01 Cavalier lights not on

[Pete Lux]

I bought a 2001 Cavalier at the auction last week. It runs well, but we've got one small problem, no lights. Here's what happens:
1. Start up the car, put it in gear, daytime running lights(DRL) come on, no problem.Turn on the lights and the DRL goes out.
2. Car drives fine. DRL is on, yellow side lights are on but if you turn on the lights, the front lights go off but I do have tail lights.
3. About the 3rd time you start up the car, the DRL indicator flashes quickly on the panel, the service light (NOT the check engine) light comes on and the DRL's go out.
Went to AutoZone to have the service light read and it came back with a P1621 Error - something like Immobilizer codes does not match.
Roommate and the guy @ Autozone thinks it's a bad key but I'm not sure. Could it be the DRL Relay in the fuse box going bad? The car has manual locks and windows so I can's see it having a theft system on it. Anybody else have a guess??
Update - replaced the lights and the relay - same problem. Socket that the lights fit into doesn't make sense - 11 volts when on, 0 when off, but the lights don't come on. WTH?

[doug]

I've got the exact problem, changed the DRL relay,no success, lights went out when I dimmed them on the way to work, yesterday, must be the dimmer switch

[joe]

rip out the drl module there ya go

[John]

I have a 01 Cavalier, its a good little car, I dont have any troubles, but just reading on what you're saying on your lights, check to see if the sockets and base of the lamps melted.

My sister has a 99 Olds and I had to replace the lamp sockets on it because they had melted, i have been to GM had problems with them.

Also check to see if your fuses are placed correctly in the fuse block, and posable of having a bad switch.

Good luck with it, they are great lil cars!

[Sean]

Currently, On my 2000 Cavalier my passenger headlight is very dim. When you turn on the high-beams all headlights go out. I have checked all of the wiring, externally and have found no signs of a broken wire. Could this be a DRL relay or what?

[Tim]

Any resolution on this? I have an 02 Sunfire w/ the same problem, no high beams, drls flash and relay clicks.

[Tim]

without looking at my 96 factory shop manuals for cavaliers Id say try swapping out your switch. Just advice think from where your turn your lights on to the headlights. Could be a short to ground inside your switch on the column. All it takes is someone putting a high beam light on the low beam side cuz the high beam pulls more amps and fry's the low side circuit for example. So look at every thing closely volts, amps switchs relays what ever is there.

[Doug]

I have low beams but no high beams... the DRL indicator flashes quickly on the panel, the service light (NOT the check engine) light comes on and the DRL's go out. I changed out the switch the one with the lights cruise control blinkers and still have the same problem

[Beo]

If it turns out to be the dimmer switch...

You can replace the dimmer/cruise control switch without removing the steering wheel.(which is how every how-to book that I have seen will tell you to do it).
This takes a bit of time - be patient. But it's better than going through the trouble of removing the steering wheel, and perhaps damaging the air bag.

* Remove the upper and lower clam shell covers on the steering column (ONLY the upper section will remove completely - the lower will only be loose after removing the three screws holding it in place)

* Remove the top star drive screw in the dimmer unit (there is only one up top, and one on the bottom of this unit.)

* using the star driver bit (ONLY a bit) and a long 1/4 open end wrench, gently pull the bottom clam shell downward to where you can get the star drive bit into the head of the screw.
(*** YOU MUST TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO WHERE IT'S MOST NARROW SIDE EVEN WITH THE SCREW SO THAT YOU HAVE ROOM TO WORK ***)

Using the bit and 1/4 wrench, start the removal of the screw. I used a small spatula to hold the bits rear while turning it with the 1/4 wrench.

* Unclip the wiring harnesses (three points) from the unit - remove it.

* Using super glue or any fast / tough cement... secure the bit head to the bottom screw. This will make the reassembly much easier.

* Attach the harnesses to the new unit and test the new unit.

* position on the column

* Reinsert the top screw (do not tighten completely)

* Using the cured (glued) lower screw and bit, reinsert the screw into the hole and use the 1/4 wrench to slowly tighten it back down.

* Reassemble the clam shells and take it for a drive!

[Kim]

I have the same problem with my 96 cavalier and the lights. I have daytime running lights and my brights work just not my normal headlights. I have bought new bulbs and a relay and have tested the wires and I have power all the way up to the bulbs. I will definatley try the switch thing and if it works i'll let you guys know.

[razzman201]

my wifes 02 cavalier DRL's wont come on but the headlights work when you turn them on.Her service light is on.From what i understand it is a DRL module or resister not sure if they are the same thing.Might want to try that i am going to replace hers.

[Shawn]

Hi, I had the same problem, and it turned out to be my switch. To test it, pull the harness off your switch under the cover on the steering column, and jump hot wire(Black I believe) and your low beam(dark blue I think) if your lights come on, its your switch. Same deal with the High beams, I think its Pink. Your best to check with your repair manual to ensure you have the right wires.

[Mom]

Guys you want to look under the battery to see if a pin out switch is corroded and is what's causing the trouble. If corroded have problem corrected.