1996 Aurora Strange Problem

[scoopjl]

When I turn the ignition off and open the driver door, the security light comes on along with the chiming bell. When the door is closed the light and bell goes off. The problem is that the headlights will not turn off. The only way is to disconnect the battery. Help. I can't find anything in the manual about this or in any forums anywhere.

[bigpun]

there is a timer on your lights and as for the security light coming on it is supposed to do that shitface

[scoopjl]

Originally Posted by bigpun

there is a timer on your lights and as for the security light coming on it is supposed to do that shitface

nice language. this answer shows you don't know what you are taking about.

[tjm]

I had a similar "headlights won't turn off" issue when I first baught my Aurora. The dealer had it for a week and returned it to me with the same problem returning a few days later. (I was disconnecting the headlights under the dash) Turns out that whenever I used the tilt wheel things got better or worse. I told then to replace the headlight switch and associated wiring and the prob was gone.

[bigpun]

i dont know what i am talking about talking not taking talking l l l talk talll lll keep that in mind buddy

[semisendiz]

I had the same problem, and had to do the same: connect and disconnect every time. That is, unitl went to dealer for a diagnostic; turned out to be the headlamp switch (at the steering wheel), they said it would cost about $600 to fix. That's when I decided to go to the junk yard, buy a used steering column from a 1995 for $125 (they would not sell the switch only) and changed it myself. Worked perfectly. Now, I'm working on a couple more problems to fix.

[jim56]

Originally Posted by bigpun

i dont know what i am talking about talking not taking talking l l l talk talll lll keep that in mind buddy

Cant they ban this idiot?

[RobertHammen]

I had the same issue. The problem is too much grease on the multi-function switch. You can try taking it apart and cleaning it, or you can just get a new/used switch (it's not cheap). Other symptoms include a relay going "click-click-click-click" all of the time (this killed my battery on my '98 when this happened)...

--Robert

[thumpin455]

Yes I too can confirm that the multifunction headlight switch is what makes the headlights randomly flash back on and off after the car is turned off. The relays inside the Lamp Control Module box located under the left side of the dash will also make a random click noise that coincides with the random flashing of the lights. In my case and most others, you will find that the Lamp Control Module is not the problem and niether is the twilight sentinel adjustment control. Again, the multifunction switch seems to be the common culprit. I did a search here and on a couple of the other Aurora forums and everyone seemed to cure their flashing lights/stuck on syndrome by replacing the multifunction switch which cost over $500 for a dealer to do it. I also found a few posts by Hammen and others that made reference to too much grease in the rotating part of the switch where the contacts are housed. I found another post about using contact cleaner with good results and this is what I did to cure my problem today.

Pardon me for being longwinded but here is how I saved over $500 and you can do it too. You will need to gain access to the rotating contact part of the switch that is hidden under the steering wheel covers but you will not have to remove the switch in order to clean it. You will need to buy a can of electrical contact cleaner and a can of compressed air like you use for keyboards. Both can be had at Radio Shack and both come with the red extension tube that fits the spray nozzle. First move the seat all the way back, then disconnect the battery, remove the sound deadeners, remove the two 10mm bolts at bottom of knee bolster, use your fingertips to pry the sentinel/dimmer assembly and trunk/fuel door release assembly from dash (leave harnesses connected and let dangle) to expose the remaining two 10mm bolts securing knee bolster, remove knee bolster, remove 10 amp fuse for Air Bag, disconnect SIR (air bag) yellow connector at lower left corner behind ins panel, tilt wheel up, use 3/16 or 5mm nutdriver to remove 3 screws securing steering wheel top cover (note that 1 screw is accessed thru the opening for the tilt lever while the other 2 are located on either side of the column closest to the lense/guages), remove 3 more of the same small tapping screws securing the lower steering wheel cover to column, remove black ring of text around ignition lock by pulling straight out, upper and lower covers can now be unsnapped and removed. With your left ear against the mirror control looking just forward of where the stalk goes to the column, you will see 5 tiny holes in a semi-circular pattern. When turning the headlamp switch you can see the contacts moving from hole to hole. Spray contact cleaner in the holes and immediately follow up with the compressed air can to flush out the contact cleaner. Move the headlamp switch rapidly thru all the detents and repeat several times with the contact cleaner followed by several bursts of compressed air to flush out the excess cleaner and dry. When finished, wait 30 minutes to make sure contacts are thoroughly dry then reconnect battery and test. Hopefully all is well and like me you just saved some major $

[rodtice]

I had the same type of problem on a 95 Grand Am. Not wanting to buy a new switch I disassembled the switch to the very smallest spring, CAREFULL those springs in there really can cover the distance and get lost.

Emory clothed all of the corroded contacts, reassembled andrelubed with dielectric grease it has worked for the last 4 years since.

[kev's 96 Aurora]

Something odd was happening to me also..if sentinal was above the snapped "min" position (guessing it means off) sometimes my parking lights wouldn't come on...when I move it all the way to the bottom where it clicks then lights are fine exept while driving sometimes everything blinks...I may have to do the cleaning also..plus the lights come on auto when there is still quite a bit of light out with no way to shut off..no I haven't read the manual fully..if there is something I'm missing please let me know.

[chikita]

My 1996 Aurora (115k) did the wierd chime with the lights flashing and then lights not going off at all. The internet search I did brought up this website and eventually I found your posts. Using Thumpin455's very detailed instructions (wow, you are awesome) I was, to my extreme surprise, able to fix my own car. So it really does work, even for a woman. In reading the other posts, I have learned so much about my car, I think I might try to romp on it in first gear just to see what she will do!

[dsatt12]

Originally Posted by chikita

I think I might try to romp on it in first gear just to see what she will do!

Wallow around at the line line the overweight sow she is until the rpms come up and drink about 1/2 gallon of premium...

[cmand]

A HUGE "Thank You" to thumpin455 for the step by step answer to the mysterious lights going on and off problem! My 1998 Aurora had identicle problem, we followed your directions, and all is fixed! Saved a lot of money with a little elbow grease! Thanks again!!!

[radvra]

My 97 had the same problem...headlights stay on forever until you disconnect the battery. I took it to an Olds mechanic who replaced the left side switch assembly...wish I had known about this cleaning procedure...maybe next time! Part was $300+