2002 Buick Century Auto Headlights going off

[Marenoc]

I own a 2002 Buick Century, and just recently a few times when my wife has been driving in the dark, the headlights take it upon themselves to just shut off spontaniously. Turning the headlight knob on, then off, does nothing, but luckily flicking on the brights, then off again causes the headlights to come back on. Anyone know what might be causing this, and how I might find a fix? Thanks a bunch if you can help.....

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

It is possible you have worn out contacts in the multifunction switch which is the stalk used to control the low/high beams. Do you have any other functions or accessories not working properly?

[Marenoc]

Thank you for your response. There seems to be no other things functioning improperly. Also, from what my wife and I can gather, it is only happening when the brights are on - as soon as they are clicked off, the lights come back on. I also noticed that just before one of the times that it happened, they headlights flickered for a moment before going out, but came right back on without problem after I clicked off the brights. Any thought would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

[BNaylor]

To start check the battery and charging system out. If that is good then you may have the classic bad ignition switch and harness assembly.

Also, the battery positive and negative cables to include the battery terminals.

[srobinsn]

I have this exact same problem, What did you do to fix it?

[nate85]

Ok i have an 02 as well i had the same problem i dealt with it until finally they stopped working all together went searching it was my multifunction switch the contacts were fried i suggest lookin around it is very expensive and hard to do yourself it involves removal of the steering column to do it the right way well i didnt do it that way just kinda cut some of the plastic around the tilt lever but still had to remove alot of the dash and had to do a lot of work i found it at a scrap yard for 125 so keep that in mind when you go to the auto parts store (some were 500+) yikes and this one was new and still in the box so they are cheaper just call around

[gb706]

My 2002 Buick Century does the same thing. At this time I can pull in on the lever slightly and the brights will come on but I have to hold the lever in to keep them on. Then when I release the lever they go back to low beams. If I pull all the way in like normal the headlights go completely off till I click back to low beams. Repair shop told me the part would be $300 so am just dealing with it as long as possible.