1997 Chevrolet Cavalier: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Feb 18, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 119 miles · CA

As I was going to turn the switch on to turn on my car it didn't want to start. I had some one fix it but could not find a way to fix it. They had to add a button under the steering wheel to start the car as I turn the switch on. There was couple a of times where the car would go on passlock by itself and wouldn't start until a long period of waiting. The external headlights burn constantly and I would buy new bulbs for the back lights. One time our neighbor said he heard noise like fireworks on our property and he said that he seen our car was sparking light out of the steering wheel. That morning of that day he told us and as we were checking the car I could smell something burned. As a result of that the car didn't want to start . The auto repair people had to come to our house to figure out what was wrong with it. They had told me that some wires inside the steering wheel had burned but mostly I have been fixing more of electrical switches and burned wires. I appreciate for taking your time to read this and I'm looking forward to hear from you.

Filed Feb 6, 2003 · Lights · MO

When braking the headlights would dim. Dealer has been notified. Ph

Filed Feb 3, 2003 · Lights · OH

Headlights on my 2 cavaliers went out only have one high beam on each car on passenger side

Filed Jan 24, 2002 · Lights · MA

I am very frustrated. I am now looking at having to replace the switch that controls my headlights, turn signals, and cruise control yet again, and this time only 3 weeks after it was last replaced, which was 1/2/02 and that was only 2 and 1/2 months after I last had it replaced in october, and before that, it was replaced in august (in all my car has had 5 switches since I bought it new and now looking at having a 6th). For a switch to burn out like this so frequently, is a hazard and not safe, especially when driving. I have had, in the past, my headlights go out while I was on a free-way at night. My mechanic, on 1/2/02 also replaced the actual headlights at the recommendation of a chevy dealer mechanic, who told him that apparently the trailblazers are also experiencing this same problem because they have the same switch. I think the chevy dealer should issue a recall on this and take care of the problem. I shouldn't have to take my car in every month or two to have the part replaced. It is not fair to my mechanic who has to do it free, and not fair to me because it is a big inconvenience, not to mention unsafe to have this problem occuring so frequently. Perhaps a recommendation from you would get chevy to do something about this problem.

Filed Oct 13, 2001 · Lights · MA

This past thursday, 10/11/01, for the third time, my headlights have gone out while I have been driving at night. I have had the switch replaced twice before and am scheduled to have it replaced a third time. This switch runs my headlights, brights, turn signals, and cruise control. I have never had any problems except with the headlights. The connection appears to be burning out. I do not think it should be burning out so often or in this case, so quickly - 3 months since the last time I had the switch replaced. I have decided there must be something wrong with the connection between the switch and the engine that is causing this, therefore something chevy should take care of and in my case, reimburse me for, since this will be the third time I'll have to pay for repairs in the 5 years I have owned my car. I also feel, however, more importantly, that this is not safe, to be driving along at night and have your headlights go out. My rear lights stay on, which I am grateful for, but having no headlights makes it very difficult to drive.

Filed Jan 27, 2001 · Lights · OH

My headlights including bright lights would not work due to a corroded headlight harness. On the first two failures the corroded wires were replaced by splicing good wiring to the existing harness. Finally I purchased a new harness ($275) for a total cost of approm. $700 incl. Labor. The harness which was replaced was the origional factory installed part.

Filed Oct 20, 1999 · Lights · FL

Vehicle has defective headlights. Consumer has replaced headlights three times. The headlights fill up with water, making t it very difficult to drive.

Filed May 6, 1998 · Engine · TX · fire

Daughter was driving and vehicle began to swerve because of another vehicle. Went into the center of medium, traveling approximately 60 MPH. Witnesses stated that vehicle spun around and caught on fire. When the vehicle stopped after hitting the medium, caught on fire. The hottest part was in the rear, above the left rear wheel. The vehicle was mostly burned. There was no body damage. Also, headlights were not broken in the front fender. Vehicle was still under warranty. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.

Filed Jan 23, 1998 · Electrical · MI

Whenever consumer has to use headlights he may experience some type of failure. Consumer took vehicle in to dealer to be repaired. They fixed the headlights, but then the park lights failed, day time running lights failed and this happened in spells, one or the other.