Mechanics taking me for a ride with my car?

[spudalicious]

I have a mark4 fiesta and I am having some trouble for my lights. My left headlight bulb went funny - its dimmed.. I thought it was just the bulb and I am not sure how to fix it myself.. I took it to the garage and they said its the wiring. I don't know much about cars but if the wiring had f**ked up, would it not be more likely that some other electric would not have messed up as well? Are these guys taking me for a ride? Please help!

[peanut]

check to see if you have water caught in the light. if there is, im sure the problem is corrosion of the light socket.

[spudalicious]

how do i do that? sorry i'm really not great with cars!

[peanut]

if its a headlight you should be able to see it from the outside. turning on the headlight may help

[peanut]

if you cant see water try pulling the bulb out from the back and looking in the socket, it may have grease in it, that is good but there should be no corrosion. you might have to twist the socket to remove it from the headlight housing and there might be a little tab to squeeze before you can twist it.

[peanut]

oh, one more thing, never touch the bulb with your bare hands.

[Mattk]

also try another garage for a 2nd opinion

[brachiopod]

Unless you've had a stereo or someother attachment fited at a later date, it shouldn't be a wiring problem - that's total bllocks!

Many vehicle circuits are designed to 'overload' when a bulb blows, so that they give you a warning that there is a problem.

(eg. when your indicator goes from;

 tick _ _ tick _ _ tick _ _ etc (normal)

to;

tick_tick_tick_tick etc )

Peanut gives some great advice, check all your bulbs and their seatings, and hopefully this should solve it.

Good Luck

[spudalicious]

I did have a stereo fitted which I did myself but that was sometime ago (ie 6 months) and I wasn't aware that it was anywhere near the lights, when I have had a look under he hood myself, it looks like a blue plug - with like three indents, similar to a reverse kettle plugged is just hanging. Its right at the back near the window right in the middle with loads of other wires.. could that be to do with anything?

[ianmaney]

just check the wiring on the plug at the back of the bulb it sounds like a bad earth connection !!

[tomd]

Why not take it to a second garage and see if they recommend anything different? If you trust your gut instinct, there's probably something up.

[bluelurchers]

Hi, yes I am 90% sure that they are telling the truth, my lights dimmed in my 1996 Pug 106 took it to my local garage and they said the same, was all fixed with new bulbs for �40

[bluefish]

Can I fit PAS to a 1996 Ford Fiesta.  Call me a wimp but a getting tennis elbow.  Does anyone have any idea how much this would cost?  Many thanka and Happy New Year