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Intermittent Headlight Flickering on 2017 Dodge Journey SE

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:17 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Dodge Journey SE

I've noticed that the headlights on my 2017 Dodge Journey SE have started flickering intermittently, especially the passenger side. Sometimes they'll dim, sometimes they'll flicker rapidly, and occasionally one will go out for a few seconds before coming back on. It's really concerning, especially at night.

I've checked the bulbs, and they seem fine visually, and I've even swapped them side to side, but the issue seems to follow the passenger side. Could this be a wiring issue or something more serious with a control module? I'm worried about driving at night with this problem.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:17 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Intermittent headlight flickering on your 2017 Dodge Journey SE, especially when it's isolated to one side and persists after swapping bulbs, strongly suggests an electrical issue beyond just the bulb itself. This can be a safety concern, so addressing it promptly is important.

Here are the most common causes and diagnostic steps:

  1. Loose or Corroded Connections: This is a very frequent culprit. Check the wiring harness connectors at the back of the headlight assembly. Disconnect, inspect for corrosion or damage, clean with electrical contact cleaner, and reconnect firmly. Also, check the ground wire connection for that headlight.
  2. Faulty Wiring Harness: Over time, wiring can become frayed, pinched, or damaged, leading to intermittent power delivery. Carefully inspect the wiring leading to the passenger side headlight for any visible signs of wear or damage.
  3. Headlight Switch/Multi-Function Switch: While less likely to affect only one side, a failing headlight switch could cause power fluctuations. However, since it's side-specific, look elsewhere first.
  4. Lighting Control Module (LCM) or Body Control Module (BCM): Modern vehicles like your Journey use a BCM or a dedicated LCM to control lighting. If the module itself is failing or has an internal fault on the circuit for that specific headlight, it could cause flickering. This often requires professional diagnosis.
  5. Voltage Regulator/Alternator Issues: While less common to manifest as only one flickering headlight, general voltage instability could contribute. However, if other electrical components are fine, this is less probable.

When to See a Shop: If you've checked all visible connections, ensured the wiring is intact, and the issue persists, it's highly recommended to take your Journey to a qualified mechanic or an automotive electrical specialist. They can perform advanced diagnostics, check for resistance in the wiring, and properly test the BCM/LCM for faults. Driving with unreliable headlights is dangerous and should be resolved quickly.

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