Both low beams failed?

[PassatMan12]

Hi. Both my low beams have failed simultaneously yesterday on my 2004 B5 Passat - everything else electrical works, just no dipped beam - apart from slightly intermittent central locking issue.

Changed the dash switch for another I had and checked the bulbs and fuses which all seem fine. I used a multimeter to check the bulb holders and there's 13V getting to the bulb and 0 when switched off, so that seems fine?

So, I suspect there is an earth failure somewhere. Before I fork out for an electrician, is there anything else that can go - like a relay,for instance? If I need to get someone to look at it would people recommend a garage or an specialist electrician? Anyone else had a similar problem and what did it cost to sort, just so I have a general idea of what it is likely to cost - buying another car might be cheaper!

Thanks

[imagineifyeswill]

You may be over thinking this, its certainly not rare or particularly unusual for two bulbs to blow simultaneously have you tried replacing the bulbs.

[anonymous-user]

One bulb going can easily cause the other to blow. Same as a bulb blowing at home can cause you RCB to trip.

[PositronicRay]

If it is a switch unlikely the dash switch, more likely to be the stalk.

[TooMany2cvs]

I've certainly had it happen in the past. Got in the XM, turned the lights on, and the dip went bright-dim-bright-off. "Can't be the bulbs", thinks I... Out with the multimeter, prodding around the relays and earths.

It was the bulbs. Both of 'em. They weren't even the same age - I'd replaced one when I got the car. New bulbs, and it was fine for years.