What is the reason why the headlights can flash but the high beams do not work?
3 Answers
The reason why the headlights can flash but the high beams do not work is due to faults in the lighting control module and wiring. Solutions for car high beams not working: Open the car fuse box and check the operation of the relay and fuse; remove the high beam bulb and check if the filament is intact; inspect the headlight combination switch and wiring; check if the voltage regulator of the generator is set too high. Precautions for using high beams: When meeting another vehicle on a road without a central divider or center line, do not use high beams within 150 meters of the oncoming vehicle. When meeting another vehicle on a narrow bridge, narrow road, or with non-motorized vehicles without central dividers or center lines, do not use high beams. When passing through intersections: when passing through an intersection controlled by traffic lights, do not use high beams while turning. At night: when driving in conditions of no streetlights, poor lighting, or low visibility due to fog, rain, snow, or dust, do not use high beams when the following vehicle is driving closely behind the vehicle in front in the same direction.
I've repaired quite a few similar faults where the headlights can flash but the high beams don't work. It's most likely due to a broken high beam filament or poor contact. The flashing function uses a temporary circuit, while the high beams need to operate continuously. If the headlight switch or high beam relay has poor contact or worn contacts, it can also prevent the high beams from lighting up. First, check the bulb - some bulb designs allow the flash to work but make the high beam filament prone to burning out. Inspect the connector behind the headlight; if it's loose or corroded, current won't pass through, causing the high beams to fail. I recommend trying to replace the bulb yourself and clean the socket contacts while you're at it. If that doesn't fix it, the issue might be with the switch or fuse, requiring professional attention. Also, avoid constantly flashing your lights to alert others while driving - it wears out the bulbs. Developing this habit can help extend filament life.
As a car owner who often tinkers with my vehicle, I've found that non-functioning high beams are most commonly caused by bulb issues. The flash filament and high beam filament are separate, so one can work while the other doesn't. For example, last time I encountered this, the high beam filament was broken but the flash still worked. Checking the wiring is simplest, especially those connectors – aging or water ingress can cause looseness, affecting power supply. Don't rush to replace parts; first try unplugging and replugging the bulb socket a few times, as poor contact sometimes resolves this way. Voltage instability can also burn out filaments, so pay attention to battery condition after replacing bulbs. Remember to fix it promptly – driving at night without high beams is extremely dangerous and prone to accidents. Safety should always come first.
