Dipped headlight won't work after changing bulb/ fuse

saintmattio · 23 Jan 2023

Hey there - I'm a newbie so be gentle!

I have a SEAT Leon 2015 with non-LED bulbs. Over the weekend I noticed my passenger-side dipped headlight was out, I went to Halfords and replaced the bulb which had no effect. I then also tried changing the fuse, which didn't make a difference. (I've also tried switching the bulb and fuse to ensure it wasn't duds/ wrong bulb).

Is there anything else I can attempt at home to fix the issue? If not is it something I'm able to call RAC rescue to repair? I have a home start on my plan but as it's not mechanical I don't know if it's something they'd be able to fix - I've rung around all the local garages and they don't have availability until next week and I need the car for work

Thanks in advance

footprints · 23 Jan 2023

Two things worth checking. I have a golf an I found it quite confusing which bulb was the main or dip, just check you are changing the correct bulb!

Check the plug / bulb holder for loose wires on the Live and Earth side.

carmanmemoranda · 23 Jan 2023

Do you have a basic voltmeter, and know how to use it ?

Good advise from footprints too.

can you confirm the bulb type too ? H4 (472) or H7 (477)

blup · 23 Jan 2023

Check the replacement bulb is fully home, then try bulb you know is working.

Blup

Burnerman · 23 Jan 2023

Any sign of the plastic plug on connector melting?
Are all the other lamps fine?
John

Old Salt · 23 Jan 2023

Changed my grand daughters dipped bulb, no joy, checked the fuse, no joy. Checked which bulb was which and then changed the right one, success.

mattylad · 24 Jan 2023

Swap the bulb for the one in the other headlight to confirm if it works.
It's not unknown for a new bulb to be faulty.

Mottie · 24 Jan 2023

mattylad said:
Swap the bulb for the one in the other headlight to confirm if it works.

saintmattio said:
I've also tried switching the bulb and fuse to ensure it wasn't duds/ wrong bulb).

I think the OP has tried that.
Start with checking whether you are getting 12v to the bulb and if not, work backwards. Have you checked the bulb is getting an earth?

rsgaz · 25 Jan 2023

Does it have a relay for each side, or just one?
If there's two, swap them and see if the problem moves sides.