Headlights on/off problem, not switch

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Wed 22 Sep 2004 13:27
Headlights on/off problem, not switch - Ellis
Afternoon all,

I have a 95 Cavalier, I noticed that I had turned my headlights on at the switch but no beam, sidelights on though, through trial and error I found that lightly pushing the indicator stalk up or down, not even enough to put the indicator light on, would put the headlights on. This works for a short period and then they go off resulting in a light touch on the indicator stalk again. Can the stalk be replaced as a unit as in earlier models is this likely to reolve the problem, any other ideas? Needless to say No.1 son won't be "driving/hanging off the indicator stalk" anytime soon.

Thanks

Ellis
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Wed 22 Sep 2004 13:38
Headlights on/off problem, not switch - Dynamic Dave
Yes, the indicator stalk is replaceable as a unit. Remove the steering cowling, (which comes apart in two halves), by turning steering wheel 90 degrees to access one of the fixing screws, then turn 90 degrees the other way to access the other one, then undo two or three screws underneath, and also remove the rubber ring from around the ignition switch. Depending on whether you've got tilt adjust on the steering wheel, you'll need to undo the lever as well. The switch is easliy removed by squeezing the plastic lugs on either side of it and then unclipping the connecting block.

What has probably happened is the contacts for the high/low beam inside the stalk are either dirty, or the plastic surround has melted due to a high resistance joint and separated the electrical contacts.
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Thu 23 Sep 2004 20:01
Headlights on/off problem, not switch - DL
Common problem Dave - I've done two Vauxhall stalks over the last month, that gave exactly the same symptoms.

Also common on F*rds, too.
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