2 Additions To The Driveway

hockeypro1411 · November 12, 2008

That's right. My mom and sister both bought 2008 Trailblazers. They had 18, and 21 thousand miles respectively, and the dealer let them go for a steal. The only problem that I can't figure out is why when the headlight knob is turned to "Auto" the headlights don't come on. The dash lights and everything come on, but no headlights. When you turn the knob all the way right, the headlights come on, but are disappointingly dim. Even the brights seemed kinda weak. Am I doing something wrong to assume the headlights would turn themselves on when I select "Auto" and it's dark out? Any info from T/B owners or anyone that feels inclined to answer is appreciated.

Edit: we got home late and it was raining. ill take some pictures tomorrow afternoon.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?...leadExists=true saw that sitting at a competitors lot. they told me since we just bought 2 cars from them and theyre desperate they would buy it and sell it to me for 13k cash with TTL. i got the build sheet and it has a few HD options which was sweet. its got a 5.3 with 52k miles. seems pretty decent to me.

wlvrn1215 · November 12, 2008

ive got an 08 and my lights are bright as all heck. Hmmm....you got me.

jrrod2004 · November 12, 2008

That's right. My mom and sister both bought 2008 Trailblazers. They had 18, and 21 thousand miles respectively, and the dealer let them go for a steal. The only problem that I can't figure out is why when the headlight knob is turned to "Auto" the headlights don't come on. The dash lights and everything come on, but no headlights. When you turn the knob all the way right, the headlights come on, but are disappointingly dim. Even the brights seemed kinda weak. Am I doing something wrong to assume the headlights would turn themselves on when I select "Auto" and it's dark out? Any info from T/B owners or anyone that feels inclined to answer is appreciated.

Edit: we got home late and it was raining. ill take some pictures tomorrow afternoon.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?...leadExists=true saw that sitting at a competitors lot. they told me since we just bought 2 cars from them and theyre desperate they would buy it and sell it to me for 13k cash with TTL. i got the build sheet and it has a few HD options which was sweet. its got a 5.3 with 52k miles. seems pretty decent to me.

did you cycle the ignition? Sensor bad?

hockeypro1411 · November 12, 2008

I tried the ignition. I stood in front and had someone try them just to be sure. I even went as far as reading the manual, which wasn't much help. I can live with the stupid "auto" feature, but tomorrow I'll be taking out headlights, replacing bulbs, and cleaning them. I don't think they'd be dimming from the plastic oxidizing yet, would they?

jrrod2004 · November 12, 2008

I tried the ignition. I stood in front and had someone try them just to be sure. I even went as far as reading the manual, which wasn't much help. I can live with the stupid "auto" feature, but tomorrow I'll be taking out headlights, replacing bulbs, and cleaning them. I don't think they'd be dimming from the plastic oxidizing yet, would they?

if they were oxidizing already, the oxidation should be readily visible. change em out and see what happens. Also another thing to consider would be the length of time that the Trailblazers sat on the lot. If they sat for an extended period of time, their batteries may need to be 'recharged' to reach full strength again or the alternator may need to be ran for an extended period for say a 30 min to 1 hour drive...

jrrod2004 · November 12, 2008

and by the way, tell them congrats on the buys. make sure to update with pics

hockeypro1411 · November 12, 2008

I'll be sure to tell that Mike sends his congrats lol. They don't look like they're yellowing or anything, but I'll check tomorrow in the daylight. I didn't even think of the alternator thing, but we drove my mom's home, then back, then home again and it's about a 20 minute drive each way. Although we didn't use the lights until the last trip. I'll figure this out tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have a status report and pics tomorrow!

Nick The Great · November 12, 2008

I even went as far as reading the manual . . .

Whoa . . . talk about desperate!

But in all seriousness, if it were the sensor or bulbs or something, they wouldn't work manually either. I think the alternator suggestion may be your best bet.

chuck16 · November 12, 2008

Could it also be a bad ground? I know they are reasonably new vehicles but, perhaps a bad ground not completing the circuit. Do you know in fact if they have Auto Headlights on them? IE can you see a sensor on the dash?

I'm wondering if it's just a "default" switch but, no Sensor...

Also, check to see if in fact your getting 14 volts with a voltmeter when the truck is running, that will tell you where your alternator is at.

Do they dim more with the speed of your HVAC Fan? 1-5 etc?

Just things to look for ... happy hunting and congrats on the TB's.!!!