The most common symptoms of Toyota headlight system malfunction include a dashboard warning light, headlight aiming problems, leveling problems, turn signals that do not work, and headlights that dim or flicker.
Toyota is usually a trusted automaker, but even the best brands have problems. Recently, many Toyota owners have been experiencing headlight system malfunctions.
If you are one of them, don’t worry – you’re not alone! This article will discuss Toyota headlight system malfunction’s nine most common symptoms. We will also provide advice on how to fix the problem. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
How Does the Headlight System Work?
The headlight system in a vehicle is made up of several different parts, all of which work together to produce the light that illuminates the road when driving at night or in low-visibility conditions.
The system generally includes the headlights and several other components, such as the headlight switch, the bulbs, and the wiring.
Headlights are typically made up of a glass lens and a metal reflector. The lens is designed to focus the light from the bulb onto the reflector, which then reflects it outwards in a beam.
This beam is directed towards the road ahead, providing illumination for the driver. Most headlight systems also include a headlight switch.
The bulbs used in headlights are typically either incandescent or halogen bulbs. These bulbs produce light by heating a filament inside the bulb until it becomes white-hot.
As the filament heats up, it emits light. Halogen bulbs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs and are often used in newer vehicles.
Finally, the wiring is responsible for providing power to the bulbs. When the headlight switch is turned on, it completes the circuit and allows electricity to flow through the wiring to the bulbs. The bulbs then light up, providing illumination.
Symptoms of Toyota Headlight System Malfunction
Now that we have a basic understanding of how the headlight system works let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms of Toyota headlight system malfunction.
- Dashboard Warning Light
- Burnt Headlamp
- Auto Headlights Don’t Work
- Auto Leveling System Malfunction
- Blinking or Dim Headlights
- Turn Signals Won’t Work
- High Beams Turn On Automatically
- Reverse Light Won’t Come On
- DRL’s Not Working
Let us explain each of these symptoms in detail.
1. Dashboard Warning Light:
One of the most common symptoms of Toyota’s headlight system malfunction is a dashboard warning light. This light is usually either orange or red, and it will come on your dash when there is a problem with the headlight system.
Another warning might be a service message on the multi-information display screen. The headlight service message on the MID in Toyota indicates that the headlights need to be cleaned or replaced.
Depending on the severity of the issue, it may also indicate a problem with the headlight aim. If you are not sure how to fix the headlight system malfunction, visit a Toyota dealership for help.
2. Burnt Headlamp:
The average life expectancy of a headlight bulb is between 450 and 1000 hours. However, if your Toyota’s headlight system malfunctions, the bulbs may burn out much sooner.
One of the most common symptoms of this problem is a burnt headlamp. This can happen for several reasons, but it is typically due to an electrical system issue.
Burned-out headlight bulbs are not only a nuisance, but they can also be dangerous. If you are driving with burnt-out headlights, you will not be able to see as well at night or in low-visibility conditions. This could lead to an accident.
It is also worth noting that burned-out headlights are illegal in most states. So if you get pulled over with burnt-out headlights, you may be subject to a fine.
Replacing a headlight bulb is usually a simple process. However, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always take your car to a Toyota dealership for help.
3. Auto Headlights Don’t Work:
Another common symptom of lighting system malfunction is that theauto headlights don’t work. It is an advanced feature designed to turn the headlights on automatically when it gets dark outside.
If the system is not working properly, the headlights may not turn on when they are supposed to. This can be a problem because you must manually turn the headlights on and off.
It can also be dangerous because you may forget to turn the headlights on and end up driving in the dark. If you are having trouble with your Toyota’s auto headlight feature, you can take your car to a Toyota dealer for help.
4. Auto Leveling System Malfunction:
The auto leveling system is a feature that is designed to keep the headlights pointing in the right direction. This is especially important when you are driving on uneven roads.
If the system is not working properly, the headlights may point in the wrong direction. This can be dangerous because it will reduce your visibility while driving.
It can also lead to other problems, such as blinding oncoming traffic or causing the headlight beams to reflect off of objects and into your eyes.
5. Blinking or Dim Headlights:
If your Toyota’s headlights are blinking or dimming, it is a sign that there is a problem with the electrical system. This can be caused by several issues, such as a loose connection or a problem with the headlight switch.
It can also be caused by an issue with the headlight bulbs themselves. If the bulbs are not getting enough power, they will start to blink or dim.
This can be dangerous because it may cause other drivers to mistake your car for an emergency vehicle. It can also make it more difficult for you to see at night.
6. Turn Signals Won’t Work:
The turn signals are an important part of the headlight system. They are designed to let other drivers know when you are turning.
If the turn signals are not working, it may be due to a headlight system malfunction. This can be a problem because other drivers will not be able to tell when you are turning. It can also be dangerous because it may cause an accident.
7. High Beams Turn On Automatically:
Some Toyota models are equipped with high beams. The high beams are designed to provide extra visibility in low-light conditions. They are designed to give you extra light while driving at night.
High beams should only be used when there is no oncoming traffic. If the high beams turn on automatically, it may be a sign that there is a problem with the headlight system. This can be dangerous because it may blind other drivers. It can also be illegal in some states.
8. Reverse Light Won’t Come On:
The reverse light should turn on when you put your car in reverse. This safety feature is designed to help you see when you are backing up.
If the reverse light does not come on, it may signal a headlight system malfunction. This can be dangerous because it will make it more difficult to see when you are backing up.
Reversing without being able to see can also lead to accidents. If you are having trouble with your Toyota’s reverse light, you should visit your dealer for help.
9. DRL’s Not Working:
DRLs are designed to increase a vehicle’s visibility during the day. When they are not working properly, it can indicate a problem with the headlight system. There are several reasons why non-working DRLs might indicate a headlight system malfunction.
One reason is that the bulbs may be burned out. Another reason is that the fuse for the DRLs may be blown. If neither of these is the case, there may be a wiring problem.
Causes of Headlight System Malfunction in Toyota
Headlight system malfunction doesn’t happen out of the blue. There are certain reasons which lead to this problem.
To find out what is causing the headlights of your Toyota to malfunction, you will need to take it to a mechanic and have them diagnose the issue.
However, here are some possible causes of headlight system malfunctions in Toyotas:
1. Damaged or Dirty Headlight Lenses:
One of the most common reasons for headlight system malfunctions is damaged or dirty headlight lenses. If the lenses are cracked, chipped, or scratched, they will not be able to reflect light properly, resulting in decreased visibility while driving at night.
If the lenses are dirty, they will also not be able to reflect light properly. Simply use a glass cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the lenses. Be sure to clean them thoroughly, as any dirt or debris left on the lenses can cause glare and decreased visibility.
2. Improper Installation of Headlamps:
If the headlamps are not installed correctly, they will not be able to illuminate the road ahead properly. This can be a serious safety hazard, making it difficult to see while driving at night.
Synchronization must be done when installing headlamps. This process ensures that both headlamps point in the same direction to illuminate the road ahead properly.
3. Faulty Wiring:
If the wiring in the headlight system is faulty, it can cause the headlights to malfunction. The wiring may become frayed or damaged over time, leading to shorts and other electrical problems.
4. Bulbs That Are Past Their Life Expectancy:
Over time, the bulbs in your headlight system will burn out and need to be replaced. However, if they are not replaced promptly, they can cause the headlight system to malfunction.
When replacing bulbs, be sure to use ones that are of the same wattage and size as the original bulbs. This will ensure that they fit properly and do not cause electrical problems.
5. Faulty Headlight Switches:
The headlight switch is what turns the headlights on and off. If it is faulty, it can cause the headlights to malfunction. The switch may become worn out over time, which can cause it to become sticky or difficult to turn.
6. Water and Mud Getting Into the Headlight System:
If water or mud gets into the headlight system, it can cause the headlights to malfunction. Water and dirt can damage the system’s wiring, bulbs, and other components. To prevent this, keep the headlight system’s area clean and free of debris.
7. Driving on Bumpy Roads:
If you frequently drive on bumpy roads, it can cause the headlight system to malfunction. The bumps can disturb the leveling sensors and cause the headlights to point in the wrong direction.
8. Front Collision:
If you have been in a front-end collision, it can damage the headlight system. The impact can break the headlight lenses, dislodge the headlamps, or damage the wiring.
9. Sensor Malfunction:
The headlight system is equipped with certain sensors that help to level the headlamps and adjust the light beam. If any of these sensors malfunction, it can cause the headlights to point in the wrong direction or not work at all.
How to Fix Warning Message of Headlight Malfunction?
When you are driving a Toyota car, and the headlight malfunction warning message appears on the dashboard, it means that there is a problem with one or both of the headlights. But don’t worry, here are some tips on how to fix this problem:
1. Check if the bulbs are burned out. The first thing you need to do is check if the bulbs are indeed burned out. You can do this by turning on the headlights and inspecting the beams. If they appear dim or there are dark spots, then it’s likely that the bulbs need to be replaced.
2. Check for loose wire connections. Another possible reason for the headlight malfunction warning message is loose wire connections. To check this, you’ll need to open up the hood and inspect the headlight wiring harness. If there are any loose or damaged wires, then they need to be reconnected or replaced.
3. Check the fuse box. The next thing you should do is check the fuse box for a blown fuse. If one of the headlights is not working, the fuse may have blown. Replacing the fuse should fix the problem.
4. Clean the headlight lens. Another possible cause of the headlight malfunction warning message is a dirty or foggy headlight lens. This can happen if you drive in areas with dust or pollen. To clean the lens, you’ll need to remove it from the headlight assembly and use a soft cloth to wipe it down.
5. Adjust the headlights. If the headlights are not properly aligned, then it could also result in the headlight malfunction warning message. To fix this, you’ll need to adjust the headlights to point in the same direction.
These are just some tips on how to fix the headlight malfunction warning message in Toyota cars. You might have to reset the light if you still can’t figure out what’s causing the problem. Which is a rather complicated task.
How to Reset Headlight System Malfunction Light?
Resetting the headlight system malfunction light is a relatively complex task. I advise you to take your car to a qualified mechanic to have the procedure done. However, if you feel confident in your abilities, let me lay out the process briefly:
1. Synchronize Vehicle Information:
The first step is ensuring that all vehicle lights are functioning properly. You can do this by following this procedure:
- Turn on the ignition switch, but do not start the engine.
- Check if the “Headlight System Malfunction” warning lamp comes on.
- If your car is equipped with automatic high beams or low beams, they will come on automatically. Given that system is malfunctioning.
- In this case, you can flash a light in front of your headlamps so that the sensor turns the headlights off by waking up to the stimulus.
- If your car has normal headlights, skip the above two steps and turn on the engine.
- Using the headlight switch, toggle the low beam headlights on and off no less than eight times within 20 seconds.
- If you cannot complete this task in 20 seconds, no problem.
- Turn off the engine and repeat the steps from the beginning.
- The warning message on the multi-information display would start blinking.
- If it isn’t blinking, repeat the steps from the beginning.
2. Headlight ECU Sub-Assembly LH Initialization:
Next is the initialization of the headlight ECU sub-assembly LH. This can be done by following these steps:
- Unload the vehicle and ensure that there is no weight on the front LH wheel.
- Turn the ignition switch ON (without starting the engine).
- Make sure that the “Headlight System Malfunction” warning lamp is blinking.
- Now, turn on the ignition switch and start the engine.
- Determine the number of times you must switch headlamps on and off by counting the number of markings on the fuel gauge. In other words, you must count the markings where the needle of the fuel gauge is resting.
- Say that needle is resting at the fifth mark of the fuel gauge; this is the number of times you must turn your headlamps on and off.
- Now, cover the headlights with a lightproof object.
- Turn the headlamps on and off according to the fuel gauge marking number you determined earlier.
- Turn the engine on and off twice.
- The above two steps must be completed within 5 seconds.
- This will take your ECU into the initialization mode.
- Now, uncover the headlights and turn them on.
- The “Headlight System Malfunction” warning lamp should go off.
Headlight Lamps Replacement Cost
If the headlight system malfunctioning message is still appearing on your car, it’s time to replace the lamps. This can be costly as you’ll have to replace both the headlight bulbs and the headlight assembly.
The average cost of replacing a headlight bulb is $75, while the average cost of replacing a headlight assembly is $1,000. So, if you’re looking to save some money, I suggest you go with just replacing the bulbs.
Conclusion
Headlight lamps play an important role in cars. They provide light to see the road ahead during nighttime or in low-light conditions.
Headlights also help other drivers to see your car on the road. It is, therefore, important to ensure that your headlight lamps are in good working condition.
You should regularly check the bulbs and wiring of your headlight lamps to ensure they function properly. If you notice any problem with your headlight lamps, you should immediately get them repaired or replaced.
There you have it, a complete guide on Toyota’s headlight system malfunction. I hope this article was of some help to you. If not, I suggest you take your car to a qualified mechanic for further assistance. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the automatic headlight leveling system work?
The automatic headlight leveling system is designed to keep your headlights shining at the correct angle, regardless of how much your vehicle weighs or how it is loaded. This system uses sensors to detect the weight of your car and adjust the headlights accordingly.
When you start your vehicle, the system will automatically level the headlights based on the current weight of your car. If you add or remove any items from your vehicle, the system will readjust the headlight level to ensure they are still shining correctly.
Is automatic high beam legal?
Yes, automatic high beam is legal in most states. However, there may be restrictions on how and when you can use your high beams. Be sure to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for specific rules and regulations.
What are the benefits of LED headlights?
LED headlights offer many benefits over traditional halogen or HID headlights. LED headlights are much brighter than conventional headlight bulbs, which makes them ideal for night driving.
They also consume less power than other headlight bulbs, which will last longer and save money on your vehicle’s battery life.
In addition, LED headlights to emit very little heat, which makes them safer to use and prevents them from melting snow or ice on your windshield.
Lastly, LED headlights are available in various colors, so you can choose the perfect color to match your car’s style.
