Headlight Dimmer Switch Adjustment Gbody How To

CLASSIC G-BODY GARAGE is your official Automotive G-Spot for ALL 78-88 G-Body cars including: Cutlass, Malibu, El Camino, Caballero, Grand Prix, Regal, Monte Carlo and Bonneville. Whether your a G-Body owner or want to own, have questions or problems with your G-Body, this is your outlet! Enjoy this group as you enjoy your G-Body!
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[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

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[@1028loscaddy]

I finally replace the switch and now I have low and hi

[@codemang87]

The other video on this wanted me to tear apart my entire steering column to do this. Haynes manual had nothing. You saved me a headache. Thank you.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Thanks for your support!

[@cedwards488]

Exactly the problem with my son's car . I'm really happy to have found your channel. Thank you!!

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

You are so welcome!

[@jamesbarkdoll1559]

Thanks! wish I'd watched this video 6 hours ago. LOL! Did alot of unesssisary work before I found you. This is a go to easy to understand site!! Thanks again!

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Thank you and glad you found me.

[@larryalvarado6694]

I followed your video and helped me solve problem for 1982 Camaro. Luckily did not have to remove the bracket under steering column-used 8 mm ratchet wrench. Great job and very well done-I will follow and search your videos.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Thank you and glad my video helped!

[@StainedWSin]

Thank you so much for the tip. With out it I wouldn't have been able to get my C/10 inspected after a long build getting it back on the road all came down to your tip to recalibrat the switch mount, cant thank you enough!!! THANK YOU

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

glad it helped you out!

[@michaelcampos9407]

Having an issue with my headlights not turning on having to do with the high beam switch , this might be the fix

[@dee1380]

I have a 1980 Pontiac Bonneville with this issue, I went searched & found the switch, just wiggled it, wah-lah!!! Hi-Beams!!! My father, who iz sellin it to me thought it was the bulbs. Tomorrow I have to do exactly what u did, adjust it, should b good to go.

[@carp8ntnman]

Thanks so much for the video ,Had the same problem with my el camino ,no highbeams, and your video helped me fix it ... Thanks again....

[@robertboydston3787]

Perfect video. Exactly what I was looking for

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@bartprice3439]

Someone wrote a great 9 page manual on the GM tilt steering column. It's on Wiki. Google "Inside GM tilt steering column" to find it. FYI, in case you are wondering why this GM steering column switches & rods & wiring are such a pain to repair, well, it is very expensive to design, test and certify as crash worthy & safe a new steering column design. So GM simply used a old Saginaw proven design and tacked on newer, cosmetically fancier features as needed. They saved many millions of dollars and many crash test dummie's live's by doing so. Plus, government regulations specify standard switch sizes, shapes and locations on a vehicles steering column, just like clutch, brake and throttle positions, so manufacture's designs really are limited by the regulations. Unfortunately, many mechanics necks have been injured as a result.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Thanks for the info!

[@1028loscaddy]

Thank you for your video I've been having this problem for a while, I going to try to adjust tomorrow very helpful and you explain it very well

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Awesome thanks for watching!

[@1028loscaddy]

I finally replace the switch on it and now I have low and high beams on my car thx again.

[@rapidride2]

Thanks. I had to make this adjustment after dismantling and making some repairs to my steering column.

[@jameshengl5230]

Great how to video Brain. Cant wait for more video's.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

+James Hengl they are coming....

[@tmike8555]

That's some very useful knowledge thanks for these incredible videos

[@_Boxcar_]

thank you thank you thank you. could not find anything on this and now I know. cheers buddy

[@oberurselts]

Replaced the dimmer switch on 87 Monte Carlo SS but while I was able to remove both screws for the switch, the rear screw was a pain to remove and I was not able to reinstall the rear screw but no matter, the switch is fully operable with on the front screw.

[@tdkeyes1]

Succinct and to the point. Good Video.

[@kaluacrow8057]

Extremely helpful. I have a 1953 Pontiac Chieftain that was clipped with a 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass and the steering column as well. I've slowly been piecing together and fixing the column. At this point the last thing I need to do is fix the high beam and have it connected and working. I'm debating on two things: 1) Keep and use the high beam switch from the Oldsmobile steering column and splice in the high beam indicator light in the dash or 2) rewire the high beams to trigger from the original floor mount clicker style. I was wondering if you had any wiring diagrams for the G body. I am confident that I can do the wiring but need to figure out which would be the easier and smarter choice. The wiring harness in the car is from the Oldsmobile. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated, thank you!

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Glad you thought my video was helpful. You can pull 80's GM wire diagrams from your local libraries. Any would work because they all used the same column design.

[@Lee_Van_Cleef.]

you are the MAN!!!!!!!!!

[@fiber9m]

loving the new intro

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

+fiber9m Thanks! Me too!

[@driller524]

Great video. Thank you sir

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Glad you liked it

[@briangray7614]

Nice tutorial!

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Thanks!

[@hiddenman99]

Was trying to add a "Flash to Pass" button on my early gbody. Looking for an easy place to tap into the Green high beam wire. Your vid gave me some ideas for sure. But do you thing lowering the column is necessary to just see the switch and follow the high beam wire? Thanx either way!!!

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

You can get to the wires without lowering the column.

[@hiddenman99]

I knew you would know for sure. Love what you are doing. I envy that garage you built by the way!!!thanks

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Thanks!

[@kevinfaherty9887]

I believe that's what is needed in my M1009

[@JesusDiaz-od5cu]

That was so helpful 10/10

[@jmrramirez1]

I have a 80 Cadillac deville with columm type does what you did work on mine as well

[@homergarcia2966]

thanks #ClassicG-BodyGarage you help me a lot

[@brgplxdfkuhecnxde1613]

How where you able to get your hand deep enough into the dash to loosen the far bolt?

[@kd6aaj]

I have a 94 Suburban with a switch like this. Am I supposed to be able to momentarily flash the head lights by pulling it back without making it click (not switch to high-beam)? Every car I've had before I was able to flash my headlights that way, even with the headlights off. I was surprised I can't do it now with this vehicle.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

This is how older GM vehicle are. There is no "Flash to Pass" option. It's either on or off with the high beams

[@dannyflemings864]

Really like the video thank you. I've got a 81 Corvette trying to figure out how to replace the dimmer switch on it will the same philosophy work

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Yes they have the same style column

[@dannyflemings864]

@@ClassicGBodyGarage thank you I really appreciate you answering back to me I'm not really even sure what my problem is with my vet all of a sudden all four headlights went out including the brights and the rear tail lights the vacuum works the headlights will pop up and down but there's no headlights and no tail lights all of a sudden

[@san379]

liked n commented and facebooked to other g body fans

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

+san379 Thanks!

[@carr7640]

Great video on my 80 el Camino the switch quit clicking ,and gets stuck when I turn the brights on . I will definitely check the switch .

[@raiderscorpio5629]

I have a 81 monte carlo , every single light works except for the headlights , all 4 dont turn on . Would replacing the dimmer switch fix my issue?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

check your grounds at the core support.

[@jimmycowart415]

Thanks the adj worked

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

No problem 👍

[@dnc3251]

Thanks for the advice brother. For some reason, i think my rod for my brights is short. it barely pokes past where that metal brace is. is there something it should be connected to? hope i dont have to replace my column

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

it is not short, something is wrong then. Need to make sure it is in the right place and the switch is adjusted correctly.

[@j.g.1351]

What if the rod is detached from the lever? I know the switch is bad because it doesnt do anything, but the lever doesnt move. How do i get the trim off where the tilt column lever is at?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

You need to pull the column apart starting at the steering wheel. The entire collar must be removed.

[@jolynedrover1768]

I just bought a 1981 Malibu "Iraqi Taxi" with a 229 V6 and a 3 speed, was wondering if there was a 5 speed made that would bolt to my bellhousing? Thanks in advance.

[@robertfutch733]

Very helpful

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Glad it helped

[@grumpyareus]

how hard is it to swap a 231 v6 for a olds 455. I heard you have to modify the mounts on the frame. can't you take the motor and frames mounts out of the donner. I have a 84 olds or should i keep the v6. there is an easy way put a buick 350 in it

[@hugojauregui3114]

nice video hi my name is hugo i have a1982 buick regal my head light wont turn on everything works but not my head lights i had a small short and i cant find the source i traced everything and i dont see fuses or brakers or a silinoid

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

The plug ends at the headlights get very dirty and tend to not work. Make sure you ahve power at the plug end.

[@wallygwitt8005]

I understand how to test the switch works now, but mhy headlight shut off when I turn on the bright's and I don't know what's wrong.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Check all plugs at the lights.

[@jgjays6525]

Thanks budd!!

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Any time!

[@khrisschools8340]

Thanks a lot

[@RobHVAC]

Great vid. I miss the old intro music.

[@michaelsanchez4517]

So I got a 1985 Monte Carlo ss and the brightness switch won’t click nor will the light switch when I pull it back will turn on what do I do ?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Sounds like 2 possible problems or the bright switch on the column is causing the lights not to come on. Sort the brights switch first and go from there.

[@michaelsanchez4517]

Classic GBody Garage thanks a lot man

[@cutdawgshorty5738]

Hey Bryan my issue is I only have Brite lights when I turn Dem on wat to do to have regular lights I have a 84 Cutlass supreme

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Check the bulbs or plugs at the bulbs first. I have had times where the either the bulbs them selves or connections at the bulbs are all corroded. Very common. I cover stuff like this on the Classic Gbody Garage Instagram page.

[@akoo85booker22]

How do u slide the wiper stalk out do i need to take the bracket off from the bottom

[@jameshengl5230]

Are you going to try and start the 78 calais /ratless again?

[@fallguy72]

great video!

[@johnmcgowan9662]

When I turn on my headlights on it makes a high pitch humming, does anyone know what that could be?

[@MotivationnoitavitoM]

I got a 1983 chevy monte carlo what's up with the Barometric Pressure Sensor in the cab behind the glove compartment. Does it connect to a vacuum line.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

+Nevatear-Souls Yes one of the plastic lines off of the engine but you will want to find a diagram for it found in a service manual.

[@shi-boegerald3856]

Can you tell me the color code of the wires for switch.

[@davyguerenne1439]

Hi, on my 85 gp, high beams works but go out a few seconds later. Is the dimmer switch or headlight switch? Thanks.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Dimmer switch might be on its way out.

[@dnc3251]

Is it difficult to get that sleeve off without breaking it? I know they don't make many parts for the 1993 Buick Roadmaster anymore so i wanted to be as careful as possible.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

What sleeve? And yes you should be careful with any older car when working on it.

[@douglassutherland9527]

Hello, I have a 1982 Cutlass Supreme, I have 4 new & functioning headlight bulbs when using a power-probe. When all the factory wire harnesses are connected to the bulbs, only the outside lights will fire up. When the high beam column stalk is triggered, I have power at the factory light sockets, i do have 11.4 volts and a good working ground. the inner high beams still won't light up. But do work when unplugged and triggered by the power probe.. Any idea's are appreciated

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

+Douglas Sutherland have you checked resistance at your switch?

[@christopheryanoski6899]

hello. i have an 83 pontiac 6000 ste and i was wondering if this is the same procedure for high beams that do not turn off. i can get them off but i have to keep playing with the lever until they turn off.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Yeah same column design

[@esaugalindo4733]

can you hep me out with my 85 Buick. My instrument panel lights not working. I changed the fuse, I changed the headlight switch and dimmer switch and can not figure why they are not working. all interior light work, head lights work. any help will be greatly appreciated

[@davidgonzales278]

The circuit board behind dash is no good. Good luck getting it done👍

[@dnc3251]

My lever doesn't seem to have that bar to even activate the brights. Would a new dimmer switch come with that rod or am I stuck to the junkyards

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Switch doesn't come with the rod.

[@dnc3251]

@@ClassicGBodyGarage got it fixed boss. Theres a plastic cover that keeps the bar and actuator covered. Is there a way to lock it in? Everytime I try to hit the brights, it tries to pop that plastic cover off.

[@BrandonSolid]

My high beams work. The low beams dont work at all unless i have on the high beams. 85 MONTE CARLO SS

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Dirty plugs at the headlights

[@BrandonSolid]

@@ClassicGBodyGarage thanks i fixed it yesterday. My problem now is that my turn signals only work when headlights are off. I put a new headlamp switch in.

[@84Chevy_08]

any videos on flickering headlights

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

check connections

[@pablofiscal819]

Marquavious Robinson did you ever find out what it was man

[@forterierocks]

On my 88 Chevy 1500 work truck when I turn on the signal to go left it does not click and shut off when the steering wheel straightens out? Right turns are fine!

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

+Derek Joon Broken spring on the turn signal assembly inside the column. Or your blinker fluid is low.

[@Nicojust439]

Hi! So my lo beams work, however when I pull the high beam lever the head lights go out totally. Pull it again the lo beams go back on. Any ideas?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

make sure the high bulbs work or at least getting power to the plugs. the switch might be bad

[@mikebrown788]

Great info, but what if it works as it should, but the headlights go out when the high beams are on, or flicker off and on?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Make sure the headlights are getting power when the brights are on. If they are not getting power then the high beam switch might be bad.

[@mikebrown788]

@@ClassicGBodyGarage they turn on, but they turn off. It is very erratic, they can stay on for a few seconds or for several minutes before they shut off.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Losing power through the headlight switch or the high beam switch. Check all connections at the lights and grounds at the headlight hardness at the core support.

[@mikebrown788]

@@ClassicGBodyGarage will do, thank you for your assistance. I will let you know what we find.

[@poeki8891]

Hi I have a 1981 Cutlass Supreme, my signal switch is just there doesn't click back and forth there is no tension in the light switch could it be the blinker cluster inside the steering wheel?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

The turn signal plastics inside the column probably broken. They can be replaced but you have to pull the column part.

[@demyris2003]

Have a 79 delta 88 and headlights stopped working. Replaced headlight switch check the fuses, no luck

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Need to trace wires and find out what is and isn't getting power.

[@lsamaligod9744]

hey Brain! I been following you on Instagram for quite a while & always check out your videos on here which are very helpful but I ran into a headlight switch & connector burn out & melt issue a few weeks ago, so I replaced the switch & connector and my park lights come on all around but my low & high beams don’t come back on at all, i haven’t tried replacing the dimmer switch under the column because it clicks on & off as it should but is there a possibility the actual electrical part of the dimmer switch is bad & that’s what’s not allowing my lows or highs to come back on like normal? any advice would be greatly appreciated bro! keep up the great work & have a blessed Christmas 🎄

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Yeah it sounds like the dimmer switch went bad. Hope you had a great christmas and happy new year! Thanks for your support!

[@lsamaligod9744]

@@ClassicGBodyGarage Christmas was great! Thanks a lot for the response about it might being the dimmer switch so I went on ahead & replaced it and again “NO” action with the low & high beam lights! smh 🤦🏻‍♂️ I now replaced all 3 parts with no luck, I’m stuck now wondering what to try next? I went & got another headlight switch & connector which this time are both “ACDELCO” original parts maybe I might have a better chance at my headlamps cutting back on! other then trying those 2 parts back out any other ideas I can try to find out what the problem can be bro? Any suggestions would be so greatly appreciated bro as I’m stuck driving at night sometimes with only my park lights on, very dangerous!

[@jonathanmathews2949]

Hey I have a 82 monte the headlights and tail lights stopped working I have a new headlight switch and dimmer switch on the column thanks

[@32Mark_]

Jonathan Mathews yu figured out wat the problem was ?

[@robs_garage0278]

I have a problem with my 1980 elcamino the front turning signals when i put on my headlights the hazards will stay solid and when i come to the front the park lights won't turn on just the headlights

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

have ground issues it sounds like

[@robs_garage0278]

@@ClassicGBodyGarage found the problem its bad bulb sockets had to replace all 4

[@seangibson1404]

i am currently working on an 87 full size chevy blazer and am having headlight problems. they randomly turn on and off whether the vehicle is running or not. i have to have the headlights turned on but it can occur as soon as i turn the headlights on or it has taken as long as 45 minutes to start flickering on and off with no pattern. i have checked all of my wiring connections and grounds to make sure this is not a shorting problem. some people say that the headlight dimmer switch in the steering column has been the source of this type of problem, but I have not gotten a response from anyone that claims this to be the issue. any help would be greatly appreciated. my high/low beams do switch when i use the bright/ dim switch

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Did you replace the headlight switch itself?

[@ronwalker6496]

Thanks bro

[@ericmason2112]

What make your bright headlight blink on and off

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

a bad switch most likely

[@nogarage4473]

I actually have the reverse problem. Low beams don't come on, High beams do. . after the swap over to the 305 the mechanic also wired in a new harness. After watching this video, it's either I am confusing the operation of the lights IE; just need to go out and pull the Turn Signal lever toward me and see if what I have on is high or low beam. However on the 81' Malibu the Headlight switch itself is a pull lever 2 stage. . . Most likely Scenario, I have the "how to operate the High beams confused". Probably going to bang my head if that's the case.

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

The headlight harness and engine harness are separate so not sure why your mechanic would have messed with the headlight harness. Yes they both go into the same bulk head but they are separate completely. The plugs at the headlights usually get corroded so check that as well.

[@anonymousfire4593]

hey can you help me with 1984 Dodge d100 Custom Prospector? my headlights don't come on but keep in mind that i don't have the keys in, should i have them in?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Headlights should come on even without the keys so start checking your power source.

[@anonymousfire4593]

Classic G-Body Garage thanks

[@jimf4756]

The rod from the turn signal arm to the headlight dimmer switch has disconnected on my car. Pull on the turn signal arm and there isn't any connection. I can see the rod connected to the dimmer switch so it must not be connected at the turn signal arm. How do I go about getting that rod back in place?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Remove the dimmer switch like I do in the video and see if the rod moves as you move the arm. If it came off on top then you may have broken parts inside the column which would cause it to come off up top.

[@jimf4756]

Thanks for the reply. I tried removing the switch as you suggested and then pulled on the arm but the rod didn't move. Might be time to either replace the steering column or put in a old school switch on the floor.

[@malcriado06]

awesome thanks!!!!!

[@jwalt8902]

Are you going to try to repair the sunroof before selling

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

+J Walt I pulled the headliner fabric down and found the manual opener access hole was covered so I am going to try to manually open it and great the tracks, see what happens. Been filming a lot so much more to come!

[@drewandjeffers5695]

Chrysler minivans have that until 1990.

[@tutech13]

Same procedure if I only get high beams?..I can't get to my low beams

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Yes might be stuck on high

[@nate1234596]

Thannnnnnnnkkkkkkkkk you

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

WEEEELLLCOMMMEE :-)

[@harrisparks9760]

Oh please please please let this be the solution I need

[@GOMEZJ76]

+classic G-body garrage I sent you a message yesterday. did you get it?

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

+joaquin gomez just saw it and will reply, thanks for writing.

[@84Chevy_08]

my bright lights are on cant turn the dim lights on

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

Switch is stuck.

[@jameshengl5230]

Brain check your messages. I pm you about 5 minutes ago.

[@GOMEZJ76]

first...

[@san379]

i think they have the same in a jeep yj from the 80s too.. check out this jeep and i noticed its the same.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2Sro5RsrKutoKM

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

+san379 Yes Jeep/AMC is the same