Electrical problem(s) with 1996 Suburban

[MMichaelMeyer]

I am having three separate problems with my 1996 Chevrolet Suburban that may all be interrelated.

1. My low beam headlamps will work when the headlight dimmer switch is off. (I believe this is correct. I believe the headlamps on this vehicle are to be on when the engine is running.). My low beam headlamps will work when the switch is moved to the parking lamp setting. (Once again, this seems to be correct, as the parking lamps turn on with this setting). My lowbeam headlamps will not work when the headlight switch is fully turned on. My highbeam headlamps will work at this setting, but the lowbeam headlamps will not come on. I just replaced the headlight dimmer switch, so I don't think this is the problem.

2. For the second time in about four months, the vehicle would not turn over. When the key was engaged, you would hear a metallic click as if the starter was attempting to turn over, but no go. I pulled the starter and it tested out okay. I then pulled the battery. The posts are all clean - no corrosion. The battery checked out okay sort of. It had a 75% charge. They charged the battery for about 30 minutes and it showed an 80% charge, but it showed that it was holding a load. I took the battery home, reinstalled it and the car started immediately. This is exactly what happened four months ago.

3. Recently, I had a mechanic look at the car and he said there some melted wires in the steering column. I could not afford the $700 he wanted to repair the problem, and I have not had an opportunity to try and fix the problem.

[777stickman]

Headlights: Try replacing the DRL (daytime runing lights) relay. It's the bottom center relay in the convenience center (on the firewall forward of the parking brake pedal).

No Start: Battery cables can look great on the outside and be not so great on the inside, especially around the connectors at the battery. Try replacing them.

Melted wires in steering column?????? Something I'd be looking at myself before spending $700.

[LENavarro]

Originally Posted by MMichaelMeyer

My low beam headlamps will work when the switch is moved to the parking lamp setting. (Once again, this seems to be correct, as the parking lamps turn on with this setting). My lowbeam headlamps will not work when the headlight switch is fully turned on. My highbeam headlamps will work at this setting, but the lowbeam headlamps will not come on.

I would like to find out about this problem, as my '98 suburban is having the same issues.
As discussed previously; is the relay the large looking block to the right of the fuse box or do I need to be looking at something else?
Also, will this relay correct the problem?
Thanks

[ThomasViper]

The starting problem sound like the starter solenoid is bad. The contacts are bad and is not engaging the starter motor. The best thing to do is just replace the starter with one that has a lifetime guarantee. The light problem might be related to the burnt wiring. If you understand wiring you can fix it yourself. Just get to the bad area of wires and resplice with some gauge wire. If you will do them one at a time you will be fine. Might get a manual for a reference. If you have question just ask.

[ThomasViper]

Originally Posted by LENavarro

I would like to find out about this problem, as my '98 suburban is having the same issues.
As discussed previously; is the relay the large looking block to the right of the fuse box or do I need to be looking at something else?
Also, will this relay correct the problem?
Thanks

Your problem might be the multi-function switch in the column.

[sju1997]

I'm having similar electrical issues with my '95.

1. a few times when attempted start, "click" and nothing, no power at all.
Battery fine. After several attempts, power returns, and starts.

2. once, while backing out of driveway, burb loses all power (electrical gone, and motor dies). Turn key, nothing. No lights, chimes, nothing. Push burb back into drive way. Shutter at the thought of driving the minivan, refusal to accept that it will not start, try several times, and suddenly, SUCCESS.

3. Idling in a parking lot, parked. Hit the "unlock" switch for all doors. Burb shuts down. Starts immediately.

4. While driving on hwy, turned on the wipers, lost power for a few seconds, then everything returned. Never touched anything after wiper switch.

After each of these instances, my clock resets to 12:00, but my radio presets remain.

What the heck is going on??

[bpalmer]

I was having problems with the massive switch that controls the dome override, interrior dimmer, as well as turning the headlights and parking lights on. Took the switch apart and cleaned it. I was having lighting problems as well. Haven't had any problems since. Pay close attention to how that baby is put together though or you'll never get it put back right.

[timmanem1]

i have a 97 burb, same problem with the headlights, also now the blower motor is stuck on high all the time....I am the same guy that replaced the fuel pump 5 times.... could this all be related, electrically???????

[shortbed]

If you have a side terminal battery with two cables on the positive terminal,that is where the problem is..bad connection there will cause it to lose all electrical power
and die(even while driving down the road)-OR-still have good enough connection to light dash lights but only "click" the starter at times