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Headlight issues

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Old Apr 13, 2012 | 08:23 PM
  #1  
mdnov's Avatar
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Default Headlight issues

I was wondering if I am the only person having issues after installing a Putco wiring harness. I installed Putco harness part #230004HW, along with a Rampage replacement headlamp kit. When I turn my headlights on, the low beams come on (just like they are supposed to) then, when I put the high beams on the high beam and the low beam come on at the same time. The only way to get the low beam to come on by itself is to shut the light switch off and turn it back on again but, as soon as I use the high beams again, both the high and the low beams come on at the same time. I am not sure if I ate a big bowl of stupid for breakfast, lunch, and dinner or if I maybe got the wrong part or a defective part. Thanks for your help.
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Old Apr 14, 2012 | 12:29 AM
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Year: 1988
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I've not heard of Putco, so I've no useful information.

But, it sounds like either a defective part (relay harness, I presume? May be miswired) or you've got a couple of terminals mixed up (if you've got individual connections, you may have gotten them crossed.)

Given the symptoms, that's my first thought. I presume that the headlamps worked properly before you put the harness in? Basic troubleshooting - what's changed recently?
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Old Apr 17, 2012 | 09:47 PM
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From: estill, sc
Year: 1998
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I did the lmc harness, which is the same as putco, and had similar results. On mine its like I have 3 stage lighting. I pull my light switch all the way out after starting and my lights are dim. I flip to hi beams and they are bright. Flip back to low beams and there brighter. The only way to return to dim is A: push my headlight switch in to parking lights or B: turn on my right turn signal. I'm baffled. It's a 98 limited btw.
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Old Apr 17, 2012 | 11:55 PM
  #4  
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mdnov reported that removing the full beam headlamp relay seemed to solve the issue - perhaps it was latching during changeover? Try that and see what you've got.
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 10:11 AM
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Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
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Default Putco Headlight harness

I just received my Putco harness but haven't installed it yet. I'm very interested in what causes this so I can hopefully avoid it.
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 12:04 PM
  #6  
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Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
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Isn't it still legal to have both highs and lows on, as long as no other forward lights are on?
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by RememberTheMallamo
Isn't it still legal to have both highs and lows on, as long as no other forward lights are on?
In va yes if a car is 500 feet in front of you or if there is oncoming traffic
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 05:55 PM
  #8  
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From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
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You guys having problems with your late model XJs have the factory foglights?
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 06:18 PM
  #9  
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From: estill, sc
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Mine has factory dogs but they have never worked since I've had it and I never would use them
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by stoney0708
Mine has factory dogs but they have never worked since I've had it and I never would use them
Fogs*
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 06:21 PM
  #11  
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From: Prescott, Az
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Originally Posted by stoney0708
Fogs*
The fact that it is EQUIPPED with foglights is probably the problem. There's a simple wiring mod that needs to be done but I don't remember what it is. Hopefully someone with knowledge of the mod will chime in.

This does not affect the 96 and earlier XJs IIRC.
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 07:15 PM
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IIRC correctly, this mod will correct the problem.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1013846
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Old Apr 18, 2012 | 11:39 PM
  #13  
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Year: 1994
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Tell me more about these factory dogs because I'd like to get some for my XJ ;-)
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