2002 Impala Hi/Lo Beam switch.

[kees45]

Anybody had a problem with the Hi/Lo Beam switch mounted in the steering column? Mine works intermittant now to the point that twice now switching from Hi to Lo all headlights go out for a second. Nice touch while driving at 70km thru a snow storm.
While at this subject, when Lo beam is on and you pull the lever towards you the Hi beam comes on at the same time. So all light are on. Sure gives a lot more to see in the dark of night. Any modification available to have all 4 headlights on at same time? I inquired with the dealre if possible but dealer says do not do as the computer will shut down your system. I dont trust dealer anymore. Anybody can give me some advice in this? I am going to fix the Hi/Lo switch but if a modification is available I like to do while fixing the switch. Its probably a 15cents item that is broken but of course I may have to purchase the whole cluster at a super inflated price???? CAr has 90000km (60000miles) on it.
Thanks for reading and your input.
Kees

[rtx042]

[quote=kees45]Anybody had a problem with the Hi/Lo Beam switch mounted in the steering column? Mine works intermittant now to the point that twice now switching from Hi to Lo all headlights go out for a second. Nice touch while driving at 70km thru a snow storm.
While at this subject, when Lo beam is on and you pull the lever towards you the Hi beam comes on at the same time. So all light are on. Sure gives a lot more to see in the dark of night. Any modification available to have all 4 headlights on at same time? I inquired with the dealre if possible but dealer says do not do as the computer will shut down your system. I dont trust dealer anymore. Anybody can give me some advice in this? I am going to fix the Hi/Lo switch but if a modification is available I like to do while fixing the switch. Its probably a 15cents item that is broken but of course I may have to purchase the whole cluster at a super inflated price???? CAr has 90000km (60000miles) on it.
Thanks for reading and your input.



The high/low combo switch on these cars is a poorly made piece of crap. GM wants $400 for a new one and the wreckers get $200 for a used one.
It amazes me that after all these years GM can't manufacture or spec out to a second tier supplier a dimmer switch that works!
They realize that these things are a problem but refuse to cut the customer any slack when it comes to replacing these defective parts.
GM is in a lot of trouble right now and some good-will on their part would go a long way in the customer loyalty department.
I'm not sure if I'll buy another GM. The older cars were much better made and GM has cheapened a lot of components like this one.
Talk to any mechanic about late model GM cars and get it straight from those who work on them every day.
GM has lots more pain coming down the pipe and its problems like this one that turns long term customers away.

[billyo69]

you probly need a new (multi fuction switch) And you a correct not to trust the dealer!!!

[kees45]

Thank you for your input. Unfortunately as you stated, GM is not giving its customers any slack. I have brake problems, started at 50000k pulsating, shaking at hi speeds, security light problems, and now hi.lo switch problems. I have pointed this out to the dealer but they deny any responsibility. Especially after they tried to repair my brake pulsating problem 4 times. And complaining to GM is a waiste of time as they back up the dealer. My brake problems is now dismissed by GM and the dealer as "normal wear and tear" Needless to say I will not purchase anymore GM products. And if GM wants to know why they are in trouble, maybe they should read some of the forums and how disenchanted their customers are.
I just wonder if some of these items are a safety issue and the safety council of the government should get involved? Any comments?
Anyway I will be driving the car untill I am ready to get rid of it. Bye GM, Welcome imports.
Thank you all for your input. I do appreciate you took the time to respond.

[sixfootpeter]

I found in the How-to section of newimpala.com that someone had actually converted their headlights to use all four headlights. He had to install a switch and run some new wires, but it appeared it worked. And when I assessed my car as to how to do it, I suppose it does it. I was actually wondering how to do this, as I have seen some owners' mods include this functionality in the lights. So, I was real stoked about seeing a cheap and quick way of doing it. So, it is possible, you just need to do it yourself.

[lovemyimpala]

Had to have mine replaced. It was $600 at a Goodyear in Northern Virginia. Mine did the exact same as yours. Totally cut out the lights on the highway, so I didn't touch it again, just left it on low beams, but in order to safety it, they required it to have working high beams. Here in Northern Virginia, you never get much chance to use high beams anyway, so I was really annoyed at having to replace it. Good luck with finding a reasonably priced repair shop in your area.