headlight dimmer switch problem

[Hark]

I have a 2000 Century with about 118,000 miles on it. My dimmer switch seems to be stripped or something. You have to keep pulling it farther forward in order to switch from brights to dim and if the steering wheel is turned even slightly the dimmer switch hits the back of the steering wheel and you can't get it to work. It doesn't click anymore you just have to keep trying until you get it to work - or not. It's gotten so freaky, that now the lights are going out when I try to switch from brights to dim or back. The last time I drove it at night the lights went out after the turn signal was used and I had to manually hold the switch forward to keep the lights on until I could wiggle it enough to get them back on. Dealership wants $450 parts plus two hours labor to replace the multi-purpose dimmer switch. Priced one at Autozone and its about $250. My husband doesn't know if he has to take off the steering wheel or what's involved to replacing it - doesn't want to trigger the airbags in the process. Has anyone had the same problem or know what's involved in replacing it.

[BNaylor]

Common problem since the multifunction switch (MFS) gets so much use or abuse. You do not have to remove the steering wheel or the airbag module. It is about a 1 hour DIY job.

Also, try EBay. I've seen aftermarket units for around $125. Or consider a pull used part from a salvage yard.

[Hark]

Thanks for the info. Doesn't sound too hard. When I first started having problems we tried to find one at a junkyard with no luck. The only place that had one wanted me to buy the entire steering wheel, he wouldn't just sell me the multi-purpose switch. I suppose it might be worth a try to look again, but I kind of figured a used one might have the same problems. I tend to drive my vehicles until they have 200,000 miles on them, so I'm willing to pay the $250 to fix the problem for sure.

[BNaylor]

Best thing to do is shop around for the best price. The procedure in the link below will give you an idea of the work involved. For a Regal but the process is similar.

Click here

[dugan50]

I agree with BNaylor on everything mentioned. The only thing you will need to be aware of is the horn contact on the MFS. That little spring contact needs to go under the horn cancel cam when you install the new switch. If you force it and bend it, you will ruin the new switch!. It is spring loaded. You should depress it when you position the new switch into place.
Aside from that, it's a fairly easy job

[BNaylor]

Good point Douglas and I agree if that spring loaded pin is not indexed properly it will give you a whole bunch of headaches. I learned that the hard way on an Olds Alero MFS but was able to correct the issue. Much poorer design than the one on the Century and Regals though. It is a bummer having it all back together and finding out the horn will not blow.

[Hark]

Okay - my husband finally tried to install the dimmer switch and he says he can't do it without pulling the steering wheel. I'm having nightmares about the airbag going off and the expense to have that reset is not worth any savings we may have gotten by not letting the dealer do it. Can someone help please. Ia their some trick?

[Hark]

Okay - I forgot that I already printed out the instructions for the link above and that apparently didn't work for him. He says he can't get to the underneath without taking off the steering wheel.