Twilight Sentinel
 

Twilight Sentinel control setting is very erratic. Sometimes headlights remain on for greater than three minutes (after ignition off) with control set near minimum, then sometimes headlights shut off after only a few seconds (after ignition off) with out any change to setting. Is this sentinel feature an integral part of headlight switch? Would it be worth replacing headlight switch? Thanks in advance for any advice.

'97 Bonneville SE with (SLE upgrade), jade green, best car I've ever owned.

Re: Twilight Sentinel
 

i saw a TSB once stating there were issues similar to this. Most likely the switch is going bad. What I had read basically said that the lights may come on or turn off at random times.

JSeabert's 93SSE does this, too, and his switch is definitely bad.....doesn't mean yours is, but the odds are better. If you fiddle with the timer on his switch, you can get it to settle down. Time for a trip to the junkyard.

The "auto off" time delay function (twilight sentinel) seems not to be working properly. If I opt for replacement headlight switch, how big a deal is it actually? I can't see how to access that small section of dashboard where headlight switch is located. I could take the thing to a GM dealership, that will cost a mint more than likely.

Replacing HL switch
 

I had to replace mine because the dimmer control for the interior lights had dead spots in it. The interior lights would flicker on and off. Cost me $110 for a new switch from the dealer. The switch with the twilight sentinel is pricy.

I think they changed the design of the switch in later years (after 93). But getting to it is probably the same. Pry off the plastic piece around the steering wheel to the radio and climate control. Take the knob off the HL switch by depressing tab on back. Remove screws holding top piece in front of switch and lighter (I think 5 star screws). There are two more screws holding the switch in. If you can't get the switch out far enough to disconnect the harness, then you have to unscrew the instrument panel, which is a bit more of a pain.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong; I did this two years ago.

I thought the switch was universal from 92-99, so I bought one from a local wrecking yard to replace mine. I didn't realize until after I got it home that the switch design changed around 95/96, so the one I bought wouldn't fit in my 92. :oops:

If you're interested, I have the complete headlight/twilight sentinel switch out of a 96 SSEi that I'll sell for cheap. Pics are below... drop me an email if interested.

http://home.att.net/~sseiguy/switch.html

Dean
92 SSEi

Another switch
 

I have exactly the same switch, taken from a car at the junkyard, also that didn't fit my car. It's collecting dust in my drawer at work. I noticed that the twilight sentinel seems to "turn on" to the right, unlike mine which turns on to the left.