Author Topic: Radio Wires Contacted and Shorted Out Headlight? (Read 3019 times)

CentralValley318is · « **on:** April 17, 2011, 11:47:15 PM »

Alright well to make a long story short. I left my car parked in Modesto and someone stole my stereo leaving all sorts of stereo wires exposed. I was driving it like this for a while, but one night i just decided to "tuck" them away but whilst i was doing this whichever wires contacted shorted out my right side low-beam (i think). And blew my tachometer fuse.

The Catch - when only my low-beams are on it (right low-beam) does not come on, only the left low beam works. Butttttt when i turn on my high-beams all four lights work, including the one that i thought shorted out.

-So please guys if you can help and maybe tell me what i should check, it would be greatly appreciated. I am lost when it comes to wiring and electrical, especially in such a weird event. what could this be?

jrobie79 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2011, 02:23:26 AM »

it is probably just a coincidence, the low beam bulbs are dual filament, so the low beam filament is burned out, and when you turn the highs on the high beam filament is what is lit up...take the one that works and swap it into the place it doesnt, if it now works you just need a new headlight, there less then 10 bux at an autoparts store

jrobie79 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2011, 02:23:57 AM »

the tach fuse might be because of the wires though

CentralValley318is · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2011, 02:35:58 AM »

I'll try tommorow, thanks man.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2011, 07:20:32 AM »

Not sure if you have an e30 or e36...on my e30 fuse 12 has the speedo, radio and OBC. Headlights use fuses 1, 2, 13 & 14 too.

I'd download the electrical troubleshooting manual (ETM) for your car and get familiar with wiring. It's not ass difficult as you think. Just give it a read, you'll be surprised at how simple it all is when it's in a diagram. BTW, If you have a '91 318, the manual at wedophones is missing a few pages; so I use the 1989 325i ETM as well:

http://panasonicmadeeasy.com/BMWManualsLead.htm

CentralValley318is · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2011, 07:08:50 PM »

Yea 91' 318is, and yea i gotta get over the intimidation. I'll look into those manuals soon. I can download the first one from wedophones? BTW thankyou dave.

update: The light was just out, coincidences can drive ya crazy. For at first i thought there was NO coincidence.