Sometimes the headlights will not work on my 1999 Buick Century unless I hold the dimmer switch up and I am getting the odor of burnt wire coming from the steering column. What is causing this problem and can I remove the steering wheel without deoloying the air bag? Thank you.
Iam an ASE Certified mechanic and i had the same problem with my 99
century and i wasnt able to drive at night. After hours of testing
wires we came to the problem. Its the turn signal switch assembly which
is tied into the hazard switch on top of the steering column. Its all
one piece with a 3 foot long wiring harness attached to it running down
the bottom of the steering column and going underneath the dash. The
least expensive place i found the part and had it in stock was my local
Auto Zone and still the part was $200.00.
P.S. This is a common problem on these GM cars. Mine did the same thing to the tee! The lights will go on and off then they just went off for good and this solved the problem. I guarantee it. If you have any questions please email me i will do all i can to help.
Sounds like a wire harness short? Could be dangerous
The Buick Century is equipped with a
multi-switch. This switch is an all in one switch that controls your
cruise control, windshield wipers and turn signals in one switch. This
switch also controls dimming and brightening of your headlights. The
dimmer switch is simple to replace, and all you need is a phillips head
screwdriver to complete the task.
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same thing but no smell and its a buick regal
On my 2004 century the headlighs go out while driving. No smell Though??
Any thoughts?
Same problem i assume. I have to hold the brights on while i'm driving at night. Sometimes, out of the blue, the lights will start working again for a short period of time.
Thank you, this information was very helpful in solving my problem. It is really nice of you to help without chargeing which shows what a nice and considerate person you are. Thanks again.
I have a 2004 Buick Century that has just started doing the same thing so I really appreciate the response from Nitroracer. I had an idea it was the multifunction switch.
The Haynes manual says you need to remove the steering wheel and airbag to get at the switch. Can you tell me if this is true.
I'm a pretty good mechanic but I get get concerned when messing around with the airbag and steering wheel.
2000 Century with the same thing. Fuses are good. Dim wont come on but holding brights on works. No smell though. Is there anything else I could check? Other than a $200 dolar harness.
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