I have a problem with my headlights on my 1986 Trans Am when they pop up. The lo beams do not come on, only the high beams. Previously only the high beams would come on and i would switch back and forth between hi beam and lo beam and the lo beam would eventually come on. Also i would pop the headlight motor up and down to get the lo beam to come on. Now only the hi beams work on both lights and not the lo beam no matter what I do. Does this have to to with the hi/lo beam switch. I read somewhere this could be to do with the hi/lo beam switch. If so, does anyone know where it is located so i can change it. Is it under the lower driver side dash next to the left of the steering column? and if so what does it look like?

 

Welcome Aboard!

Yes, the problem is likely with the dimmer switch, dimmer switch linkage, or switch adjustment. You can try to dim the headlights by tilting the steering wheel to various positions. If the dimmer switch works in some positions but not others, you likely have an adjustment problem.

The switch is located on the top of the outer jacket of the steering column, near the lower end of the column (where it goes through the firewall/floor flange):



Loosen the mounting screws and move the switch as far rearward (up the column) as possible. Snug the screws and try it again.

 

Hello, thanks, with respect to tilting the steering wheel, i gave that a try for all the positions but the lo beams did not come on, also my hi beam didnt come on a few times but eventually did. I took a look at the switch and the two screws(plate bolts) are impossible to get access to them with my socket, tight squeeze, I had to feel for them, i could barely see one. What tool would be good to loosen them? thks.