Why are the headlights of the Malibu not working?
3 Answers
The headlights of the Malibu not working is usually due to a burnt-out bulb. In this case, simply replacing the bulb with a new one should solve the problem. If the headlights still do not work after replacing the bulb, it indicates an issue elsewhere in the car. In such a situation, it is advisable to promptly visit a repair shop or a 4S store for professional inspection and repair to avoid affecting normal nighttime driving. There are many reasons why a car's headlights may not work, including not only a burnt-out bulb but also a damaged light control switch, disconnected wiring, or a dead car battery. 1. Damaged light control switch: If the light control switch is faulty, there will be no response when turning on the headlights. If the headlights not working is caused by a damaged light control switch, the repair is relatively simple—just replace it with a new one. 2. Disconnected wiring: If the car frequently travels on bumpy roads, the vibration may cause the headlight wiring to become disconnected. In this case, simply reinstall the headlight wiring. 3. Dead car battery: If the car is left unused for a long time or the engine is left idling continuously after parking, the battery can easily lose power. This can result in symptoms such as headlights not working and difficulty starting the car. In such cases, simply charging the battery promptly should resolve the issue.
Last time my Malibu also had an issue with the headlights not working, so I first tried troubleshooting it myself. I started by checking if the bulb was blackened or whitened, and if the filament was broken, I simply replaced the bulb. Next, I checked the fuse box, located behind the cover under the dashboard on the driver's side, and pulled out the corresponding 15A fuse for the headlights to see if it was blown. If both steps checked out, then it's time to consider wiring issues, especially in older cars where wiring can age and short-circuit, or the combination switch may wear out. Once, I had a problem where the switch contacts oxidized, causing poor contact, and I ended up spending 300 yuan at the repair shop to fix it. My advice is that if your lights go out while driving at night, immediately turn on your hazard lights and pull over—safety first.
A friend just encountered a Malibu headlight malfunction, and the issue lies in the alternator voltage. He noticed the bulbs kept burning out, and upon inspection, found the alternator voltage spiking above 15V. Normally, it should be between 13.5-14.5V, and excessively high voltage is a typical sign of voltage regulator failure. Additionally, it's necessary to check for corrosion on the battery terminals and whether the ground wire is loose. For the wiring, pay special attention to the protective sleeves of the wires from the engine compartment to the headlight assembly, as cracked or aged rubber can let in water and mud, leading to short circuits. The Malibu's relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box, marked HEADLAMP on the left side, and burnt contacts can also cause power supply interruptions.
