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2019 Crosstrek Headlights Flickering and Dimming Intermittently

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:16 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Premium

I've got a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, and lately, my headlights have been acting strange. They're not just dimming, but sometimes they flicker, especially the passenger side. It's intermittent, but definitely noticeable at night and makes me nervous.

I checked the bulbs, and they look okay, but I'm not sure if it's a wiring issue, a bad ballast (if it has one for LEDs), or something with the electrical system. Has anyone else experienced this?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:16 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

Intermittent headlight flickering and dimming on your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek can be a safety concern and points to an electrical issue within the lighting system. Here are some common causes and diagnostic steps:

  1. Inspect Connections: Start by checking the electrical connectors at the back of the headlight bulb (or LED assembly). Ensure they are clean, tight, and free of corrosion. A loose or corroded connection can cause intermittent power delivery, leading to flickering.
  2. Bulb/LED Assembly Fault: Even if the bulb 'looks' okay, it could be failing internally. If your Crosstrek uses HID (Xenon) headlights, a failing ballast (the component that provides high voltage to the bulb) is a very common cause of flickering. For LED headlights, the integrated driver module can fail. Try swapping the passenger side bulb/assembly with the driver side (if possible and safe) to see if the problem follows the bulb.
  3. Wiring Harness Issues: Inspect the wiring leading to the affected headlight for any signs of fraying, pinching, or damage. Rodent damage is also a possibility. A break or short in the wiring can cause inconsistent power.
  4. Ground Connection: A poor ground connection for the headlight circuit can also cause flickering. Locate and inspect the ground points for the headlights, ensuring they are clean and secure.
  5. Voltage Regulator/Alternator: While less likely if only one headlight is affected, a struggling alternator or voltage regulator could cause system-wide voltage fluctuations that manifest as flickering lights. You can test your battery and alternator output with a multimeter.

When to See a Shop: If basic checks don't reveal the issue, or if you suspect a faulty ballast, LED driver, or a more complex wiring problem, it's best to have a professional diagnose your 2019 Crosstrek. Electrical issues can be tricky, and a technician can use specialized tools to test voltage drops, current flow, and identify any relevant body control module (BCM) codes (B-codes) that might indicate a fault within the lighting control circuit.

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