Headlight System Malfunction on Your Toyota? Here's Why.

So that dreaded warning has appeared on the dashboard of your Toyota. You don’t want to make the call to schedule an appointment at your local dealership, and maybe you’re here because you’re asking yourself, “Is it really all that serious, anyway?”

The short answer is yes, it could be, and it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, especially if your dealer is backed up and you can’t get in for a while.

I’m going to dive into some key factors, like what the light could mean, how dangerous it is, and what I recommend you do if you’re waiting on an appointment.

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What Does a “Headlight System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” Mean?

When this message on your screen, it doesn’t specifically tell you what it could be wrong with the headlight.

Here are some possibilities:

The most common issue is a burnt headlamp. On average, your headlamps should last for approximately 1,000 hours. If they do not, there could be an electrical problem.
Your car could have previously been in an accident that impacted the headlight system. It’s common for malfunctions to occur after accidents.
It could mean your headlight system is not activating or working at all. For example, the feature that automatically turns your lights on in the dark could be damaged and cause you to drive without headlights in the dark.
There is an electric issue that is causing your headlights to be dim. A connection could be loose, or there could be another problem.
Your turn signals could be malfunctioning.
It could be mud or debris getting behind the headlamp cover.

If you came here to find a diagnosis, I’m afraid I can’t tell you precisely what is going on with your vehicle.

As you can see, it can be caused by several different issues, and it’s best to have it looked over by a mechanic you trust.

Is It Dangerous to Drive with a Headlight System Malfunction?

As you wait for your appointment, you need to answer the question: “am I safe to drive my car?” I’m not going to say yes because it could be dangerous to drive with a headlight system malfunction.

Let’s imagine your light has been on, but you are driving in the dark despite the danger. Your lights have been working just fine, and you think it’s no big deal.

You’re on a long dark road, and suddenly, your headlamps turn off, and it’s pitch black.

That could potentially happen, especially if the warning is being ignored.

I don’t know about you, but I would be pretty scared to drive on those dark country roads with no headlights. You should not attempt to drive in the dark with burnt-out headlamps. Not to mention, it’s illegal to do.

Another malfunction could be your high beams coming on and staying lit without you asking them to. It doesn’t sound all that dangerous for you, but it could be for oncoming traffic.

Some people’s eyes are very sensitive to bright light, and it could be blinding to them. Not to mention it could cause road rage. It could also be illegal, depending on what state you live in.

Not that I want to scare you, but to some, it might seem like a small nuisance and not worth seeing a mechanic. The fact is, in some circumstances, it could be a life-threatening mistake to drive after that warning light has come on.

How to Fix a Headlight System Malfunction

Now that you understand some potential dangers, how can you fix the problem?

My number one tip to fix a headlight system malfunction is to go and visit your local dealer. Yes, they can be a bit more expensive, but the technicians there are expertly trained on your specific vehicle’s malfunctions. Oftentimes, they are able to diagnose the problem sooner than other shops.

However, a local trusted mechanic is also a great option and better than not taking action at all. They could also be significantly less expensive.

Still wanting to take action before visiting a dealer? I understand. I have two helpful things for you to try, or at least check on to eliminate concern.

Two things to try before your service appointment:

Check your headlight to see if it’s burnt out. If so, you can get replacement bulbs and do it yourself. It is recommended to replace both headlights at the same time. Most of the time, they are sold as a set, and it’s a good idea to give them matching lifespans.
If your headlight looks discolored and dirty, you can remove the headlight cover and clean the bulbs and sensors. If you live in a humid area, your lamps may get water droplets under there often, so be sure to keep an eye on that.

What will you do now?

I know I keep repeating myself, but please don’t ignore the warning messages that come on your Toyota. I know it’s a pain to go to the dealership and have to go through that whole process and expense. But your safety and the safety of other drivers is worth it every time.

I hope this information was helpful, and that you now have a full understanding of what that tricky warning light could mean. If you still have questions, of course, feel free to reach out to me here.