I searched the forum first looking for answers, but I didn't see anyone with this exact issue. When I pull the lever part way, the parking lights turn on. When I pull it all the way, the outer headlights turn on, but the inner ones don't work at all. Should the outer lights work on the first pull, then all four work on the full pull? I saw a few posts talking about the switch on the column needing adjusting occasionally, but when I looked underneath I couldn't see anything moving when I pulled the lever.

 

The headlight pull switch only operates the low beams and the parking lights, just as you described.

To turn on the "brights" and activate all 4 front lights you have to pull back on the turn signal stalk.

 

Ah, ok. That was one of the first things I tried, but it looks like the stalk is broken then. It pulls forward but there's no click or anything. Any idea what needs to be done to get that fixed? I'd prefer not to take the entire steering column apart...

 

Yeah, if you're not feeling/hearing the "click" then the switch is probably broken. Here are a couple threads with info on disassembly. It's, well, tedious, but not impossible.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...al-switch.html

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...eel-grant.html

 

This the dimmer switch which is located on the side of the column and can be changed without taking the column apart. This is what makes the clicking sound, there is a rod that comes off the turn signal switch that operates the dimmer switch. The pic below shows the dimmer switch, it can be adjusted. I'd check it for improper adjustment if you just got the car. If the stalk is broken, then you have to disassemble the steering column.
1982-2002 Camaro/Firebird Dimmer Switch (screamingchicken.com)

 

On the steering column. Not sure how it's supposed to attach to the lever?

And here's underneath.

 

I've had issues with the knee bolster interfering with the hi/lo activator rod. This is the panel that is directly under the column. Same as you couldn't get a click from the switch. Loosen the bolster screws and try the hi/lo again. If it now works the bolster is hitting the rod.

Just need to slightly bend the bolster so that the center section is further down. Did this by bending the outer areas up and replaced it. Good to go. Note that the bolster is thin sheet metal covered with a padded vinyl.

RBob.

 

Check to see if the rod is in the proper location on the switch as shown in #5.

 

I can place the rod back inside the switch, but I can't see where it's supposed to attach near the lever. If I move the rod manually, it doesn't seem to move the switch far enough to activate it either.

 

There is a cam on the lever that causes the rod to push on the switch, it doesn't attach. You have to adjust the dimmer switch so that the rod will move it enough to activate it. It is held in place by two small screws, loosen the screws and you can move the dimmer switch closer or further away from the lever/rod. I'd get the rod placed in the dimmer switch and that should make things easier to adjust.

 

Your first post suggested to me that this part has probably fallen into the column or is missing completely. That's the "cam" that scfbody mentioned, and it's similar in size to the one in the picture.


Its located inside of the column cover and fits between the base of the signal lever and the rod, held into place only by the pressure between them. If the rod has become dislodged from the switch, then that little plastic piece has most likely fallen into the column or is missing.

Dumbest design ever; you'll see when you find it/one and try to install it. To install it, you'll have to disassemble the column to the point of being able to slide-off the column cover from around the turn signal lever area. The last time I installed one, I used a dab of lithium grease to "stick" it to the column while I reinstalled the cover.

 

Fits between the rod and signal lever and on the plastic cover. Also the rod at the other end is out of place. As seen on post #5.