1998 Suburban headlight problem

[Nitro Bob]

My 1998 Suburban headlights do not work properly, Here is what I do know,

When I have My headlight switch in the on position (headlights are not working) while slowly moving the steering wheel up & down towards the top of travel sometimes it will hit a sweet spot and make a connection and work and sometimes not. I don't like driving with the wheel in the upright position, Seems that a wire is pinched or may be broken from tilting the wheel over the years..

I had the same type of problem about Ten years ago but it wasn't with the headlights but the airbag light illuminating on the dash and to fix the problem a friend and I removed the airbag but I don't remember if we changed a short wire harness that was getting pinched or if we changed the clock spring. I hate to buy a new clock spring if that isn't the problem.

Anyone know if it may be the clock spring or if there is a short wire harness in the steering column? I'm not 100% sure if there is a short harness or not.

Also, My daytime running lights do work ok and when the headlight switch is in the one position but the headlights are not on the high beams do work ok..

Thanks..

[95 S_Trucker]

There is a broken or pinched wire. The wires usually break right where they enter the multifunction switch. Sometimes they break too close to the switch that you cant repair it, and you have to replace it.

It is not part of the clock spring.

The switches are pretty salty. They come with about 18" of wiring and plug in under the dash.

[Nitro Bob]

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

There is a broken or pinched wire. The wires usually break right where they enter the multifunction switch. Sometimes they break too close to the switch that you cant repair it, and you have to replace it.

It is not part of the clock spring.

The switches are pretty salty. They come with about 18" of wiring and plug in under the dash.

Malfunction switch? So your saying the wire is broke somewhere in the column at the wire connector? That's what I think, tilting the wheel is causing the problem it either pinched or broke the wire,

I remember removing the airbag but don't remember if We purchased a new short wire harness or not..

Would you happen to have a schematic or part number for the harness?

[95 S_Trucker]

Multifunction switch. It does wipers, turn signals, cruise control if you have it, and high/low beams for the headlights.

The wiring is part of the switch. You can't buy the wiring without the switch.

[Nitro Bob]

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

Multifunction switch. It does wipers, turn signals, cruise control if you have it, and high/low beams for the headlights.

The wiring is part of the switch. You can't buy the wiring without the switch.

I'll check into that Mulitifunction switch, So no way possible it 's the clock spring? I thought that controlled the turn signals & lights ect..

Thanks for your help, I'll do some research on the switch..

[95 S_Trucker]

Nope. The only thing the clock spring does is provide an uninterrupted circuit to the air bag.

[Nitro Bob]

I'll check into that switch this week and try and find some info about it,

Do you know the procedure into installing a new one?

Thanks for your help, much appreciated

[Nitro Bob]

I found some installation info..

Thanks