'92 olds 88 Headlight problems

Hi,

As you may have guessed, I am having a problem with my headlights. The problem is that my headlights only work when they want to work. This includes the daytime running lights (DRL). If the DRL is working, then the regular headlights will work. If the DRL is not working, then I don't have any lights. Currently, one light has decided to start working...for how long I do not know. I can't test out whether the high beams work since my switch stopped working (it won't "click" on when I pull the lever). Whether using the twilight sentinel sensor or the headlight switch does not affect it... it will either work or it won't. It would appear that all of my other lights work (ie. tail, signal etc.)

I am hoping someone might have an idea what could be affecting both headlights at one point, but can also be restricted to only one headlight. I would be grateful for any ideas. Thanks in advance.

First check to see if one headlight is burned out. Then check the grounds at the headlights. Check to see if you are getting 12 volts to the headlights.

Thanks for the response Taillight. I checked the headlights and one was burnt out. I don't see that as being the main problem though, since both lights have been working intermittently. I replaced it and they are both working... for the moment. The burnt out bulb probably made me think that the problem was affecting each headlight individually, when in fact they both would have been working if one bulb had not burnt or both would have been not working.

I checked the grounds and the voltage, both seem to be fine. However, I haven't been driving my car much the last few days and haven't encountered the problem where both of my headlights have refused to turn on. I will check the voltage and ground the next time I find that the lights will not turn on. Is there anything else in the circuit that could cause problems such as this?

When they stop working, look for bad electrical connections from the switch to the light.