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Cris Coleman Posted on Mar 08, 2017
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Replace dimmer switch

I had a multi-switch replaced for about $300. The dimmer switch stopped working about six months later. It would go on high beam, but wouldn't go back to low beam. I found an unsatisfactory workaround by turning the left blinker switch down and then pulled it back toward me and that would work. After another long period of time that stopped working, except in rare instances, so I have to drive with my beams on low all the time, also unsatisfactory. Now I've been told I might have a separate dimmer switch that doesn't involve the multi-switch at all. I tried finding how to replace a dimmer switch in my "Chilton General Motors Buick/Oldsmobile/Pontiac 1985-05 Repair Manual" but was unable to find anything. Since Chilton has gone to the multiple car manuals, I've not been able to find any answers to any problems I've had with my 1998 Buick LeSabre. Is there a separate switch? If so, how do I replace it? If there is not, how do I go about replacing the multi-switch? Thanks.

1 Answer

Jeff Armer

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  • Buick Master 15,575 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 08, 2017
Jeff Armer
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The headlamps ( high an low ) are controlled by the LCM lamp control module .
Headlamp Dimmer Switch
Under the left side of the IP, on the base of the steering column

Headlights Circuit Description (Buick)
Battery positive voltage (B+) is supplied at all times to the lamp control module (LCM) through the LH underhood fuse block LCM/HDLP circuit breaker via CKT 242 (RED). When the headlamp switch is placed in the ON position, the headlamp switch input to the LCM is grounded via CKT 103 (WHT). The LCM then supplies battery positive voltage (B+) via CKT 12 (TAN) to the following components:
• Left low beam headlamp
• Right low beam headlamp
When the headlamp dimmer switch is placed in the HIGH position, the LCM removes battery positive voltage (B+) from the low beam headlamps. The LCM supplies battery positive voltage (B+) via CKT 11 (LT GRN) to the following components:
• Left high beam headlamp
• Right high beam headlamp
The LCM provides battery positive voltage (B+) to the appropriate headlamps under the following conditions:
• The ignition switch is in the RUN position.
• The ambient light sensor indicates darkness.
The lamp control module (LCM) monitors the ambient light conditions through the ambient light sensor. The ambient light sensor is a variable resistor whose resistance changes as the surrounding ambient light level changes. As the ambient light decreases, the resistance of the ambient light sensor increases. The LCM measures the resistance across the ambient light sensor and determines whether it is day or night.

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5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jul 19, 2008

SOURCE: Low beam and DRL will not come on

how do you change the headlight not the bulb on a Chevy 05 Equinox

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Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jul 23, 2009

SOURCE: REPLACEMENT OF [LOW BEAM] HALOGEN BULB IN 2004 Buick LeSabre

I just Replaced a Low Beam Light bulb on a 2005 Buick La Sabre.

If You use a Metric socket and Remove the Two Silver bolts Attaching the headlight Assemble onto the metal surrounding the the lamp assembly it comes out to the front. This makes it much easier to access the bulb. Twist it counerclockwise & it comes out by pulling gently on the bulb. Then by realeasing a tab that is the socket holder bulb can be removed & replaced with a New #9006 low beam halogen light bulb. Wrap a Paper towel around the bulb & do NOT touch it with your bare hand as this wiil ruin a halogen bulb,

Anonymous

  • 713 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 02, 2009

SOURCE: How to replace high/low beam switch on 2004 Ford Focus LX?

Should be fairly easy. Make sure to disconnect the positive battery cable. Remove the cover from around the column behind the steering wheel. Should take a star driver to remove the screws holding the cover together. Once the screws are removed pop the cover apart and you will see the multifunction switch on the column, should have two to three screws holding it to the column remove the screws and it should come out pretty easy replace with new one and put back together.

Testimonial: "Thank you so much!"

Anonymous

  • 1244 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 17, 2010

SOURCE: 2001 Ford Focus - High beam / low beam problem with headlights

just replace the dimmer switch under the column its wore out on the low beam side

Testimonial: "It's great to know that there's not a whole lot more to check! I wouldn't have guessed I was so close. Thanks!"

Anonymous

  • 3 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 23, 2010

SOURCE: low beam not working but high beam is-Pontiac Vibe 2005

I have heard it could be the Daylight Running Light module located under the dash above the brake pedal. The module controls both the daytime running lights and the low beam lights. The high beams are independent of this module.

I have the same problem. I am trying to buy a new module.

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Dim lights will not work on my 2002 tahoe but my brights do

The common problem here is the high/low switch in the stalk. It's connected with a black and a gray connector. The latter is where you want to start checking with a multimeter.

Hang on, there's a great webpage for this...

[later] Ok, found it, read this and you should be able to sort it out quickly. How to Test the Low High Beam Headlight Dimmer Switch
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