A Little Help Here Please...

[OldBlue1981]

Ok guys, I need a little help on a situation I seem to be having. My Grand Am is down so I have to drive Old Blue for a little while.

There seems to be a burning smell coming from the switch for the headlights when I turn them on. I don't know what it is so I have parked the car until I figure it out. Driving during the day, it's fine. But when I turn the lights on, I start to smell the foul "burning smell". What could this possibly be? I cannot figure it out for the world. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[86GmLsCoupe]

I'm pretty sure the headlight switch is shot, and it seems fairly common. It's important to replace because they can melt up pretty badly. The only thing is you'll be cursing trying to reach the tiny tab up in the dash to release the knob. This is off topic, but what year is your Grand Am?

[gadget73]

probably you have a smoke leak in the electrical system. Don't you have H4 lamps or something? Those draw a lot more power than stock. Need a relay wiring harness to get the load off the stock wiring. I'd still do this even minus the upgraded lamps, its good for 2 volts at the headights and completely removes the load off the stock switch. Makes for more brighter lights.

[OldBlue1981]

I'm pretty sure the headlight switch is shot, and it seems fairly common. It's important to replace because they can melt up pretty badly. The only thing is you'll be cursing trying to reach the tiny tab up in the dash to release the knob. This is off topic, but what year is your Grand Am?

Thanks guys! The Grand Am is a '96. I'm getting ready to sell it.

[86GmLsCoupe]

Thanks guys! The Grand Am is a '96. I'm getting ready to sell it.

No problem, hope everything works out for you. I had a 92 Grand Am GT as my first car and an 01 now. Thought it was funny we both had two similar cars.

[OldBlue1981]

That is funny. I'm getting rid of mine because I found a 2002 Pontiac Firebird. That's what I want...lol!

[Nathan in MI]

Since Jeremy isn't around so much anymore to say it...

BOXES ARE FIRE HAZARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[OldBlue1981]

They can be I've heard. I'm in love with mine no matter what though.

[86GmLsCoupe]

I'm with OldBlue, I love my Merc regardless of my flame-throwing 2g Alt or faulty fuel line coupling :smirk:. The new Grand Am has given me a its share of issues, and while it's still nice and new, it always reminds me of why I love my GM so much.

[OldBlue1981]

Same here. I haven't had any of these issues with my LTD. I like the Grand Am too. I just think that Pontiac needed to build these things with a little more care and punch. Oh well, as long as I have my pride and joy (my LTD), then I'm set to go.

[86VickyLX]

:offtopic:
Did you figure it out yet?

[OldBlue1981]

Yes. It was a bad headlight switch. Thanks for asking though. And thanks again guys for the info!!!!

[86VickyLX]

Did you replace it? If the harnesses are not too good looking either, replace them. How's old blue working for you now?

[OldBlue1981]

Yes. It's all replaced and working good. It was a PITA but it's now done. The car's working wonderfully!