I have a '99 and when I'm driving at night with the headlights on the dashboard does not light up. However, when I stop and turn the ignition back to the off position the dashboard does light up. Could this be a problem with the ignition switch or something in the dashboard wiring?

 

Sounds like you need to do a little more analysis to determine the cause. Have you tried cycling the switch multiple times to see if the dash lights come on? If so, you can try to clean the inside of the switch with electrical contact cleaner, just force the gap on the switch open a little and spray in then cycle the switch for a while. But, that is a temp fix if it works.

The switch does go out, and its not real cheap. freadbeans.com has it for about $160. Its not real easy to change, but can be done. I would hate to think what it would cost to take it to a dealer, they will take the steering wheel off to ge to the switch (the proper way to do it).

Also, do the parking lights come on? Or are they off as well? The rear lights? How does the swicth feel, is is loose or is it crisp? The more info you can supply the better chance you can get the correct answer.

 

The rear running and parking lights do not turn on when the headlights are on. (The brake lights still work.) I haven't noticed any change in the crispness of the switch. Is the dashboard lighting and exterior running lights controlled by the same fuse or circuit. Also, my horn doesn't work either.

 

Check your fuses and also check with a volt/ohm meter.

 

I have what sounds like the same issue with my 2002 z06. It started about a week ago I noticed that the cluster, radio buttons, climate control buttons and pwr window/door lock buttons did not illuminate when the headlights were on but came back up when I turn off the ignition. Then 2 days ago I was told by someone on the road that my taillights were out.

So far I have checked all fuses, they are all fine. I played around with the rheostat for the interior lighting on the HUD control and the headlight switches, but always the same. The rear markers and tail lights are out when driving, but reverse, brake lights and rear turn signals still work fine. Any help on this would be much appreciated as I am running out of ideas.

 

I'm definaltely no expert. Your horn not working could mean another issue is causing your problem, or it may not be related, I don't know and have not had that issue. But, I would think about having an experienced person look at it.

The multifunction switch (head lights/ turn signal) for the head lights wearing out can lead to the other issues you state. If it turns very smoothly, it may not be working, it should have definate stops to its action. The driving/parking lights and gauge lights are both controled by it. However, your horn is NOT. The multifunction switch is a little tricky to replace, you may want to have a dealer do it as it is pretty easy to break the trim pieces on the steering colum, dont ask how I know that :o

Good luck

 

Oh, I forgot to state that my horn works fine. There are definite stops when using the multifunction switch that controls the lights but you are right that everything malfunctioning is tied to this one switch.

 

Sounds like the multifunction switch is hooped, if the headlights work but the tail, fog, instrumentation and marker lights don't it's probably the case. Turn on your twilight function, it's the first option on the DIC and when it gets a little dark out all things will work fine. It's kinda a PITA but it will get you by until you can replace or repair the multi-switch. Good luck.

 

I have the same problem. 2000 C5. It used to be that if I played with the switch, it would eventually come on. Now, it doesn't turn on at all. My headlights are one. Tail lamps -- NO. Brakes, back-ups are fine.

If anyone has any detailed description on how to replace what is not working, I would appreciate it!

 

Well, I took the C5 into the dealer to get everything fixed. The horn didn't work because the horn relay needed to be replaced. The dashboard lights and rear running lights not working were due to a bad multifunction switch. Having the switch replaced was the bulk of the work with the total bill coming to $710 . I have to learn how to do this stuff myself and save some money.

 

Ouch, that's what I was afraid of. I have the new multifunction switch which ran me about $165 and took off all the trim pieces around the steering column to confirm that I do indeed need to remove the entire steering wheel to replace the switch

If I actually do end up performing the install myself I'll post back here with any valuable information I learn from the process.

 

1. remove the two screw on the knee pad under (Torx head screw).
2. use a thin screw driver to lift the small panel out around the trunk release switch and disconnect the switch connector..remove the screw behind the trunk release switch panel.
3. lift the small (vent looking) panel next to the ignition switch and remove the screw behind it.
4. Pull the knee pad panel out...there is a couple of spring load clips (friction fastener) holding the panel in on the left side of the panel.

5. Remove the two torx head screw under the the cover for the steering column just below the steering wheel.

6. Split the top and bottom section of this cover and remove the bottom cover. (Top and bottom covers at jointed at the base with small hooks on each side). The top cover would not be removable yet.

7. Remove the two Torx screws (silver in color...this is extended out verse the indentation you have on normal screw head...if you don't have a socket for torx, try using a small hex socket) from underneath...they hold the top half of the cover. Then remove the top cover.

8. Remove one top screw on the top part of the steering holding the turn signal switch. The second one faces you on your lower left when you are sitting in the car...try turning the steering wheel to the left so the flat part of the airbag is on the left for easier access. THIS SCREW IS KIND OF TRICKY...DON't STRIP THE TORX HEAD!!! I didn't have the right tool so I use a Torx head socket and use a slip joint plier to turn it slowly....I think it is best if you have a torx head that is the right size (25) that fits into one of those multifunction screw driver head is best then you can use an rachett box wrench or an open wrench to turn it. Loosing this is remove all the way by fingers (this is the most time consuming part). Replace switch by attaching the two screws back then swap the two connectors with the old/bad switch....

9. Reinstall the rest in reverse order....If you have the right tool for the last torx screw...you should be able to do this in less than 30 minutes.

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Again. I did not write these. The person that did ROCKS! Were ever you are

 

Those instructions are perfect. I wish they were posted up before I did the install myself. The only thing I did different was to get a 1/4" wrench to turn the #25 torx bit to avoid stripping the bolt/damaging the bit. By fashioning a makeshift tool for that one bolt you can avoid removing the steering wheel as is the method recommended by the shop manuals.