2000 Regal Headlight Problem

Recently, my 2000 Regal started having a problem with the headlights (low and high beams both). When I move the tilt wheel, the headlights go out. If I move the wheel to the top position, they'd come back on. It got progressively worse where I had to move the steering wheel several times before they would pop back on. Occassionally, clicking the dimmer switch would also make them come back on. It continued to worsen to now the headlights do not come on at all, inspite of all the tilt wheel moves and dimmer switch clicks. The flash-to-pass will bring on the brights and that is how I had to drive into work tonight. Bulbs have been replaced.

Any ideas? You all have been very helpful to me in the past.

Is there a way to rig it so that they come on manually (overriding the automatic system) ??

Thank you in advance,

Rich
Dubble6s

If the tilt column movement would bring the lights on it sounds like you have either a loose wire or bad ground in the column itself. If you know how to disassemble the upper part of the column safely then pull it apart and see if you can find the problem. Remember you will need to disable the airbag system before beginning. If you are not familiar with the system take it to a dealer or mechanic for repair.

i'd say in your switch because i got same problem with my moms car i gota replace it..you can try tightning it up if it is loose...good luck...


scrapper....

In most cases unless you see a broken or damaged wire visually in the multifunction switch harness where it runs down the left hand side of the steering column it will require replacement of the complete multifunction switch assembly.

The switch is very easy to access and inspect without removing the airbag assembly and steering wheel. Either pull the battery negative cable or airbag fuse for safety.

I just did one in my '99 Regal LS a few weeks ago. Total time was 1 hour. Found the multifunction switch off a '01 Regal at the boneyard for $65.00. The aftermarket and GM/AC Delco ones are expensive at $200 and up.

This tech procedure works like a champ.

Click here (http://www.clubgp.com/cgi-asp/mods.asp?modid=141)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/mfs.jpg

In most cases unless you see a broken or damaged wire visually in the multifunction switch harness where it runs down the left hand side of the steering column it will require replacement of the complete multifunction switch assembly.

The switch is very easy to access and inspect without removing the airbag assembly and steering wheel. Either pull the battery negative cable or airbag fuse for safety.

I just did one in my '99 Regal LS a few weeks ago. Total time was 1 hour. Found the multifunction switch off a '01 Regal at the boneyard for $65.00. The aftermarket and GM/AC Delco ones are expensive at $200 and up.

This tech procedure works like a champ.

Click here (http://www.clubgp.com/cgi-asp/mods.asp?modid=141)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/mfs.jpg



The procedure worked like a charm. A new aftermarket part was $228 from Advanced Auto Parts. Works great, just like new again. The Buick dealer down here wanted $450 for a GM Delco. I could not find a used one in my area.

A couple of footnotes if I may as it pertains to a 2000 Regal:

The tilt wheel knob needs to come off. It just slides out. There is no screw holding it in or anything. It just slides in and out and there is a small clip there to hold it in its place on the column.

Remember, with the key in the ignition and the battery disconnected (on cars with PASSKEY), you will not be able to remove the key. Best to take the rest of the keys away and leave just the ignition key in because you have to fish it through the hole in the top cover when taking it off and putting it back on. As soon as you reconnect the battery, everything goes back to normal.

I think thats it. Thanks everyone for all the help!

Rich
dubble6s

The procedure worked like a charm. A new aftermarket part was $228 from Advanced Auto Parts. Works great, just like new again. The Buick dealer down here wanted $450 for a GM Delco. I could not find a used one in my area.

A couple of footnotes if I may as it pertains to a 2000 Regal:

The tilt wheel knob needs to come off. It just slides out. There is no screw holding it in or anything. It just slides in and out and there is a small clip there to hold it in its place on the column.

Remember, with the key in the ignition and the battery disconnected (on cars with PASSKEY), you will not be able to remove the key. Best to take the rest of the keys away and leave just the ignition key in because you have to fish it through the hole in the top cover when taking it off and putting it back on. As soon as you reconnect the battery, everything goes back to normal.

I think thats it. Thanks everyone for all the help!

Rich
dubble6s


Thanks for the feedback. Yeah the procedure omitted the tilt knob but I recall removing mine. Just a small flat blade screwdriver with a twist to the right on the retaining clip and off it comes. But the tilt knob should be removed in order to get the lower steering column cover off and it is applicable to all '97 - '04 Regals either LS or GS.

I left my battery connected and removed the airbag fuse. The biggest thing was figuring out how to get the two MFS connectors separated from the ignition switch connector after removing the 7mm nut. But common sense comes in handy when DIY. But my back was out of shape for about a day.

Plus the dealers want a couple of hundred dollars for labor so the labor cost savings makes the job DIY worth it. Good luck.