GMC Sierra 2500 Extended Cab Pick-up

2002 GMC Sierra 2500 Extended Cab Pick-up Electrical / Lighting Systems Malfunction When shifting Always

When we shift our truck into drive or reverse the headlights go out. We have found that there is a fault somewhere in the wiring in the steering column. Moving the column up and down turns them on and off. We were wondering if the problem could originate with the multifunction switch in the column. Have you heard of this before? Susan Gilbride

Hello, Are you referring to just moving the tilt feature of the column causes the headlights to go on and off?

The wiring harness that runs down through the column can wear a bare spot in the insulation from the many times it moves as the tilt feature is used. Or a connection can weaken.

The point is someone will have to look inside the column and find the problem source. It may call for a wiring harness and or the switch to be replaced if not repairable.

Will you be making the repair? Are you confortable dealing with the air bag? What sort of help would you like?

Roger

Roger,

Thank you for your reply. Yes, the problem occurs when the steering column is tilted and if we can fix the problem ourselves, we would be happy to do it ourselves. Currently the steering column is off and the wires are exposed. You mentioned a switch, which one, where is it located? The cruise controlled stopped working a year or so ago. Is all of this related? We are looking for some direction in locating the problem and fixing it (names of parts).

If your multi-function switch includes the headlamp on/off feature (rotating the knob to turn on/off) I recommend inspecting the wire harness and the connections at the switch itself for defects. (cuts in the insulation or cracked terminals) If you do not see the trouble it may be internal and replacing this switch should cure the trouble.

The cruise control may not be related to this issue as it quit a year ago and long before the trouble with the headlamps. (Unless tilting the column would have cause and effect.)

Roger

I've been researching this question at the Mitchell 1 Auto Repair Data Base. No wonder it is so confusing!

The only thing I see in the steering column related to the headlamps is the dimmer switch (an intregal part of the Multi-Function Switch).

Since moving the tilt feature of the column induces the problem there has to be a wire rubbed bare or a defective Multi-Function Switch. The wires would move with the tilt but the switch is firmly mounted.

I'm thinking if you can get a good look at the wiring harness in the column that goes to the Multi-Function Switch and/or the connector at the bottom end of the wiring harness you should be able to spot a problem.

When the column was in the truck did you have the Body Computer checked for codes? Upon reassembly that may be necessary to finalize the repair as it may show additional needs.

I'm curious, why did you remove the steering column?

Roger

2002 GMC Sierra 2500 Extended Cab Pick-up Engine   

2002 GMC 2500HD serria pickup
has engine ticking noises. Not bad when first started , but as engine warms gets louder. Sounds like a lifter problem. Have read TSB,S for oil screen o Ring and piston slap.

Is ther a true fix for this problem or do I have to live with it ?

The noise does not effect performance of the engine. The truck runs great. The noise make the truck sound like a piece of junk. What can be done?

Have you tried a different engine oil or used a product such as Lucas Oil Treatment to see if the noise improves? It might if lifters are the problem, but piston slap is not going to go away without major overhaul.

Roger