The high beams will not come on if I have the steering wheel at a normal position/height.

However, if I drop the steering wheel all the way down I am able to turn them on and off.

Is that controlled by the same switch assembly as the turn signal switch? Ecklers sells the part for 29.99

However, I see another part which is the dimmer switch that costs 189.99 OUCH!

If it's the second option... is there another route to fix this switch? Or is replacement the only option?

 

There is an adjustment procedure in the FSM for the high-beam switch-thing. Never looked at it before, but I would check that out before you start replacing things.

 

The switch is mounted on the lower steering column and has 2 bolts a with 'slots' attaching it.

First: Remove the bolster panel on drivers side.

Second: Follow the rod that travels down the column and actuates the switch.

You'll find the switch with the 2 bolts.

Third: Loosen the bolts and tilt your steering wheel position to about midway.

Fourth: Slide the switch towards the firewall until it won't go any more. (without it clicking).tighten the 2 bolts.

Finally: Try your highbeam switch to make sure it is operating correctly.

If it's still off, then loosen the bolts again and re-adjust the tilt of the wheel (up or down) and re-tighten until it works properly.

 

There are internal pieces as well. The tilt design has a plastic follower that rides on top of the switch rod that has a scooped out (for lack of a better word) arc that contacts the rod and goes into the ignition housing. At the top of this follower the plastic nub that sticks up contacts the wiper switch which serves as the actuator for the hi beam and the directionals. It isnt the switch for either but it pivots and goes up and down to make things work. If any of these pieces have broken or slipped out of the normal slots you will have to take the column apart. Most likely tho if you loosen the bolts and slide the hi beam switch towards the steering wheel it will get tighter and hopefully work for you. Unlikely that the switch just all of a sudden slipped out of adjustment. I just rebuilt a GM tilt column in a Jeep and the hi beam rod and follower was the biggest PITA of the whole deal. If adjustment wont work I have a .pdf I can send you about GM (Fiero specific) column reassembly. It wont have anything about the telescope and I cant tell you either cuz I have never done a Vette column.

Good luck!

 

You're right..

I thought about it afterwards and realized it 'pushes' the switch and doesn't 'pull' it.

Good catch!..

 

S'all good! I just spend a few days with a GM column and something just didnt seem right.