On Sep 10, 10:26 am, Grumpy AuContraire <Gru...@ExtraGrumpyville.com>
wrote:
> Matt Ion wrote:
> > Tania wrote:
>
> >> Thanks, Zed, for your reply... The fuses are fine ... but the guy who
> >> owned it before me said sometimes the headlights would turn off while
> >> he was driving and then he'd just have to turn them off and then on
> >> again. It does sound like a short though... So when we're talking
> >> wiring harness am I looking near the headlights? Or further down the
> >> line?
>
> > It wouldn't be a short, because that would blow the fuse.
>
> > I'd say dirty switch contacts would be a good guess...
>
> I had similar problems with my '83 FE and '82 el cheapo Civic.
>
> I squirted copious amounts of WD-40 into the switch assembly on the
> steering column and all work fine afterwards.
>
> You might also try pulling the connectors from the rear of the bulb(s),
> lubricating them and reconnecting.
>
> JT

I don't know if this could also be a solution for you, but, my problem
was an intermittant right side only high beam headlight, in addition
to the daytime running lights (Canadian option) not working at all.
The right high beam was on and off by itself, mostly off. I tried
everything! Checked fuses.... and remember there are fuses in BOTH
the main wiring harness under the hood and the fuse block under the
dash. I metered voltage to the bulb connectors, then to the wire
behind the connectors, to eliminate a bad connector. (Yes, I reversed
the bulbs too, and the problem remained on the right side, eliminating
the bulb). I replaced the headlight relay located behind the glove
box. Running out of ideas, I pulled the daytime running light module,
and found what appeared to be cracks on the solder joints to the
relays on the board. I resoldered the connections and reinstalled the
part. Everything works fine now! The Replacement Module would have
been about $100 Dollars Canadian, if I needed to replace it, and of
course, they say there are "No user servicable parts inside". Let me
know if you want me to send a photograph of the part.

This isn't the first time I've found cold solder joints on modules on
different vehicles..... a good place to look for a solution to
intermittant, stupid types of electrical failures.