Flickering Headlights?

heatherZ13

I am a new Z owner, and when I go over any kind of bumb, the head lights seemt to flicker. Is this common? I can't tell if its the bulbs or if maybe the actual headlights are loose. It's a (used) 2013, 5,000 miles, so I don't think they would have been replaced already...?

speedfreek

Considering your other posts. It looks like whoever the previous owner was tinkered with it. Looks like they may have messed up the wiring when doing a speaker install, car alarm, etc. Whatever they did.

No its not common.

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heatherZ13

Well, the first problem I had with the driver side being wet was from a crapy sound system installation... They didnt seal the hole where they ran the wires through, so God only knows how long waters been getting in and sitting there. After reading everyones comments about Hurricane Sandy, I got the Carfax report, but it was sold here in Texas. According to the report, the first owner had it only a month, but 4,000 miles in a month is a bit steep... Idk why he would have taken the headlights out, they are the originals.

SouthArk370Z

The headlights are tightly focused and there is not much "blending" between light and dark. You may be seeing this when you hit bumps.

If the lights are actually flickering, speedfreek is probably on the right track. Check for loose connectors going to the headlights.

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Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

heatherZ13

By the time I figure out all the problems with the car, I'll be an expert! Lol, thanks for all the input, it's greatly appreciated.

kenchan

there's this fad going around (kind of dated now) where people paint the inside of the headlamp housing black. we called it joey mod in the MINI forum.

they would bake it, open it up, paint, and reseal. he could've sold his lamp to someone on a trade or something and put a replacement stock one back in.

SouthArk370Z

I hate that you're having all the problems, but you will definitely learn more about your car as you work things out.

At least you don't have to worry about the steering lock.

If you haven't done so already, you can download the Factory Service Manual from this site. See link in my sig. It's what your dealer is should be using when troubleshooting/repairing your car. If the 2013 edition is not available, just about any of them should still be valid - not that much has changed since 2009.

Don't unplug connectors or remove fuses when the car is turned on. You can mess up the electronics. If you check the headlight connectors, turn the car off before wiggling or disconnecting anything.

__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma