Short in headlight wiring

A short circuit in the headlight wiring can cause a drain on the battery or keep the headlights on all the time. If the current in the headlight wiring jumps the headlight switch or relay, the circuit can be completed and keep the headlights on. A short can also draw more power than the headlights require, cause the battery to lose its charge.

Table of Contents

• 1. Symptoms
  • 1.1 Headlights Always On
  • 1.2 Headlights Never Turn On
  • 1.3 Battery Loses Power When Headlights are On

Symptoms

Headlights Always On

If the headlight wiring has a short circuit, an electric current may continuously flow through the headlight system. This will keep the headlights on at all time. This can draw all the power from the battery.

Headlights Never Turn On

If the lights never turn on, the electrical circuit may be completed before the bulbs. The switch will complete the headlight circuit, but the flow of electricity will flow in a separate circuit that avoids the bulbs. A stripped wire that is touching a grounded metal part can cause this. The current will flow from the battery, through the wire to the grounded metal, and return to the battery.

Battery Loses Power When Headlights are On

If the battery is losing power when the headlights are on, a short circuit may be drawing more power when the headlight switch is activated.