Headlight question

[mfkcbk]

The left headlight on my 2001 Discovery II is dimmer than the right (just bought this vehicle-my first LR). Thought I'd just go buy a new headlight and see if that's the problem but thought I'd ask here (first post) just to see if there might be another solution if that doesn't work. It's definitely dimmer not just aimed wrong. Hopefully I'm jumping the gun by posting before trying the easy fix.
Thank you.

 

[joey]

Could be a bad ground, bad connection, bad bulb, bad headlight switch.... I would start with the ground.

 

[Disco Mike]

If you decide to replace the light bulb, buy as a pair so when installed it will be the same color and brightness on both sides.
The dimness may be the bulb or a ground/bad connection, so just check that while you are in there.

 

[joey]

Good point DM, replace them as a pair if needed (also wear rubber gloves and do not touch the bulb with your bare hands).

 

[mfkcbk]

I guess I should have actually checked before I posted but I wanted to post something anyway. It turns out that the actual connector that plugs into the bulb is loose or something. When I wiggle it the light gets bright then back to dim. So I'm not sure what to do except play around with it and try to get it tighter. May have to get a new connector unless someone has another suggestion. If not, then thanks for all the replies.

 

[joey]

Sounds like it may be a bad connector.

 

[Maddie]

The connector should have a small catch that will allow you to pull the brass connector out of the plastic shell. Then you could retension the brass connector. If the connector has lots of hours on it it may have gotten to the point that it is annealed and has taken a set. A burnishing file for contacts works well to clean the connector as well. Probably burnt as it has been producing heat from the bad connection.