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83 Trans Am headlight switch problems

Old Jun 6, 2014 | 02:31 PM
  #1  
mfp189's Avatar
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From: Flanagan, Illinois
Car: 1983 Trans Am
Engine: Chevy 350
83 Trans Am headlight switch problems

I've been having some problems lately with the headlight switch on my car. I can flip the switch and the lights will flip up, but the actually lamps won't turn on. I have to then finess it into the perfect spot in the middle of on and off to get the lamps to turn on, then just kind of go from there to on back and forth untill the lights will just stay flipped up and turned on. They go down and turn off just fine, so I'm wondering if it's just the switch having a problem. Before I tear into it and try to get the switch out, I wanted to know if anyone else has had a problem such as this before, or if anyone can point out a thread with a fix for this because I don't want to make something worse than it already is. Thankyou!
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Old Jun 6, 2014 | 02:54 PM
  #2  
Bob88GTA's Avatar
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From: Huntsville AL
Car: 88GTA
Engine: 5.7TPI
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 83 Trans Am headlight switch problems

Yes, they wear out over 31 years of use. I replaced mine; same problem.

Classic Industries on here has them. And Rock Auto

ACDELCO Part # D1527A


$17.20
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Old Jun 6, 2014 | 03:00 PM
  #3  
mfp189's Avatar
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From: Flanagan, Illinois
Car: 1983 Trans Am
Engine: Chevy 350
Re: 83 Trans Am headlight switch problems

Alright nice found the part on Amazon from ACDelco! Hopefully it'll be the fix for me too!
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Old Jun 6, 2014 | 03:06 PM
  #4  
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From: Huntsville AL
Car: 88GTA
Engine: 5.7TPI
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: 83 Trans Am headlight switch problems

I bought mine at Auto Zone, AC Delco part if your in a hurry
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Old Jun 6, 2014 | 03:10 PM
  #5  
mfp189's Avatar
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From: Flanagan, Illinois
Car: 1983 Trans Am
Engine: Chevy 350
Re: 83 Trans Am headlight switch problems

I was wondering about Autozone nearby too, but the car's in the shop getting some exhaust work done on the Y-pipe to fit some new headers, so I don't even need it til Tuesday anyways.
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 08:45 AM
  #6  
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Re: 83 Trans Am headlight switch problems

I have a similar problem but with a difference.
The headlights turn on and pop up just fine on my '88 TA. My problem is that i have no rear sidelights and the fronts won't pop down, i need to wind them down manually. Could it be the switch here that's the cause?
Sorry if i thread-jacked.
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Old Jun 8, 2014 | 11:44 AM
  #7  
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From: Flanagan, Illinois
Car: 1983 Trans Am
Engine: Chevy 350
Re: 83 Trans Am headlight switch problems

We had a bit of a problem like that last year, the headlights would not flip down and the front turn signals would not flash, but just stay on solid when the direction is selected.
It helps to get your hands on some wiring diagrams for the lights, which I found plenty on the forum through a Google search. Then we went crazy testing continuity on each wire to the headlamps and their motors. For us they were all fine, so we continued to the signals and one of the wires had been loose from the housing so we managed to get it correctly fitted and the whole problem was fixed. So that may work for you just make sure all connections are healthy and wiring diagrams can be your savior good luck!
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