Beretta.net

I have an 89 base, 2.0, 5-speed. Just a "Plain Jane" car. Never had this problem when I bought the car in 2004, but it seems to get worse every year.
As the weather gets colder in Iowa, it can take up to 2 to 3 minutes before the headlights come on after pushing the switch, I changed the switch several times, no difference.
Ive had this question all over the internet, but no realistic answers.
Am I missing something? Is there a headlight relay I'm not seeing in the wiring diagrams??
Could it be a glitch in the ECM??
When it's 10 below, I may drive 2 miles (5 min) before they come on??
Of course I never think about it in the summer when it's warm, just when it's too cold to mess with it.
I've owned a dozen Berettas and this is the ONLY one that has done this.
I installed road lights to see where I'm going until they FINALLY come on.
Haven't considered changing the ECM because everything else works perfect. (and the $$$ involved)
Got any other ideas??????

Check the dimmer switch on the column. Also I would verify the condition of the headlight grounds.

Well, that is bizarre. ECM has NOTHING to do with headlights, save your money on that aspect. Obviously bulbs could be a problem if they haven't been replaced. Headlamp grounds, as Cliff8928 mentioned, and the fusible link for the headlight circuit should be checked -that is your most likely culprit. There is probably a break in the link, and as the weather gets colder, the broken ends shrink and pull away from each other. They could either be warmed-up from engine-heat, or if there are a few strands left still connected, then the link itself could get warm enough to expand and re-connect.

Had that very same headlight problem . Was the ground wire for the headlight harness in the engine bay. Memory fades me where that ground was. Had to chop the wire end add in a new section.