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hannah_light97

Celica Headlight Range Control Issue

Hoping someone can help! I've got a 2005 Toyota Celica with a gasoline engine and about 194,000 km on it. Recently, the headlight range control seems to have gone bonkers. I'm getting an error message, a warning light on the dash, and the low beams are either pointing way too high or way too low. I've checked the headlight switch and all the usual stuff, but nothing seems to fix it. Any ideas? Is this a common Celica thing?

4 comment(s)

fabian_lang1

Greetings. The symptoms you describe—error message, warning light, and incorrect beam height—strongly suggest a problem with the auto-leveling system for your headlights. This system typically uses servomotors to adjust the headlight beam based on the vehicle's load and angle. Have you inspected the electrical connectors going to each headlight assembly? A loose or corroded connector can sometimes cause these issues. The connectors carry the signals to the servomotors. Beyond that, has any work been done recently that might have disturbed the system?

hannah_light97 (Author)

Thanks for the quick reply! I did give the connectors a once-over, but honestly, I'm not super confident I know exactly what I'm looking for. When you say 'servomotors', are those like... tiny motors inside the headlight housing itself? And if a connector is corroded, is it usually pretty obvious? Like, green gunk?

fabian_lang1

Yes, the servomotors are indeed small motors located within each headlight assembly. They receive signals from the control module to adjust the headlight beam angle. As for the connectors, corrosion isn't always glaringly obvious; sometimes it's subtle. However, given the symptoms and error code, a defective servomotor is the most probable cause. At this mileage, it wouldn't be unusual for one to fail. To diagnose this properly will likely require diagnostic equipment to talk to the control module. I recommend visiting a trusted workshop for a definitive diagnosis and repair quote.

hannah_light97 (Author)

Okay, that makes sense. Sounds like it's beyond my limited skillset, haha. I appreciate the help! I took it to a shop, and you were spot on – it was a busted servomotor in the headlight. Cost me 1040€ to get it fixed, but at least the lights are working correctly again. Thanks again!

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