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Low Beam Headlights go off and then come back on

26 messages,  Last post on Apr 11, 2013 at 10:32 PM

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What is this discussion about? Buick LaCrosse, Electrical, Sedan

Messages Page 3 of 4

#14 of 26 Re: Low beam headlight problem [smilin_tobes] by e_net_rider

Aug 23, 2011 (9:58 am)

Replying to: smilin_tobes (Aug 23, 2011 9:12 am)
It would seem highly unlikely, but I actually had broken filaments in both low beams. What likely made it difficult is they were intermittant. And if I touched the connector they would reconnect making me think it was actually a connector problem.

#15 of 26 Problems with 2006 Lacrosse by rnickell

Sep 10, 2011 (4:17 pm)

I first noticed the problem about 4 months ago. My low beam headlights went out while driving at night, and it took a few minutes for them to come back on. High beams worked. It didn't do it again for about a month. Now the problem is that if the car sits for a long time (approximately 12 hours) it won't start. I replaced the battery because I was informed my old one was bad. I have had the altenator tested, and it is good. However, someone told me that there is something on the side of the altenator that could go bad and there is no way of testing it and the only way to replace it is by getting another altenator. I have also been told there is a possible short or the body control module. I have noticed that when you turn the car off, and before you open the doors the radio will go off then come back on then go off and then back on. I know the radio is supposed to stay on for awhile before going off on its own and staying off but this doesn't do that. Also the lights for the heater (the ones that light up the sides to control the temperature and along the bottom, not the ones that illuminate in the middle showing actual temp) flashes off and on. Not continously but approximately every 5 minutes. This happens even when the car is off, the keys removed, the door has been opened and closed (and I am assuming all night, I haven't sat all night to watch it). The radio and heater also glows an orange/red light after being turned off and I have gotten out of the car. Eventually it goes off. About a month ago, my heater/ac fan started acting up. At first it started out as being off and on. Sometimes you would get in the car and it would work. Then it quit for about 2 weeks and wouldn't work at all, then one morning I got up and accidentally turned it on and it worked and has been working ever since. I have to always check my battery voltage to be sure it will start. If it falls below 11.2 it won't start. When I jump start it, it is easy to start. You don't have to let it sit and charge for a while before it will start, usually hooking the jumper cables up to both cars will make it start. It has become unreliable, and I am afraid to go anywhere and stay for a while. I can unhook a battery cable and then hook it back up but that is aggravating. Anyone have any ideas? or this problem? Thanks.

#16 of 26 Re: Problems with 2006 Lacrosse [rnickell] by gmcustsvc

Sep 12, 2011 (12:03 pm)

Replying to: rnickell (Sep 10, 2011 4:17 pm)
rnickell,
 
I apologize for the problems you are experiencing with your vehicle. Were you planning on having the vehicle diagnosed by a GM dealership? Please keep me posted.
 
Thank you,
Caron, GM Customer Service

#17 of 26 Re: Problems with 2006 Lacrosse [rnickell] by e_net_rider

Sep 13, 2011 (4:51 am)

Replying to: rnickell (Sep 10, 2011 4:17 pm)
Although weirdness like this was occuring in 95-99 Aurora, although such functioning was controlled by the BCM it turned out to have a different root cause.
Again, this vehicle may be quite different.
The problem was caused by the multifunction switch on the column that controlled high/low beams, etc. The grease in the switch seemed to be drying out and caused it. Many took their vehicle to dealer and had the column wiring harness replaced at an expense of $500 and up. Someone figured out that washing the switch out with solvent and contact cleaner cured the issue. I can testify that it worked. If you decide to try such, be prepared for a mess with lots of absorbent material, towels, etc.
 
Good Luck

#18 of 26 Re: Problems with 2006 Lacrosse [e_net_rider] by rnickell

Sep 13, 2011 (3:10 pm)

Replying to: e_net_rider (Sep 13, 2011 4:51 am)
The guy that told me it was a short or the BCM is a certified GM mechanic. I am seriously thinking about getting rid of the car. Thanks for your responses. I appreciate it.

#19 of 26 Re: Problems with 2006 Lacrosse [rnickell] by e_net_rider

Sep 14, 2011 (7:27 am)

Replying to: rnickell (Sep 13, 2011 3:10 pm)
The guy that went into my freon system and changed expansion valve when it was obvious the problem was related to the electronics or control of the heater core/evaporator control door is a certified GM mechanic.
I can only guess if he was following GM written procedure, received a bad expansion valve, or was working mainly in the profit interest of the dealership.
The saleswoman at Cadillac dealership claimed to be certified knowledgeable. She was pushing the OnStar system saying the minutes were cheap, claiming it worked off satelite, SATTCOMM, and got indignant when I tried to correct her that the phone works off cell system. She actually stormed away.

#20 of 26 Heated steering -- short? by e_net_rider

Sep 14, 2011 (8:00 am)

On my way to VA yesterday, a new gremlin popped. Both hands on steering wheel, it started getting hot for about 2 minutes. The only explanation is the heat turned itself on for about that length of time.
Control head or pinched wire? Remember, the column was changed. And since then there has been the play in the steering and also a nagging question as to whether the magnasteer is working or not. That is the electro-mechanical device that adds steering effort the faster you go. That is any input from the road toward the steering wheel should be reduced proportionally the faster you go.

#21 of 26 Re: Heated steering -- short? [e_net_rider] by e_net_rider

Sep 15, 2011 (6:25 am)

Replying to: e_net_rider (Sep 14, 2011 8:00 am)
update. I drove to gas station to get a couple of packs of cigs, about 2 miles.
On the way it occured to me to try the wheel heater. It started to heat, but I was almost there already. Turning it on again when I left, no heat at all, all the way home. Indicator light came on and stayed on.

#22 of 26 Re: Low beam headlight problem [spicoli2] by uick

Oct 10, 2012 (7:26 am)

Replying to: spicoli2 (Aug 23, 2011 9:27 am)
thanks
 
worked like a charm
 
saved me a few bucks for not taking it to a mechanic

#23 of 26 Re: Low Beam Headlights go off and then come back on [spicoli2] by kctran

Oct 31, 2012 (7:37 pm)

Replying to: spicoli2 (Jul 06, 2011 1:10 pm)
Thank you.
 
I had the same problem for 1 year. The headlinght on for awhile then off then back on. I just replace the HDM module relay at position #35 and it work good now. It cost $38 from Auto Zone.

Messages Page 3 of 4

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