Dimmer switch no longer works. Only high beams come on when I hold it up. Need to replace it.

Tiny
REV17VS14
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
How to replace signal/dimmer switch in 1997 Chevy Cavalier? Do I need to remove steering wheel and disable airbag?
Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 AT 3:20 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello â€

They are probably the same but don’t want to take the chance. To better assist you is your model just the Cavalier, or the LS, RS or Z24?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 AT 4:31 AM
Tiny
REV17VS14
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
In answer to your reply, my car is a 1997 Cavalier. (I don't see any other additional model info) Looking forward to receiving your answer for replacing the dimmer/signal switch. Thank you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 AT 1:59 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello â€

Thanks for getting back with me. Well, then we will assume it is just the Cavalier and not any of the other models then.

As for the steering wheel removal †yes you do. Here is the info below.

MULTIFUNCTION LEVER
NOTE: Multifunction lever may also be known as combination switch.
Removal & Installation
Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL. Remove tilt lever, if necessary. Remove upper and lower column covers. Remove dampener assembly. Remove screws and multifunction lever switch assembly. To install, reverse removal procedure.

STEERING WHEEL
CAUTION: DO NOT strike steering shaft with hammer to remove steering wheel. Hammering could loosen the plastic injections which maintain column rigidity.
Removal & Installation
1. Disable air bag system. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM article. Set front wheels in straight ahead position. Turn lock cylinder to LOCK position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove air bag module/horn pad. Disconnect air bag module and horn connectors. Remove retainer and nut from steering shaft.
2. Mark steering wheel hub in relation to steering shaft for installation. Using Steering Wheel Puller (J 1859-A), remove steering wheel. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Steering Wheel Nut 30 (41) Ft Lbs/ (N.M)

DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
CAUTION: When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. Record customer radio stations, as memory will be lost. Code equipped radios may also lock. Obtain code from customer. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.
WARNING: The SDM maintains sufficient voltage to cause air bag deployment for up to 10 minutes after ignition is turned OFF, battery is disconnected, or fuse powering SDM is removed. In order to begin servicing immediately, inflator modules must be removed from the deployment loop. See DISABLING SYSTEM.

DISABLING SYSTEM
NOTE: When AIR BAG fuse is removed and ignition switch is in RUN, the AIR BAG warning light will be on. This does not indicate a system malfunction.
1. Turn steering wheel to place vehicle wheels in straight-ahead position. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position and remove key.
2. Remove AIRBAG fuse from instrument panel fuse block. Remove driver-side sound insulator panel. Remove Connector Position Assurance (CPA) clip and disconnect driver-side Yellow 2-way connector located near base of steering column. See Fig. 2. Disconnect passenger-side Yellow 2-way connector located near base of steering column. See Fig. 2.
ACTIVATING SYSTEM
Turn ignition to LOCK position. Connect driver-side Yellow 2-way connector near base of steering column, and passenger-side Yellow 2-way connector near base of steering column. See Fig. 2. Install CPA clips. Reinstall driver-side sound insulator panel and AIR BAG fuse. Turn ignition switch to RUN position and perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.
Fig. 2: Locating Yellow 2-Way Connectors
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
If system is functioning normally, air bag warning light will flash 7 times and then go out when ignition switch is turned to ON position.
Four possible warning light conditions can indicate a system failure:
†Light does not illuminate at all.
†Light comes on while vehicle is driven.
†Light flashes 7 times, and remains on.
†Light does not flash but remains lit when ignition is turned on.
SIR system faults are usually due to a disconnected/loose electrical connector caused by previous service on vehicle. Always check Yellow SIR connector at base of steering column for loose or damaged wiring.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Thursday, February 10th, 2011 AT 12:04 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links