Dear Tom and Ray:

I own a 1982 B210 Datsun which runs very well except for one problem. Occasionally, at night, my headlights turn on and off by themselves, running down my battery. I have never seen it happen, but my neighbor insists it is true. The strange thing is that only the headlights come on, and not the tail lights. Got any suggestions as to where to look? -- Mike

Ray: Yeah. I'd look at the headlights, Mike.

Tom: More specifically, the headlight relay. The only two things that could cause this (if we exclude hallucinations on your neighbor's behalf) are the headlight switch and the headlight relay. And if it were the switch, it would make the tail lights come on, too. And besides, switches don't usually misbehave like this.

Ray: But relays do. Replace the headlight relay and your problems should be solved, Mike. Well, you'll still have an '82 B210, but at least your headlight problems will be solved!

* * *

Ray: Hey, did you hear that our new pamphlet, "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It," is a million seller!

Tom: That's not what I said, you knucklehead. I said I had a MILLION of them in the CELLAR!

Ray: Oh. Well, it still has lots of good information on how to make your car last forever.

Wait! Don't buy another car without the mechanic's checklist that's included in Tom and Ray's pamphlet "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Secrets Only Your Mechanic Knows." It will help you get a good used car and avoid the clunkers. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1998 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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