The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

2017 Sportage SX Turbo: Headlights Flickering Intermittently

0

Mike T. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:09 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo

Hey everyone, I've got a weird issue with the headlights on my 2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo. Both the low beams and high beams will flicker intermittently while I'm driving, sometimes just for a split second, other times for a few seconds. It's not constant, and it seems to happen more at night or when I hit a bump.

It's really distracting and a bit concerning for safety. I've checked the bulbs, and they look fine, no obvious signs of burning out. Could this be a loose connection, a relay, or something more serious with the electrical system? Any advice on where to start looking?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:09 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Intermittent flickering headlights on your 2017 Kia Sportage SX Turbo can be a challenging issue to diagnose, as it could stem from several points in the electrical system. Given that both low and high beams are affected, it suggests a problem upstream of the individual bulbs.

Common Causes for Headlight Flickering:

  1. Loose Ground Connection: A common culprit. A loose or corroded ground wire for the headlight circuit can cause intermittent power delivery, leading to flickering. This often manifests when hitting bumps.
  2. Faulty Headlight Relay: The headlight relay (or relays) can become worn or faulty, causing inconsistent power flow. Relays are typically located in the fuse box under the hood or inside the cabin.
  3. Wiring Harness Issues: Damaged, frayed, or corroded wiring in the main headlight harness can cause resistance and intermittent power loss.
  4. Headlight Switch/Module: The multi-function switch on the steering column or the headlight control module (if equipped) could be failing, sending inconsistent signals.
  5. Alternator/Voltage Regulator: While less likely if only headlights are affected, an unstable voltage output from the alternator or a failing voltage regulator could cause flickering across the electrical system, including lights.
  6. Battery Terminal Connection: Loose or corroded battery terminals can lead to voltage drops, affecting all electrical components.

When to See a Shop:

Due to the safety implications and the complexity of electrical diagnostics, it's highly recommended to have a professional mechanic or Kia dealership inspect your Sportage. They can:

  1. Perform a Voltage Drop Test: This will help identify any excessive resistance in the headlight circuit, pinpointing loose connections or corroded wires.
  2. Check Relays and Fuses: They can test the headlight relays and inspect relevant fuses for proper function.
  3. Inspect Wiring and Grounds: A thorough visual inspection of the headlight wiring harness and ground points is crucial.
  4. Scan for Body Electrical Codes: While not always present for simple flickering, the Body Control Module (BCM) might log codes related to lighting circuit anomalies.

Potential OBD Codes (less common for direct flickering, but related to body electrical):

  • B1602: Headlamp Low Beam Circuit Malfunction
  • B1603: Headlamp High Beam Circuit Malfunction
  • B1604: Headlamp Control Module Malfunction

These B-codes (Body codes) would indicate a specific fault detected by the BCM related to the lighting system. Addressing this issue promptly is important for your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Menu

Help & account