So my girlfriend has been having a problem with her headlights on her 98 cavalier lately, probably because of the cold weather. When she turns her switch on, the actual headlights don't wanna come on, until the car warms up for a bit, then they turn on. What could be the problem, and is it expensive to fix it? Thanks for any info.

I dont know much about this stuff but it sounds like maybe the bulb is going to need to be replaced which can be anywhere from 20 dollars to around 50 dollars. Or maybe the harness has a short in it but if the harness has a short in it the headlights should blink every once in awhile... Uh you can also check the fuses see if they need to be replaced.

chris b

"Uh you can also check the fuses see if they need to be replaced."


there are two conditions for a fuse... blown and unblown.. obviously they are not blown, if the lights still come on. so no need to check that. all i can say at the moment is to check all your ground wires.. especially the lead right under the battery tray, remove the batteryand check under the TRAY to see if the ground wire below it is loose.

I would take a look at the wire harness that connects to the bulb aessembly could have a some corroision in there, Maybe a break in the wiring as well. Even last thing could be switch it self or head light bulbs.

Good Luck.

Thanks for all the info, I will check her grounds, and the wiring going to the lights.

Do you mean the Daytime running lights? or the actual headlights when you turn on the switch?

i have a similar problem with my 98 sunfire. When its cold and i turn the headlights on they work... but when i use the turn signal left they shut off. I have diagnosed the problem is in the multi function switch - that would be the actual turn signal/lights switch arm. try moving the arm around and see if it turns on/off your lights. Still need to check further into the switch itself - check the contacts and wiring harness see if thats moving too.

I bought two new bulbs for my 99 Sunfire for 8 dollars from eBay.