The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

Headlights flickering and going out intermittently on my 2019 Jeep Renegade

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:23 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

Hi everyone, I'm experiencing a really concerning issue with the headlights on my 2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. Both headlights (low beams) have started flickering, sometimes quite rapidly, and then occasionally they'll just go out completely for a few seconds before coming back on.

This happens randomly, not just over bumps, and it's super dangerous, especially at night. The high beams seem to work fine when I switch to them. I've checked the bulbs, and they look okay, but I haven't replaced them yet. Could this be a wiring issue, a relay, or something with the headlight module itself?

Has anyone else had this problem with their Renegade? What should I be looking for? Any advice on how to troubleshoot this would be greatly appreciated before I take it in.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:23 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Headlight flickering and intermittent failure are serious safety concerns and often point to an electrical system issue. For your 2019 Jeep Renegade, here's a breakdown of potential causes and diagnostic steps:

  1. Loose or Corroded Connections:

    • Cause: The most common and simplest cause. Poor contact at the bulb socket, ground points, or wiring harness connectors can lead to intermittent power.
    • Action: Carefully inspect the wiring harnesses leading to both headlights. Check the bulb sockets for corrosion or signs of melting. Ensure all ground wires related to the headlights are clean and securely fastened to the chassis.

  2. Failing Headlight Bulbs (Even if they 'look' okay):

    • Cause: While high beams work, low beam filaments can fail independently. An aging or faulty bulb can flicker before completely failing. If you have HID or LED bulbs, their ballasts/drivers can also fail intermittently.
    • Action: Replace both low beam bulbs with new, high-quality ones. This is a relatively inexpensive diagnostic step. If you have HID/LED, consider swapping the ballast/driver if you can access it, or replace the entire bulb/ballast unit.

  3. Faulty Relay or Fuse:

    • Cause: A sticking or failing headlight relay can cause intermittent power supply. A loose or partially blown fuse can also cause issues.
    • Action: Locate the headlight relays in your fuse box (refer to your owner's manual). Try swapping the low beam relay with another identical, non-critical relay (e.g., horn relay) to see if the problem shifts or resolves. Check the relevant fuses for continuity and ensure they are seated firmly.

  4. Body Control Module (BCM) or Headlight Control Module:

    • Cause: The BCM or a dedicated headlight control module manages power distribution and functions for the lighting system. A fault within this module can cause erratic behavior.
    • Action: This typically requires professional diagnosis. A dealership can scan the BCM for specific diagnostic trouble codes related to lighting circuits. OBD-II codes like B1011 (Headlamp Driver Circuit Malfunction) or B1012 (Tail Lamp Driver Circuit Malfunction) might indicate a module issue, though these can also be triggered by wiring faults.

  5. Wiring Harness Damage:

    • Cause: Frayed, pinched, or damaged wiring anywhere along the headlight circuit can cause intermittent shorts or open circuits.
    • Action: Visually inspect the entire wiring harness from the headlight assembly back towards the fuse box and BCM for any signs of damage, especially where it passes through tight areas or near moving parts.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediately, if the issue is frequent and compromises your safety at night.
  • If replacing bulbs and checking basic connections/relays doesn't resolve the problem.
  • If you find specific OBD-II codes related to lighting circuits, as these often require specialized tools and knowledge to diagnose and repair the underlying module or complex wiring.
Menu

Help & account