Lighting and Horns: Testing and Inspection

JA vehicles use lighting on the interior and exterior of the vehicle for illuminating and indicating purposes. Lighting circuits are protected by fuses or circuit breakers. Lighting circuits require an overload protected power source, on/off device, lamps and body ground to operate properly. Plastic lamps require a wire in the harness to supply body ground to the lamp socket. Lamp sockets that are exposed to moisture should be coated with Mopar� Multi-purpose Grease, or equivalent, to avoid corrosion. If a socket has become corroded, clean socket and bulb base with abrasive fiber sanding pad or metallic bristle brush. Replace sockets and bulbs that are deformed from corrosion that could prevent continuous body ground.

Wire connectors can make intermittent contact or become corroded. Before coupling wire connectors, inspect the terminals inside the connector. Male terminals should not be bent or disengaged from the insulator. Female terminals should not be sprung open or disengaged from the insulator. Bent and sprung terminals can be repaired using needle nose pliers and pick tool. Corroded terminals appear chalky or green. Corroded terminals should be replaced to avoid recurrence of the problem symptoms. Wire connector terminals should be coated with Mopar Multi-purpose Grease, or equivalent, to avoid corrosion.

Begin electrical system failure diagnosis by testing related fuses and circuit breakers in the fuse block and engine compartment. Verify that bulbs are in good condition and test continuity of the circuit ground.

When a vehicle experiences problems with the headlamp system, verify the condition of the battery connections, charging system, headlamp bulbs, wire connectors, relay, high beam dimmer switch and headlamp switch.