Head light dimmer, no brights on the driver's side?

2002 GMC SONOMA
180,000 MILES • 4.1L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
SANDMAN427
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
When the headlamps are on the low setting, they all work correctly, the headlamps and the daylight driving lights are all on, but when I switch to the bright setting the left high beam lamp doesn’t illuminate and the daylight driving light on the left goes out. I’ve discovered that if I hold the multi-dimmer switch lever halfway all the lights are on and working correctly, but as soon as I let go of the dimmer switch lever and it returns to the resting position the left lights go out. I’ve installed a new headlamp switch, a new dimmer, turn signal, cruise control multi-switch on the steering column, all new headlamps and bulbs, and I’ve checked all the grounds. I used to repair and restore Corvettes for 30 years and I’m a decent mechanic, but I’ve checked everything that goes to the lights. It’s acting as if the dimmer switch is bad, but I’ve replaced it, so as far as I can tell there’s no other switches on the column other than the multi-switch that I’ve already replaced. So, I would really love it if someone could tell me if there’s a switch I don’t know of, or if it’s something else that I’m missing.
Mar 4, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
I assume you checked the fuses for the system as well, (LT HDLP 15 amp under the hood?) This circuit seems to be the one we are having issues with. If the fuse is okay, I would swap out the daytime running light control relay as well, here are the headlight and high beam wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works. Here is the location of the fuse and the relay. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Mar 4, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Avatar
SANDMAN427
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for your reply, I’ve checked all the fuses and relays, and I appreciate the wiring schematics, the ones that are in the Chilton and Haynes manuals I have do not match my harness exactly, I’m going to chase the wiring with the ones you sent and hopefully find my problem. Once again thanks for the help and when I get home, (I’m house-sitting for 2 weeks) I’ll keep you updated on what I find.
Mar 7, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Sounds good, I am interested to see what the problem will be.
Mar 8, 2025 at 9:32 AM