lights go out

[swl1]

Help
Every time I turn on my heater, my daylight running lights go out. If I turn the speed to 5 the blower will go on (maybe) and when I set the speed to 4'3'2 or 1 there is a click comming from the left side of the dash.No blower no lights.

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

You have an ignition switch with bad contacts.

[swl1]

what dose the ignition switch have to do with the heater & headlights

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by swl1

what dose the ignition switch have to do with the heater & headlights

Everything. All 12 volts to the headlamp system and HVAC and all other accessories originates at the ignition switch. Your symptoms are classic ignition switch and harness assembly.

But first make sure your battery cables are in good shape and to include the terminals at the battery. Make sure the battery and alternator are putting out properly.

[swl1]

then to corect this the ignition switch must be pulled? or can it be sprayed with contact cleaner

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by swl1

then to corect this the ignition switch must be pulled? or can it be sprayed with contact cleaner

Spraying with contact cleaner from the outside won't normally work but you can give it a try. Cleaning through the key hole only cleans the key tumbler/cylinder and not the electrical contacts of the ignition switch. Otherwise you will have to remove the ignition switch, open the module (see pic below) and clean the electrical contacts. Inside the ignition switch are the contacts, cams and springs so disassemby has to be done carefully. The contacts will be carboned up. Some members were successful doing this and saved money. Others bought a new one from the GM Dealer. Cost is around $100-$125 for the part.

Here is a tech procedure on how to remove the ignition switch assembly. It is about a 1 hour job.

Click here



Ignition Switch and Harness Assembly

[swl1]

Thank you I will give it a try this weekend 1/13 an let you know how I made out

[mike561]

ive wanted to know this for quite some time, if someone has to replace the ignition switch, door handles etc. do they have to use a completely different key that came with the new one or is there a way to put the old one on the new so you can still use the original key for the ignition??? thats probably where a locksmith would come in right?

[richtazz]

To answer your question Mike, you can have them re-coded to use the same key. Most Pass-lock equipped ignition lock cylinders come uncoded, and the dealer has to re-code them to match your current key. Just a note, the ignition switch problem mentioned above relates to the electrical part of the switch, not the key cylinder assembly.

[mike561]

Originally Posted by richtazz

To answer your question Mike, you can have them re-coded to use the same key. Most Pass-lock equipped ignition lock cylinders come uncoded, and the dealer has to re-code them to match your current key. Just a note, the ignition switch problem mentioned above relates to the electrical part of the switch, not the key cylinder assembly.

ohhhh ok good to know, sorry to butt-in on the topic here.