night lights and high
> > beams all don't work.
> >
> > I just replaaced the lights a week or two ago as they had burned out
> > (individually)
> >
> > Anyone ideas on how I may be able to fix this myself?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >[/color]
>
> A multi-meter and wiring diagram will make the job a LOT easier. You can
> use a 12 volt checker but it is not as useful as a multi-meter.
>
> Start by checking the ground for the lights and the multi-function switch
> for loose connections.
> --
>
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)[/color]

"Kevin Miller" <kcmiller@rogers.com> wrote in message
news:1143066495.305762.23020@j33g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
> Update:
>
> I tried to change the headlights, didn't work, I've checked the fuses,
> they work fine.
>
> I'm really new at this stuff so if someone can help me out with some
> more directed advice that would be great.... where can I find a wiring
> diagram? What is the best way to proceed once I do (I'm guessing start
> at the lights and work my way back..?[/color]

You can get a wiring diagram at [url]http://techinfo.toyota.com/[/url] but unless you
know how to read one, I wouldn't invest the money. Also, if you are not
familiar with DC power, how to check a relay, read an ohmmeter, etc., I'm
not sure that anyone can learn from reading one article.

I'd suspect a loose connection or bad combination switch on the steering
column, perhaps start there and work your ways forward.
[color=blue]
>
> Also, i noted there is a bunch of goup on the light connecters.. what
> should I use to clean this off?
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide![/color]

The goop on the light connectors is dielectric grease. It was put there by
the factory - do not clean the stuff off as it helps maintain a
corrosion-free connection.


--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Kevin Miller wrote:[color=blue]
>
> Update:
>
> I tried to change the headlights, didn't work, I've checked the fuses,
> they work fine.
>
> I'm really new at this stuff so if someone can help me out with some
> more directed advice that would be great.... where can I find a wiring
> diagram? What is the best way to proceed once I do (I'm guessing start
> at the lights and work my way back..?
>
> Also, i noted there is a bunch of goup on the light connecters.. what
> should I use to clean this off?
>[/color]

Goop on the connectors is dielectric grease which is supposed to be
there to keep water away from the contacts. If so, don't clean it off
unless you intend to replace it.

My bet would be that it's a bad connection in the combination switch - I
had a similar problem with a 1985 Corolla. If you are truly that new
(and it sounds as though you are) my recommendation would be to have a
delership or professional mechanic troubleshoot and repair it. It may
be expensive but it will be money well spent.

Have a Tacoma? Join spam free
[url]http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Toy_Coma/[/url]
Have a Corolla? Join spam free
[url]http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Toy_Corolla/[/url]
--
Mike Harris
Austin, TX