Headlights - No Low Beams

[kyle1745]

2006 Beetle 2.5L

Low Beams do not work, high beams do. Here is what I have tried:
- Replaced bulbs (same no low beams)
- Check and swapped fuses with high beams (same no low beams)

I have read there maybe a relay but not sure how to get the lower dash off or if there is a relay for the low beams on this year.

Thanks for any ideas...

[bubba3689]

Not to be funny but are u sure they locked fully and pushed in all the way. I've been having problems with my low bean I was even thinking on cutting the connector bracket so I could physically push in it. But I just took a pry bar and pushed the connector in: havent had any problem so far

[kyle1745]

Yes they are pushed in all of the way. The high beams and running lights work just fine.

Is there a relay for the low beams?

[IndyTom]

Take out your headlight switch and check to see if the connector or the wire for the low beams is loose.

[kyle1745]

Would it be a switch issue with the running lights come on and the high beams work?

How do you get the switch out?

Is there a relay related to the low beams.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by kyle1745

Would it be a switch issue with the running lights come on and the high beams work?

How do you get the switch out?

Is there a relay related to the low beams.

The daylight running lights are connected to a different wire so it is possible that your DRL's work just fine but your Low beams don't.
What year beetle do you have?
The later models had a much smaller headlight switch connector than the older models. Either way to get the headlight switch out PUSH in the knob then turn it inbetween the off and the next setting, then it pulls right out.

This thread might help:
need help removing headlight switch on 2001 newbeetle

Here is even a You tube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v-RKI5X5Zw

Another thing I can think of is the Handbrake switch. When pulled it turns off the headlights. Perhaps it is faulty?
The DRL Relay is 173. I am not 100% sure but I don't think there is a Low Beam Relay. But I could be wrong.
Did you check the fuses?

[kyle1745]

Yes I checked the fuses, and even swapped them out with the high beams to test them. Its a 2006...

Where is the DRL Relay?

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by kyle1745

Yes I checked the fuses, and even swapped them out with the high beams to test them. Its a 2006...

Where is the DRL Relay?

The Relay's are underneath the lower dash. You may have to remove the cover beneath the steering wheel to get to them. But you have a 2006 and I am not even sure if you still have the 173 DRL relay. They changed a lot of things in 2006. Besides the DRL relay will not have anything to do with your Low Beams.

[kyle1745]

I was confused when looking for relay information as I could not find a lot of information on them for 2006.

So how do I get to the ignition switch? My luck removing the lower dash has not been great so far but I'm not sure it needs removed to get to the ignition switch.

[IndyTom]

I looked everywhere for a Headlight Relay but there isn't one mentioned anywhere. I have the Haynes VW Repair Manual and it never once mentions a Headlight Relay for Low or High Beams.
I would investigate your switch and do a test with a multimeter on it. I bet if you swapped out both bulbs and they still don't work it must have something to do with the headlight switch.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by kyle1745

I was confused when looking for relay information as I could not find a lot of information on them for 2006.

So how do I get to the ignition switch? My luck removing the lower dash has not been great so far but I'm not sure it needs removed to get to the ignition switch.

Why do you want to get to the ignition switch?

[kyle1745]

Read a few places that it can be related. Going to check the switch first but that's next on the list.