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2017 Tucson Headlights Flickering & Intermittent Failure

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:02 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport 2.0L

Hi everyone, I'm having some really concerning issues with the headlights on my 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport (2.0L). For the past month, the headlights (both low and high beams) have been flickering, especially when I hit a bump or turn. Sometimes, one or both of them just won't turn on at all, and I have to cycle the light switch a few times or turn the car off and on to get them working.

Last night, I noticed a faint burning smell coming from under the hood when the lights were acting up, which really worried me. I haven't seen any check engine lights, and my basic OBD scanner isn't showing any codes. This feels like an electrical short or something worse. Has anyone else experienced this, and what was the fix? I'm worried about driving at night.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:02 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The symptoms you're describing with your 2017 Hyundai Tucson Sport's headlights – flickering, intermittent failure, and especially a burning smell – are serious and strongly indicate an underlying electrical problem that needs immediate attention. The burning smell is a critical warning sign of overheating wires or components.

Potential Causes:

  1. Loose or Corroded Connections: This is a very common cause for intermittent electrical issues. The wiring harness connectors to the headlight bulbs, the headlight switch, or the fuse box can become loose or corroded over time, leading to poor contact and flickering.
  2. Faulty Headlight Switch/Stalk: The internal contacts in the headlight switch on your steering column can wear out, causing intermittent power delivery to the headlights.
  3. Damaged Wiring Harness: The wiring itself could be chafed, cut, or damaged, especially where it passes through tight spaces or near moving parts. This could lead to a short circuit, causing the burning smell and intermittent power.
  4. Faulty Relay: The headlight circuit typically uses relays. A failing relay can cause intermittent power delivery or stick open/closed.
  5. Grounding Issues: A poor ground connection for the headlight circuit can lead to flickering and dim lights.
  6. Bulb Issues (Less Likely for Both): While a single bulb can fail, both flickering and failing intermittently suggest a problem upstream of the bulbs themselves, especially with a burning smell.

When to See a Shop:

  • Safety First: Driving with unreliable headlights is extremely dangerous, particularly at night. Avoid driving your vehicle after dark until this issue is resolved.
  • Immediate Professional Inspection: The burning smell is a red flag for a potential electrical fire. Do not delay in getting this inspected by a qualified automotive electrician or a trusted mechanic. They have the expertise and tools to safely diagnose and repair electrical shorts or damaged wiring.
  • Specialized Tools: Diagnosing intermittent electrical issues can be challenging and often requires a multimeter, wiring diagrams, and sometimes thermal imaging to locate hot spots. A professional shop is best equipped for this.
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