Why are my high beam lights not turning?
Dear Bruce: The most common problem is the steering column switch. I followed the wire diagram on our Identifix web site and found that the high-beam lights get energized when the lever is moved. Then from the lever movement the signal goes to the body control module to the high-beam relay and out to the headlights.
How does a high beam light bulb work?
Get familiar with the fuses and relays that control your headlights. The headlight switch usually doesn’t control the headlight bulbs directly, but through one or more relays. The headlight switch powers a relay, which powers the headlight bulb. This protects the headlight switch from the high current used by the high beam headlights.
What to do if your headlights won’t turn?
Two months ago, the bright high-beam headlights started going on by themselves and remaining on, until I move or tap the turn signal stalk fore/aft to turn them off. They usually go right back on. Sometimes they stay off for 20 minutes. I took out the fuses for the high beams. Did you ever hear about this problem? — Bruce
Do you need high beams or low beams?
Low beams are the bare minimum, for safety’s sake, but high beams are an absolute must for night driving over 25 mph. For most vehicles, headlights are a basic electrical system, controlled by switches and relays to turn them on and off.
What to do if your turn signal switch fails?
If so, you need to replace the switch. GM turn signal switches from this time have a high failure rate. Do a search on “GM multifunction switch”. Try spraying some “CRC Electrical Contact Cleaner” into the base of the switch at the steering column to clean the contacts.
What’s the name of the turn signal switch?
Once known as a turn signal or blinker switch, this lever now also controls headlights, high beams, emergency flashers, wipers and washers. No wonder it’s called the multifunction switch (MFS) these days. Unfortunately, the MFS has a fairly high failure rate.
How to fix intermittent wiper and turn signal problems?
Disengage the plastic snap clips and separate the two halves of the steering column cover. Multifunction switch levers control headlights, flashers, wipers and intermittent windshield washers. The MFS is usually held in place by hex-head or Torx screws. Remove them, pull out the switch and disconnect the electrical connector.