I've been having an ongoing problem with the headlights where when they are turned on they won't come up for 10-30 seconds. No grinding or anything, they just don't do anything. A couple nights ago the lights would open, but the cluster lighting would not come on. Fiddling with the control stalk for a minute or so finally got them to come on. Last night neither the headlights nor cluster lights do anything. Pulling back on the stalk still lights up the fog lights like it should. The cluster lights come on when you pull the key. Luckily I was at home trying to diagnose the problem so I wasn't stuck anywhere with no lights.

I did a search of the forums and have found 2 likely culprits: the headlamp control module and the control stalk. I was just wondering what those of you having similar problems found the fix to be. Both parts are expensive and I'd rather not replace the wrong one. Also if anyone has the part numbers handy for those two items, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I am having similar problems with my 98 Coupe. My headlights are very temperamental when turning them on. Sometimes they will come up and sometimes I have to turn the lights on several times to get them up. Also my instrument cluster does not light. The gauges all work but no lights.

 

Having a simular problem also, but found if I switch on the headlights BEFORE turning the engine, they come on right away! Also noticed when stopped & idling the lighting from gauges, DRLs, headlights seem to flicker every 5 to 10 seconds. Need to check/clean groundpoints in engine compartment to see if that is the problem.

 

Do the headlights come on, even when they are stuck in the down position? Mine were doing this, and i found that the cause was a corroded/loose ground at the G102 splicepack (? the one aft of the passenger headlight, on the framerail, i think it's G102)... after disassembling and cleaning, they now work as they should.

Now I have a problem where the taillights, fog lamps, and cluster lights do not come on, but the headlight do...research tells me that the multifunction switch is bad...time to replace!

 

Headlights don't turn on. I decided to pick up a new signal/switch stalk. Hopefully that fixes it.

 

Let us know if changing the switch fixed your problem. Thanks.

 

Just a quick update. Replacing the switch did fix the problem.

 

Great! Glad to hear. I've still been using the twilight sentinel as a crutch until I break down and fix mine.

Where'd you pick up the switch? I know Autozone has one for $99, but I don't know whether to be skeptical about it. Was it tough to install?

Thanks for updating us on the fix!

 

Thanks for the update. I guess I will change the switch also.

 

The installation wasn't too bad. There are some parts that bring out some colorful comments along the way. On mine I had to loosen the center section to get it out of the way. Here's a quick run down (be sure to read the directions to make sure you have all the needed tools):

*Before starting be sure that the steering wheel is telescoped fully out then disconnect the battery.

1. Loosen center trim section. Follow a shifter install guide for detailed instructions to pull it loose (the shifter handle can be left on as the piece doesn't need to be fully removed). Cliff notes it's 4 nuts: 2 under plastic covers in the center console and 2 under the TC/AH panel (which just pops out). Then you have 3 torx screws to remove: one under the internal temp sensor cover (just pops off) one behind the ashtray and one by the cigarette lighter.

2. Remove the foglight/hatch switch panel. It prys off hard. There is a divot for a flathead on the bottom. Remove the torx screw behind it.

3. Remove the knee panel under the steering column. It has 2 torx screws. Now pull down to remove the panel (takes some effort).

4. Remove the 2 large torx (T20's I think) screws holding the steering column trim shell in place. Remove the rear rubber surrounds around the back of the shells. The bottom shell should come out pretty easy (it will dangle on the wires attached to it). The top you need to work it a bit to get it out. There is a tab in the center that you should press on while trying to get it out.

4. OK it's time to remove the switch. Trace the two wire looms down into the steering column and disconnect them (yeah they suck to get at and get apart). Now to get out the switch you need a small torx bit. It has to be short enough to fit between the steering wheel and the bottom bolt with room enough to get it out. The bit that came with my Craftsman set worked fine. Now get a box end wrench that will fit over the back of the bit. On mine it was 1/4" Place the torx bit into the wrench put it into the lower bolt. Be careful to press in on the bit to keep from stripping this bolt (bad). Once the bolt is removed (its very tedious) remove the top one and you're done. Reverse the steps to put it back together.

Sorry if I missed a step or a bolt. Should take about an hour to an hour and a half. Good luck.

 

Well I changed the multifunction switch and it helped with the headlight doors opening but I still have no dash lights on instrument cluster. If anyone reads this, I am open to suggestions.

 

Unless its something simple like the dimming **** turned down...the BCM commands the dash lighting via either of two methods. 1st is with the headlamps off, the BCM receives an input from the light sensor on the DIC Controller and then commands the dash lighting as needed. 2nd; When the headlamps come on though, the BCM receives its input from the dimming **** and then commands the dash lighting.