Highbeam switch is dead. How do I fix it?

The highbeam switch is located on the turn-signal-lever. When I pull back on the lever I feel no click and the highbeams don't come on. The highbeam switch seems to be busted.
But how do I get to it? Do I have to take apart the steering column? The parts guys at the Chevy house said there was a rod that went to an easily accessable switch, but I don't see anything like that. My Hayes manual doesn't have this in it either (Up a creek without a paddle.)
Anyone here replace the higbeam switch? Any tips on how to access it?

1998 Camaro Z28, automatic, 5.7L, Coupe.

 

Very common and annoying problem. I simply went to the shop and paid $50 to have it done for me though.

 

kick Z tail out:
Were did you have it done? I just got an estimate from the local Chevy house for $200.00. That is a far cry from $50. They said they had to pull the steering wheel.

Back to square one! Anyone else have experience with changing the highbeam switch on the column? Thanks for any info.......

1998 Camaro Z28, automatic, 5.7L, Coupe.

 

ok now i could be way off and talking out of my *** but on my buddys 98 i believe its just a metal lever and there is actuall a switch down like under the console, if u drop the kickpanel u should be able to see the switch with the metal rod and hopefull thats the switch that needs replacing. i can try and get pics if u dont see what im talkin about

 

PentaVolvo:
I already had the kick panel off and looked and looked. The parts guys said the same thing you did. I saw nothing that looked like a rod or anything else coming from the lever/column. I'd do just about anything for a picture! Or just a good description of where to look for it, because I can't find it.
However, others are saying the switch is actually in the column. So there may not be a rod on the 98.
Any pictures or descriptions appreciated..............Sam

1998 Camaro Z28, automatic, 5.7L, Coupe.

 

it honestly should be there these pics arent the best but should help http://members.***.net/zurbo2/4_beam_brights.htm

 

PentaVolvo:
Ahhh, under the second plastic cover! (upper foot well cover under the lower dash panel). I'll look at that in the morning and report back. Thanks a million for the webpage!!!

 

I had mine done at the Chevy dealer. Of course I was there every other week, they may have given me a deal.


You know the ghetto way of still switching your high beams in the meantime, right? Push forward on the base of the lever while you pull back like normal. Sucks, but it'll work for now.

The bad thing about this problem is it eventually happens to every car. As far as I knew, it was from the "guts" in the column settling. If all it is, is a little switch then I guess I never knew that's all it was.

 

PentaVolvo:
I found it! We shall build temples in your honour! I already ordered the part and it will be here in the morning. Once I knew what to look for it was hard to miss. LOL. Thanks again!

kick Z tail out:
Yes, it should be a $50 job. Reliable Chevrolette here in Dallas is evil. They were trying to charge me $200. They either don't know what they are doing or they are trying to gouge people. Either way I won't use them unless I have to, which will probably be never.

Thanks everybody!

P.S. Now if I can just figure out how to remove it.
Actualy, I just found the two smal blolts. They are at the ends of the metal bracket the switch is mounted on. They are at the ends facing semi-upwards. 5/16.

 

Bahahahaha! I loosened the two bolts which are very hard to get to and noticed I could move the whole switch closer to the rod, which I did. Now the switch works fine!!! It had, over time, been pushed back so that the switch was too far back and didn't work.

I now have highbeams! Hooray!

 

I have the exact same problem, only it's specific to the position of my steering wheel. If I have it up high, the high beams switch on and off just fine, but when I position the wheel lower the way I like it, the switch doesn't work.