I have a 1997 chevrolet silverado. My low beam headlights only come on when the parking break light is engaged on the dashboard. My daytime running lights do not work, but I don't care to use them anyway. My high beams and other lights and signals work. What could be the problem?

Jeff Wilson

• 3 Answers
• Posted on Feb 07, 2010

SOURCE: DRL

1996-99 chevy trucks.There is a diode, located under the dash between the steering wheel and the radio, fastenen to the round dash bar. The bolt that holds it on, threads into the top of the bar, it is near impossible to get at with a wrench. It is a finned block of (usaully black) aluminum about 2 inches squared 3 inches long. I found a easy way to get it out. Looking up you will see two tabs bent holding the diode in a bracket, bend them out of the way( you may have to bend the bracket a little aswell) and with patience the diode will slide out of the bracket, then disconect the electrical plug-in. I have found that this is the main reason for day-time driving light failure

SOURCE: both headlights do not come

you have blown the head light fuse or the bulbs beacaue hi beam a seprate bulbs and the parkers to

SOURCE: 1997 Chevrolet Headlight problem

We had the same exact symptoms right down to the clicking noise under the dash. A friend who is a mechanic provided all the wiring diagrams, etc and when we pulled the dash we found that there was another enclosure behind the dash.....we stopped there.......

....waited a few days, did some research and decided since a replacement headlight switch was about $50.00 the easiest route was to to swap that out hoping it would fix the problem....was also a very easy installation.

Turns out that fixed the problem. Good luck!!!

SOURCE: DRL-1998 Cavalier Z24

Check your DRL relay that is located in the fuse box. Also check the connector under the battery box for corrosion. (Not a smart place to put a connector) GM really messed up with the wiring on the 98-00 cavaliers headlights.

SOURCE: headlights wont work

Well...lets start with the obvious. Check fuses and NEVER piggyback any stereo or security stuff into their fuses...you dont want the lights to shut down during a night drive!!
Check under the hood for a relay center...also has some fuses there as well.

The Daytime Running Lamps are a "straight through wiring configuration". Doubt it even goes through a headlight switch at all.
But the regular lights do.
Unless you've worked on the front of the car and forgot to plug the headlights back in, do this...
Turn the light switch on...looking at the instrument cluster , can you make the high-beam-indicator light come on?
As you rotate the headlight switch knob...does the instrument panel lights brighten or dim? You probably have a faulty headlight switch...auto stores have them...they simply plug in.