headlights wont switch beams
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
headlights wont switch beams
my headlights all of a sudden stopped functioning when it comes to changing form highbeams to low beams.
When I pull the turn signal bar to switch from low-beams to high-beams, the lights wont switch anymore. I feel the bar pull foward but I never feel the bar click into the alternate position so it never switches into high beams, just stays in low beams. What do you think it is? What should I check to find out?
When I pull the turn signal bar to switch from low-beams to high-beams, the lights wont switch anymore. I feel the bar pull foward but I never feel the bar click into the alternate position so it never switches into high beams, just stays in low beams. What do you think it is? What should I check to find out?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 25
From: Buena Vista Colorado
Likely the Dimmer Switch
Since it does not click which you pull on the turn signal lever, the problem is likely the dimmer switch. Either it is loose or it has failed. The switch is located on the left side of the steering column, about half way toward the firewall. A rod connects it to the turn signal lever.
Replaced mine with NAPA part #DS130 which is also listed for your 82. Corvette Central also has a photo of their part #593066 so you can see what it looks like.
You may or may not be able to tighten or replace the switch without lowering or removing the steering column. I'm not sure because I replaced mine when I had the column out to install a clutch-brake pedal assembly during my auto to T5 conversion.
First step is to locate the switch and check whether it's worked loose. If it's loose, push and hold it toward the firewall while tightening the nuts.
If it is tight, then replacement is likely necessary.
To learn about dropping or removing the steering column, follow this link to the applicable Jim Shea Steering Paper:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...radj28de06.doc
Good luck!
Jerry
Replaced mine with NAPA part #DS130 which is also listed for your 82. Corvette Central also has a photo of their part #593066 so you can see what it looks like.
You may or may not be able to tighten or replace the switch without lowering or removing the steering column. I'm not sure because I replaced mine when I had the column out to install a clutch-brake pedal assembly during my auto to T5 conversion.
First step is to locate the switch and check whether it's worked loose. If it's loose, push and hold it toward the firewall while tightening the nuts.
If it is tight, then replacement is likely necessary.
To learn about dropping or removing the steering column, follow this link to the applicable Jim Shea Steering Paper:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...radj28de06.doc
Good luck!
Jerry
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 6
From: jacksonville Florida
awsome. thanks all for the help, should I be able to at least see the switch on the steering column without removing anything or is it behind some of the panels on the column im going to have to take off?
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 25
From: Buena Vista Colorado
No panels attached to the steering column cover the switch. I think you'll want to remove the dash panel closeout immediately below the steering column where it penetrates the dash panel. The backup headlight vacuum switch is mounted in the closeout. If you need to lower or remove the steering column to get at the dimmer switch, removing the closeout panel is the first step.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
But won't it just be removed from under the steering wheel? Did I miss something again?
Remove the horn, the tilt/tele(if there) and then the wheel, the turn signal should be just below that. It is on my 69 anyway
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
When you look under the dash at the driver side of the steering column you should see the headlight dimmer switch. It is actuated by a rod coming down the side of the column from the column head. When you pull the turn signal stalk toward the driver you should see the rod move down and push on the dimmer switch. If the rod moves, the problem is most likely the switch. If the rod doesn't move, the problem is in the dimmer pivot in the column head.
You will most likely have to drop the steering column down from the instrument panel in order to gain access to the two fasteners that attach the switch to the side of the column. When you drop the column be sure to remove the two nuts down at the floor pan that attach the lower end of the column before removing the two large vertical bolts.
Jim
You will most likely have to drop the steering column down from the instrument panel in order to gain access to the two fasteners that attach the switch to the side of the column. When you drop the column be sure to remove the two nuts down at the floor pan that attach the lower end of the column before removing the two large vertical bolts.
Jim
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Tallmadge Ohio
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Oldtimer
I just replaced my switch in my 77. I took the column out to get at the switch. Wasn't that big of a job and a lot easier to get at the switch and get it adjusted. Just follow Jim Sheas instructions.