The high beam switch in my column is going down the tubes. About 2 times out of 5 now the high beams will either not turn on or get stuck on and I'll do all kinds of funky motions with the lever to get them to to shut off. This problem just started a week ago.

I'm not using my high beams right now as I'm afraid one of these times I won't be able to shut them off at all, and I have a bad feeling the turn signals will soon follow.

Can I just pop that plastic trim piece off that goes around the lever to replace the switch, or does the entire column have to be taken apart?

 

The high beam switch is located on the exterior base of the steering column. Drop the kick panel and you should be able to see it.

JamesC

 

This job takes about 15 mintues to fix once you order the new switch.

 

From what you describe, a slight adjustment in the switch (up or down the column) might fix your problem. IIRC, the switch mounting holes are slotted to allow for some kind of adjustment.

My '92 Lumina had a problem similar to yours; the headlight dimmer was intermittent in certain steering wheel tilt positions. Tilt the wheel full down, the switch stopped working, tilt it back up and it would work. A small adjustment fixed the problem.

 

It could also be as simple as an adjustment to the switch on the column (it has oblong mounting holes), or the metal rod which actuates the switch may have slipped a little. My best guess is still on the switch though.

EDIT: paulo57509 beat me to this one with the switch adjustment.

 

My camaro had the same issues. I solved the problem by adjusting the switch position. I had all sorts of weird issues before I made the adjustment. My brights might not go on, sometimes the normal headlights would go off AND the brights wouldn't go on, all sorts of stuff.

 

Glad to know that a fix is just that easy.

I'll drop the under dash panel on monday and tinker with it.



On a related side question, the actualy turn signal/cruise control lever itself, Isn't it removable by just simply pulling it straight out? I remember reading somewhere that there are not any clips or anything holding it in. It just snaps in and to remove it just pull it straight out. I tried this once before with a light amount of force but it didn't budge and I decided to do some further research before I applied anymore force in case I missed something. I am wanting to replace this part to eliminate the faded lettering.

 

Ya know I got sick of mine and just wired in an old floor stomper switch.
Fail proof brights when I need em, just stomp down.

 

It does just pull straight out. Be careful when you do so you don't yank the wires out of the connector when it gives way. You need to remove that small plastic cover to get at the connector also.

 

Does anyone have hands on experience with removing it?

Am I missing something? Does the tilt column/turn signal lever have to be in a certain position? I tried removing it and stopped because I was pulling so hard I was afraid I was gonna break something.