Headlight Switch problems of the 2005 Chevrolet Impala

While driving on a smooth dark country road at a speed of 50 mph time 10:35pm I had activated the high beam headlights and approximately 10 seconds later the headlamps went off leaving only the daytime running lights on. Visibility was instantly decreased to an unsafe level without prior warning. I had immediately reactivated the low beams with the multi-function switch and the headlamps (low beam) resumed operation. Prior to this failure the high beam headlamps were not in operation for any long periods of time. This type of failure without prior warning could lead to the probability of an accident. This electrical headlamp problem should be addressed as a vehicle safety recall. I have checked on-line resources about this problem and have found several complaints of the same or similar issues with Chevrolet Impalas from the 2000-2005 model years.

Driving at night, I turned on my high beams and my headlights went completely out. After driving in the dark for a while, I switched the headlights back to low beam and the lights began to work on low beam. The high beams do not work at all at this point, and the head lights go out when I switch to high beams, which is a very dangerous condition.

We were driving on a rural blacktop after dark and the headlights went out. They would come back on for a moment than go back out. We drove most of the 20+ miles home with just the flashers on. We had the switch replaced and thought that took care of the problem but here in the last month (August 2014) it has started to do the same thing again.

This report is about sudden and repeated headlight electrical system failure in a 2005 Chevrolet Impala sedan, and a request for a nationwide safety recall and repair at gm expense for this issue. After getting in my 2005 Impala sedan at approximately 4:55 pm on 16 February 2012, I started up and drove out on the road then I smelled burning plastic and noticed the headlights (low beam) were out. I tried the high beams and they worked as did the left and right turn signals, the windshield wiper controls and the cruise control functioned. As darkness increased I had to hold the switch in the high beam position so I could see to drive so I could get home. From what I could determine the problem seems to be in the wiring to/from the multifunction light control switch or maybe it is the switch itself on the steering column. The fuses and relays and the all seemed to be in working order but the low beam lights still did not work. This failure is extremely dangerous and happens without warning. This is the second time this has happened to me now. With dealer parts cost for a replacement multifunction light switch at $350. 00 alone, not to mention labor costs and the criticality of lights while driving means this should be a required safety recall item. I have searched mechanical forums on this subject and there are many such occurrences documented, but gm does not seem to think there is a common problem or a reason to investigate and fix the malfunction. This problem is common knowledge at gm dealerships nationwide. Smelling burning plastic is an indication of a serious electrical problem which could lead to an onboard fire in the car in addition to causing injury and or death from a sudden light outage at night. Again, I request a nationwide safety recall and repair be initiated as it appears to be a manufacturing defect and an extreme safety issue.

Tonight, my headlights would not come on. I eventually flicked the low/high beam switch and they came on. About three weeks ago, I was driving home at about 55 mph in the dark on a single lane country road. The lights went out, they came back on for a moment, and then they went completely out. I drove home slowly with the emergency flashers on. If I had not been alert, I could have easily crashed. This is a serious issue.

Driving at night, headlights go out within 30-60 seconds of switching from low beams to high beams. Headlights stay out until the high beam switch is flipped again. It started happening once in a great while spring of '09. As time has passed, it now occurs almost every time high beams are used. Cannot find a dealer or mechanic that can duplicate the problem with the car in possession, or that has a solution for the problem.

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph after attempting to dim the headlights, all of the lights failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure but stated that the dimmer switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 59,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.

Headlights and dash lights go out when bright beam is turned on. When you switch back to dims it comes back on. Afraid to use the high beams. Has happened twice since owning this vehicle. No recalls on this issue.

I own a 2005 Impala LS and while driving at night the headlights go out. This has happened 12 times with my vehicle. The last time it happened I was driving on the interstate at 75mph and they went out. I cycled the light switch 3 times and they went back on. I have done some research on the internet and have found over 60 people reporting the same problem. I think there are a lot more people with this problem that haven't reported it. I contacted gm but had no luck. This is a serious problem and would like to know who I need to contact before anyone gets in an accident and gets hurt or dies.

Had problems with headlights going out weather it's low beam or high beam mechanic had to replace turn signal/high beam switch and then that one only lasted 3-4 months. This could really pose a danger has the headlights go out completely, the only thing I could due is hold back on lever to keep high beams activated. The marker lights would stay on. To have this work done is getting expensive if I have to keep replacing this switch. Any help or suggestions would be helpful. I bought this vehicle used 2005 chevy Impala.

Tuesday, 1/27/09, while driving on a local country road to work at 6:15 am, vehicle headlights and other exterior lights went dark. Dashboard lights stayed on, but other exterior lights went dark for 8 to 10 seconds. Same thing occurred again Monday morning, 02/02/09. No dimming or warning, lights just went off and I was driving in darkness. 02/03/09 took Impala to gm dealer to run diagnostic. They determined problem with the multifunctional high/low beam lever switch (this unit also houses the cruise control, windshield wipers, and directional light controls). Est for repairs $735. 00. 02/07/09 had the unit replaced at another garage for $435. 00. I kept the defective unit. Have since done research to find other people reporting this same problem occurring on other Impalas ranging at least from model years 2001 thru 2005. In some cases the headlights stayed on, but they were unable to switch the headlights between high and low beam. I feel this is definitely a safety issue. I contacted gm customer service to relate what happened as I believe this is a very serious problem. I feel that due to the high potential for accidents involving injury or even death, this multifunctional lever switch should be "recalled".

I own an 05 Impala we have had the headlight fail on us about 6-12 times we will be driving down the road and the headlights will go out I have tried running with the switch on and they still go out its has even happened to me on a curve I just about put the car in the ditch ive asked my dad witch is a gm certified mechanic about it and there's not a known problem that he knows of I would like this fixed before I do go in the ditch and my family is with or I get a call from the cops that my wife has smashed the car there is a problem and gm should have to fix the problem before some one is killed from it.