This post contains affiliate links. This means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and make a purchase [ “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” ]. Read the full disclosure here.
1998 Chevy Silverado Headlights Troubleshooting Guide GuideMechanic.Com Your 1998 Chevy Silverado has two bulbs in its headlights.
The low beam bulb is 9006 halogen while the high beam is 9005 halogen. These two bulbs are located in the composite headlight assembly.
If both the low beam and high beam are out, you’ll need to replace them both. This will ensure that the vehicle has even illumination at all times. For further assistance, you can visit the Chevrolet dealer.
1998 Chevy Silverado Headlights Troubleshooting Guide
Problems With Small Headlights
If your headlights are dim and not working properly, you may have a problem with a fuse. Usually, the headlights don’t burn out at the same time, but they can both fail.
Check the fuse for a blown filament with a multimeter. Otherwise, you may need to replace both headlights. This guide explains the different solutions to problems with small headlights.
The headlight switch is usually located on the steering column. Most vehicles use a lever switch that is exposed to a great deal of use.
Over time, the lever switch may become loose or not feel right. If you notice that the headlight switch isn’t working properly, you should visit your nearest authorized Chevrolet Silverado repair shop and get it checked. It might be a simple wiring problem or a loose connection.
If the headlights won’t work, check the power and ground wires to make sure they’re connected to the car’s battery. If the headlights don’t light, then it’s most likely the headlight relay.
Try to shake the headlight relay and check for any signs of rattling inside. If the headlight relay isn’t in the right place, replace it.
If the problem persists, you should change the dimmer switch. It is the main cause of this problem. A bad dimmer switch sends a lot of current to the headlight switch.
If the dimmer switch is malfunctioning, the current flows through it and cracks the wire strands. These broken strands will continue to receive more current and will eventually burn the wire. In addition, the Chevrolet wiring harness is too close to the switch, which prevents flexing the wires.
A voltmeter is a handy tool for checking the power supply at the headlights. Connect the negative lead to a known good ground, while the positive leads go to the battery.
If the headlights aren’t getting power, one terminal should display battery voltage, while the other two should show nothing. If the problem is a burnt-out bulb, you can try replacing the bulbs.
Besides the bulbs, the other cause of burnt-out headlights is a failed ignitor module. Check the ignitor module if it is faulty. If you find that the module has failed to work, replace it and the bulb socket.
It’s not safe to drive without headlights – it could be a very dangerous situation. If this is the case, contact a mechanic immediately.
Upgrade to Xenon HID or LED
LED and Xenon HID headlights are both popular choices for your 1998 Chevy Silverado. While both types of headlights are capable of enhancing visibility, LEDs have the edge when it comes to safety and longevity.
The latter is ideal for driving at night or during low visibility, while the former is ideal for everyday use. Whether you’re looking for an upgrade for your headlights or simply want to make your vehicle more energy efficient, both can improve your vision.
First, you’ll need to remove the existing bulbs. Some of them have four bulbs, while others don’t. In this case, you’ll need to remove the old bulbs and store them safely.
After removing the old bulbs, you can install the new ones. Make sure you’re wearing gloves and protect your hands from scalding liquids.
The downside of LED headlights is that they’re not as universal as HIDs, so you may have some issues with the new lights.
LEDs don’t work like halogens, and they don’t have a direct replacement. And while they may meet basic specifications of halogen headlights, their light will interact differently with the headlight assembly.
There are some pros and cons to both LED and HID headlights, but it depends on your budget and your preferences. The most important factor to consider when buying a kit is compatibility.
Xenon HID and LED headlights are much brighter than halogen ones and provide better illumination. HID headlights will improve the visibility of the vehicle by 15%.
In addition to increasing the brightness of your vehicle, HID headlights are better for nighttime driving than halogen ones.
However, they aren’t as easy to install and will require basic electrical wiring work. If you’re not comfortable with this, you can replace the bulbs in your headlight assemblies with LED headlights. A few other details to consider before buying HID headlights for your 1998 Chevy Silverado are outlined below.
The first thing you should remember is that HID and LED headlights require more power than stock wiring. If you’re unsure of which part you need, try using an online configurator to find the right part.
Some cars may use a single high-low bulb, while others might use a separate bulb for each side. You’ll need a decoder add-on for your HID or LED headlights.
1998 Chevy Silverado Headlights Troubleshooting Guide
Problems with two-bulb system
Having trouble with your headlights? Your vehicle may have a two-bulb system, but it’s not working as expected. Here are some tips to troubleshoot this common problem.
First, check for broken filaments. Check each headlight bulb’s connection to the socket and to the switch. If you see any of these, you should replace the bulb or check the wiring.
You can start by identifying the type of failure. A burned-out bulb is the most common cause of headlight failure, but there are other causes of this problem as well.
It could also be caused by a fuse or wiring issue. High-intensity discharge headlights are prone to failure due to problems with the power or grounding. To fix this problem, follow the instructions listed in the Haynes manual.
If your turn signal lights are not flashing as usual, the flasher unit may be the culprit. Some models of this vehicle use separate lights for left and right-turn signals, while others use a single light for both turns.
Make sure to check the flasher unit before you start troubleshooting. And don’t forget to check the brake and taillight bulbs. A failed turn signal switch can be caused by a faulty switch.
- P008C Fuel Cooler Pump Control Circuit Open - November 4, 2024
- P008D Fuel Cooler Pump Control Circuit Low - October 30, 2024
- P008E Fuel Cooler Pump Control Circuit High - October 26, 2024