1999 Chevrolet Tahoe: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Feb 8, 2004 · Electrical · 7,800 miles · NC

1999 chevrolet 4x4 2 door tahoe, corrosion and shorting of pin connections in high/low beam headlight dimmer switch. On going problem for 3 mo. Of headlight failure when operating at night. Found switch on steering assembly to have corrosion and indication of wires overheating due to excess heat. Turned on headlights and move connector wires at switch, headlights failed. Headlights also fail when steering column is tilted. Problem is due to poor contact of pin connections at switch due to corrotion in connection possible poor construction of connector. Arcing can be heard when connection on switch is moved. This is a very well maintained vehicle driven by my wife. I am a federal government employee with 30 years experince in automotive and equipment inspection, repair and rebuild with extensive knowledge in diognostics and use of tmde.

Filed May 26, 2002 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

Additional components replaced, these included:alternator replaced twiced, battery replaced, injectors plugging treated three times, tail shaft leaking - replaced, intake manifold replaced, stereo replaced, tall lamp circuit board replaced (both, intrument cluster replaced twice - unsure in current mileage readings are correct, head lamps continue to flicker whil edriving replaced three times, water pump replaced, ball joints replaced, and sterring components replaced. Continual problems and no answers.

Filed Dec 10, 2001 · Electrical · CA

Problem: battery acid is leaking from the positive terminal. The acid released falls on pressurized A/C lines and the right front brake lines and fitting connecting the brake hose. This is the second battery to be replaced in my vehicle. This problem was found in when disconnecting the first battery (3/2001) for charging. Acid released from the orginal battery was contained and neutralized immediately. This second instance was not found until, acid was found on the garage floor. Extensive corrosion has occured on all metal parts below the battery. Dealers has stated this problem is prelavent in all 1999 chevrolet with continuous head light operation. Two gm dealers have stated they are seeing leaking batteries in one or two vehicles per day. The service manager at hallowell chevrolet in clovis, ca, stated that gm has been working on a new battery design to correct the problem for 8 to 10 months. The uncontrolled release toxic substances poses both an environmental and safety hazard. One failed battery may be an expected probability, although the prevalence of the numbers scene at two dealers and two instances in my vehicle, warrant and require governmental action and oversight. The leaking acid is affecting the integrity of the air conditioning system (not a seafety problem, ulness the escaping r-134/

Filed Aug 15, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

Truck was taken in repeatedly for brakes, transmission, air conditioner and headlights prior to warranty expiration and was told they could not duplicate the problem or it was under "chev specs" or we were experiencing anti-lock brakes. Water pump began leaking and had to be replaced 2200 miles outside of warranty. Entire brake system, lines-calipers, everything had to be replaced because "foreign fluid corroded" the system. No one has touched the brakes but the dealer. We repeatedly complained about the brakes taking too long to stop the vehicle, having a spongy feel and absolutely no confidence that they would stop in an emergency situation. Overall, the brakes just did not feel safe and we reported this when the vehicle was still under warranty. Intake manifold is leaking and needs to be replaced. Battery exploded and leaked battery acid everywhere damaging other engine parts. Transmission is in need of an overhaul/replacement either as a direct result of the battery exploding or mere coincidence considering we have always complained that something was wrong with the transmission and you could push the truck while in park a full foot. The air conditioner has always leaked after driving approx. 2 hr as well as the driver's side high beam headlight always has water in it. Detailed complaints have been filed with the attorney generals of az and fl, as well as copies sent to the dealer, manufacturer and leasing company involved. Chevrolet should be ashamed of the shoddy product that rolled off their assembly line and the manner in which they conduct business surrounding consumer complaints generated as a direct result from poor workmanship at one of their factories. There is a long list of "cosmetic" defects as well. For instance, the custom leather seats that we paid extra for are wearing holes in them; the driver's side door handle is cracked, drink holders are rusting, and the list goes on and on.

Filed Apr 15, 1999 · Lights · CA

While driving at night the headlights would turn on and off without indication. Dealership has been notified.