1997 Cavalier Headlight/DRL Issues

[84hurst]

Well, this sounds like it's a fairly common problem so I'm looking for (hopefully!) some very detailed info on the fix.

I was working on my friends '97 Cavailier yesterday evening and can't figure out the solution. When he turns on the headlights, only the right side low beam is bright (both low beams are new within one week, and yes, we did swap the bulbs side to side to make sure a bulb was not the issue). Now the wierd part, although only the right bulb is bright, ALL 4 front lights come on. Both left side lights are on but very dim, as well as the right side bright (I assume it's not the brights but rather the DRL's). So far, we have tested for voltage at each bulb and get 12-13 volts. We tested for resistance in the harness that goes from the bulbs and relay to the harness connector under the battery tray and found that possibly 1 wire may have a break in it. I say possibly because I didn't have a schematic to find out for sure where this wire went. It was a blue one and there were a couple blue wires at the headlights and relay. Sooooo... is it possible that 1 broken wire can cause this problem? Are there more tests to do first? Am I at least on the right track (right wiring harness)? BTW, I won't be able to look at the car again until next week. Thanks in advance guys!

[VTcavY]

Hey, i had the same issue. After countless tests and hours of agravation not to mention money out the window for new switch and relays, I looked under the battery tray where i heard of corrosion occuring. (on the connector) it was not corroded, but where the radiator hose passes the wiring harness, it had rubbed its way through most of the wires. i rewired the harness from behind the driver headlight and took out the plug completely. hope this helps

[84hurst]

Originally Posted by VTcavY

Hey, i had the same issue. After countless tests and hours of agravation not to mention money out the window for new switch and relays, I looked under the battery tray where i heard of corrosion occuring. (on the connector) it was not corroded, but where the radiator hose passes the wiring harness, it had rubbed its way through most of the wires. i rewired the harness from behind the driver headlight and took out the plug completely. hope this helps

Next week when I look into it again I will certainly look into that. I didn't happen to notice that last night. Thanks!

[84hurst]

Found the problem. There were 3 different corroded wires between the DS headlight and where that harness goes behind the washer fluid resivoir
Cut out the bad wires spliced in new ones with butt connectors and shrink tubing and they work just fine now. Thanks for the help guys!

[Wheels05]

Chech the wire harnes going to the headligts. Sometime there is corrosion there and causies problems with teh DRL and headlights themselve. Check the drivers side. Take the entire light unit out and check the wires.

[84hurst]

Originally Posted by Wheels05

Chech the wire harnes going to the headligts. Sometime there is corrosion there and causies problems with teh DRL and headlights themselve. Check the drivers side. Take the entire light unit out and check the wires.

Lol I figured out the problem 5 months ago. Read up 2 posts