headlight problems = switch?

I have a '98 suburban that has a problem with headlight "switching".
The headlights come on in the parking light(middle) setting but go out on the main headlight setting.
No highbeams either.
What is the cause and repair for this problem?
Thanks!

I have a '98 suburban that has a problem with headlight "switching".
The headlights come on in the parking light(middle) setting but go out on the main headlight setting.
No highbeams either.
What is the cause and repair for this problem?
Thanks!

Do you have DRL's(Daytime Running Lamps)? If yes, there's other things to consider, if no I would suspect the light switch itself. Sound as if the switch contacts are busted and not sending the power to the proper place. Let us know..........Steve

Yes, the vehicle has the DRL's.

Do the DRL's come on with the light switch off, parking brake off and key in the run position? With the key off what lights come on with light switch on? Power for the lights comes from fuse #8 50a lighting in the Underhood fuse block. From there to the light switch then to the DRL module and back out to the dimmer switch. From the dimmer switch the lows go thru the DRL relay and the hi's go direct to the headlamp. Lots of posts on the dimmer switch or "multi function" switch being the problem. Also some posts on the yellow feed wire comming loose from the dimmer switch. Let us know on the 2 questions and we'll try and figure it out........Steve

the DRL's are on with the switch in the off position, key on.

also will add that the high-beam switch won't activate the high-beam headlights either when the regular lights are on, with the switch in the "P-lights" position.
No high or low beams in the headlight position.
crazy isn't it.

The best way to find out if the headlight switch is good is to see if you have power coming out of the switch in the on position with a test light. If the switch is good then replace the multi-function switch in the column. Use a manual for a reference on the wiring.

Had a peculiar instance with my headlights on my '96 Silverado somewhat similiar to your problem. I had no headlights, but had parking lights all around, turn signals, brake lights, etc with the switch all the way on. Had the same thing when it was set to parking lights only. Tried the dimmer switch to toggle between highs and lows, but didn't get anything. Checked all fuses and ended up taking it to the dealership after I tried a new headlight switch and that didn't fix it. Turned out to be the "combination switch" which is just a fancy Chevy term for turn signal switch. They call it the combination switch because it controls the turn signals, high and low beams, windshield wipers, and cruise control. The part from Oreilly's cost about $180 vs. the dealership who wants $300 for the part alone before labor. I let the dealership replace it because they have to remove the steering wheel and disable the airbag to change it out.

So, if all else fails, you might want to check out the combination switch. Try seeing if you can even get the high beams to come on when the switch is on. That might help you narrow it down.

Hope this helps. This one had me baffled.

When in the light on position wiggle the switch from side to side and push in on it and see if the dash lights come on.