2001 Saturn LS: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jun 6, 2007 · Electrical, Steering · 56,979 miles · SD

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saturn ls2. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, while driving, a stream of smoke appeared from the steering column. The first time was two weeks ago and the most recent was on june 5, 2007. The contact stated that the vehicle's high beams illuminate when the turn signal is activated and the day time running lamps and the brake lights flash interchangeably. The purchase date, engine size, and powertrain were unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 56,979. Updated 09/05/07.

Filed Mar 30, 2005 · Lights · 30,000 miles · GA

While driving at any speed headlights were dim. This made it hard for the consumer to see clearly during nighttime. Dealership was notified, but did not see a problem.

Filed Feb 1, 2005 · Lights · 19,300 miles · NC

1) rear left taillight assembly has failed for the second time in less than a year. Right one has also failed within the year. 2) circuit board shorts out, resulting in no brake light in failed assembly when headlights are on.*ak 3)entire assembly must be replaced, roughly a $450 repair. Old part is with carmax on south blvd in charlotte, as they are making the repair today.

Filed Nov 15, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · 35,000 miles · NY

The headlights, dashboard instrumentation, and dome light of this autobile are constantly dimming and brightening (flickering). This is making night time driving extremely dangerous. Saturn has issued technical information bulletin 04-08-42-001 in february 2004 stating that this is a "normal operating characteristic". I believe it is a present danger and could also be a sign of a complete failure of the electrical system.

Filed Aug 24, 2004 · Lights · 18,000 miles · NY

I was driving late at night and my headlights started to dimm almost to the point of going out and coming back on. It did it every 2 or 3 minutes for the entire time I was driving. I never had this problem before and I do alot of nite driving cause of the late hours I work.I took the car in for service and was told that they have had at least 100complaints of cars doing the same thing. They have a service bullitin about the lights "flickering". I advised that they don`t flicker , they go out and come back on. I was told by the service manager that they all flicker, the 100 of us are the unlucky ones that go out and come back on and saturn is ignoring the problem.the car was checked and no problems found. I was advised by the service manager to call saturn and complain. I did. Saturn told me to go to another dealership over two hours away for a second opinion.I called that dealership and was told by there service manager that I would be wasting my time to drive all the way up there, the problem can`t be solved .you can watch it do it and the computer says alls fine.saturn has no idea why it does it to some and not all.

Filed Jun 19, 2004 · Lights · PA

Brake lights fail when all other lights are on (headlights, taillights). When lights are off - brake light will work. Tail lights keep shorting out due to design flaw of light housing unit. Pull bulb out, apply bulb grease, pull springs up, and reinsert. Works for a couple of weeks.

Filed May 11, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · 52,000 miles · VA · fire

A short circuit of some sort in the the headlight/turn signal switch caused a small electrical fire. While driving, the dashboard indicators showed that the daytime running lights and high beams were turning on and off on their own. When the car was turned off, the daytime running lights remained on. After a few moments, I began to smell the odor of something burning and smoke began to come out of the steering column. The smoke subsided only after I pulled the fuses on the two headlamps. The fuses did not break the circuit on their own -- the headlights did not go out until I pulled the fuses. I then called the saturn roadside assistance hotline and asked them how to completely turn off the electrical power to the entire car (to prevent anything else from catching fire) but they were of little help. I was looking for a master circuit breaker but they could not tell me whether or not the vehicle has one. They suggested disconnecting the battery at the terminals, but I was wary of doing this for fear that the airbag might deploy.

Filed Mar 25, 2004 · Lights · 80,000 miles · LA

The brake lights went out when the headlights were turned on. The dealership indicated it was due to a faulty circuit board in the tail light assembly. The dealership replaced the faulty part with an updated tailgate assembly.

Filed Feb 11, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · PA

The headlights and dash lights on my 2001 saturn l200 dim or flicker. This is a distraction during night time driving and while driving in inclement weather. N one partucular occasion I had to stop the vehicle when I normally wouldn't have expected to due to the further reduction in visibility as the headlights. Dimmed. There is the possibility that other drivers may think that I am flashing the headlights at them. The headlights and dash lights dimmed since the vehicle was new. Saturn states that this is a characteristic of the vehicle and there is no repair.

Filed Nov 11, 2003 · Engine · NC

Timing chain tensior failed, resulting in loud engine knocking sounds and difficulty turning steering wheel. Interior lights will dim when pressing brake pedal or turning on headlights. Charging system tests normal.

Filed Sep 26, 2003 · Acceleration, Brakes · 40,000 miles · AL

While driving at 45/50 MPH three functions failed to operate simultaneously; accelerator/brakes and steering wheel. Also while driving at night headlights quit working without warning.

Filed Jun 27, 2003 · Electrical · PA

The headlights on my 2001 saturn l200 dim and flicker when the air conditioner and/or front window defogger are engaged. This is a distraction at night and during inclement weather that has caused me to briefly loose sight of the road while driving.