Has anybody actually fixed a high beam switch?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Florida, USA fl
Has anybody actually fixed a high beam switch?
I have read several threads with advice on how to adjust the high beam switch. I removed the carpeted lower dash cover under the drivers side and I can see the switch, but it appears to be inside the steering column. I could use some experienced advice on how to fix this. Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 0
From: :45 minutes from everywhere / E-I-E-I-O
There was a member who posted a few pics in the other forum:
http://corvetteforums.com/
Either in the 'c4 column', or the 'general tech'; I don't remember the thread title...
Try
http://www.corvetteforums.com/m_37695/tm.htm
http://corvetteforums.com/
Either in the 'c4 column', or the 'general tech'; I don't remember the thread title...
Try
http://www.corvetteforums.com/m_37695/tm.htm
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 124
From: Reno/Sparks Nevada
The switch is on the outside of the column and can be replaced from under the dash. A rod along the column inserts into a hole in the switch. The other end of the rod goes up into the column shroud to the high beam pivot assembly. This assembly is where the turn signal/high beam lever or stalk fits into. The turn signal switch is also connected to this assembly. Is the problem with the actual switch or with the pivot assembly under the turn signal lever? Occasionally an adjustment is all that is necessary to make the high beams work. The switch is adjustable by loosening the screws and moving the switch up or down the column. Most of the time it is up. You can test the switch by pushing on the area the rod goes into. When you mentioned "fix" the switch, I'm thinking you want to replace it. I wouldn't try to fix it other than adjust it. The switch is very common and fits many GM cars. I don't think they are very expensive since they are probably available at most parts stores. I don't think this switch is Vette specific.
Art
Art
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 17,640
Likes: 1
From: Lenoir City TN
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
I had to slide the switch up after loosening the nuts to bring into adjustment.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Florida, USA fl
Thanks- I will look again- I just need to adjust the switch. When I got under there- it looked to me like the switch was inside the column. (93) - but you say that it is under the column outside the shroud?
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Corydon IN
Dimmer switch
When I replaced my high beam switch. I loosened the two nuts that hold the column to the dash. This will let the column drop down a couple inches. You can then get to the switch. Is on the top side of the column.
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Cruising
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: harlingen texas
thanks guys for your advice on how to fix the high beam prob. it was a little awkward me getting in there to loosen the screw, seeing that i am a big guy and left handed at that, but it worked! this is cool cuz i need to go get my inspection renewed for her. you keep posting and i"ll keep reading and learning.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 3
From: Tampa Fl
Mine does not work either,I had it working once for a few clicks now I can't get it to click
I was going to relocate it and or replace it with a push button that I can just push on push off with my hand.
I was going to relocate it and or replace it with a push button that I can just push on push off with my hand.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 33
From: Charlotte Michigan
I replaced mine and after getting the old one out, it seemed to be ok. I think it was just out of adjustment. I did put the new one in. It took me a long time as you almost need to stand on your head and the fact that those little screws are hard to get to with large hands. As I am over 60 and over 200 lbs I got tired out quick with all that blood rushing to my head! It is about as bad as putting spark plugs and new wires in.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
thanks guys for your advice on how to fix the high beam prob. it was a little awkward me getting in there to loosen the screw, seeing that i am a big guy and left handed at that, but it worked! this is cool cuz i need to go get my inspection renewed for her. you keep posting and i"ll keep reading and learning.
Then you can lay on your back on the floor.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 637
Likes: 1
From: Slovenija
Hi guys!
I noticed this thread while searching so I'll post here instead of opening a new one since it's basically the same thing.
I got my first vette on Friday and one of the first things I noticed is that the high beams were not working. Since the fuses were all ok I figured it's probably the lever (it felt a little flimsy). So a friend and I tried to take it apart and ran into a little problem.
We removed a peace of plastic behind the lever on the steering column and a peace of plastic fell out (completely intact not broken). I'm guessing this is the lever that connects on one end to the main lever and on the other onto the metal rod that pushes the high beam switch.
Am I right on this?
As I understand the main lever tugs on a plastic and it pules on the metal rod. The switch is somewhere lower on the steering column?
I think that of I want to fix this I'll have to take the steering column plastic of right?
And this can only be done by removing the steering wheel right? But what about the ignition lock? It has to be removed also and I don't see any way how this can be done.
Anyway thank you for your help in advance. I know it must be frustrating explaining straight forward stuff to a newbie so I'm great full in advance.
Bye
I noticed this thread while searching so I'll post here instead of opening a new one since it's basically the same thing.
I got my first vette on Friday and one of the first things I noticed is that the high beams were not working. Since the fuses were all ok I figured it's probably the lever (it felt a little flimsy). So a friend and I tried to take it apart and ran into a little problem.
We removed a peace of plastic behind the lever on the steering column and a peace of plastic fell out (completely intact not broken). I'm guessing this is the lever that connects on one end to the main lever and on the other onto the metal rod that pushes the high beam switch.
Am I right on this?
As I understand the main lever tugs on a plastic and it pules on the metal rod. The switch is somewhere lower on the steering column?
I think that of I want to fix this I'll have to take the steering column plastic of right?
And this can only be done by removing the steering wheel right? But what about the ignition lock? It has to be removed also and I don't see any way how this can be done.
Anyway thank you for your help in advance. I know it must be frustrating explaining straight forward stuff to a newbie so I'm great full in advance.
Bye
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 379
Likes: 12
From: Huntsvegas AL
hey, the plastic piece that fell out fits on the end of the metal actuator rod that goes down the column to the electrical switch. Unfortunate that it fell out, you will have to remove the steering wheel to replace it. And the turn signal assembly. I dont think you should have to remove the ignition key lock.
However, if your tilt steering pins are worn out (a fairly common occurrence), then no matter, you wont be able to get the high beams to work. With worn pins, the alignment get out of whack, and when you pull the highbeam lever, instead of pushing on the switch, it just binds up.
This may help:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...pictorial.html
However, if your tilt steering pins are worn out (a fairly common occurrence), then no matter, you wont be able to get the high beams to work. With worn pins, the alignment get out of whack, and when you pull the highbeam lever, instead of pushing on the switch, it just binds up.
This may help:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...pictorial.html
Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 637
Likes: 1
From: Slovenija
Gear Jammer -> thank you.
I'll try this today.
Now that I know what the whole assembly looks like I hope I won't have that much trouble with it.
By the way does the steering column just detach out form what ever it is connected to at the bottom or do I have to loosen something down there also?
Thanks again.
Bye
I'll try this today.
Now that I know what the whole assembly looks like I hope I won't have that much trouble with it.
By the way does the steering column just detach out form what ever it is connected to at the bottom or do I have to loosen something down there also?
Thanks again.
Bye
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,185
Likes: 33
From: Charlotte Michigan
[QUOTE=vittal;I think that of I want to fix this I'll have to take the steering column plastic of right?
And this can only be done by removing the steering wheel right? But what about the ignition lock? It has to be removed also and I don't see any way how this can be done.
Not sure what year your working on, bu if equipped with air bag to follow disconnect instructions in removing steering wheel.
And this can only be done by removing the steering wheel right? But what about the ignition lock? It has to be removed also and I don't see any way how this can be done.
Not sure what year your working on, bu if equipped with air bag to follow disconnect instructions in removing steering wheel.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 637
Likes: 1
From: Slovenija
[quote=scotth48;1577756831][quote=vittal;I think that of I want to fix this I'll have to take the steering column plastic of right?
And this can only be done by removing the steering wheel right? But what about the ignition lock? It has to be removed also and I don't see any way how this can be done.
Not sure what year your working on, bu if equipped with air bag to follow disconnect instructions in removing steering wheel.[/QUOTE]
Thanks scotth48. I will as I understand I have to unplug the battery or about 20 min. Before removing the steering column. I'm working on a 95.
And this can only be done by removing the steering wheel right? But what about the ignition lock? It has to be removed also and I don't see any way how this can be done.
Not sure what year your working on, bu if equipped with air bag to follow disconnect instructions in removing steering wheel.[/QUOTE]
Thanks scotth48. I will as I understand I have to unplug the battery or about 20 min. Before removing the steering column. I'm working on a 95.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 7
From: Bowling Green KY
My 2 year old granddaughter grabbed mine and jerked it like crazy until that rod bent. Now, for the life of me, I can't get it bent back correctly. It binds, or doesn't go in far enough. I event moved the switch on the other side, with not luck.
I wish I knew where to get a new rod or a diagram of how it is supposed to look as I'm trying to bend it back into shape.
I wish I knew where to get a new rod or a diagram of how it is supposed to look as I'm trying to bend it back into shape.
