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1996 Instrument Panel Lights Flickering and Exterior Lights Intermittent

The headlight switch used on the GMC Sonoma is known to fail through normal operation. Since the headlight switch is also integrated into the interior lights, a malfunctioning switch can cause issues with interior lights as well.

  • Symptoms of a failed headlight switch include:
  • Headlights and taillights failing to turn on or off
  • Interior lights flicker, or fail to turn on or off
  • Gauge cluster lighting off or flickering with headlights on
  • Parking light malfunctions

This issue is well known with General Motors Trucks and SUVs, and is solved by testing and, if needed, replacing the headlight/dimmer switch. Bad grounding wires at the tail-lights, and dirty/corroded tow package wires can also lead to some of these issues.

Affected Model Years

This issue affects model years 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, .

12 people reported this problem

  • 1996 150,000 Miles
    The instrument cluster is not backlit unless the dimmer thumb wheel is moved all the way up to where it clicks meaning interior dome light should be on but it is not. The instrument panel will illuminate and can turn on the parking lights and headlights normally. If I put the illumination fuse in the interior lights will work cannot remember if the map lights on rear view mirror work or not.

1996 Common Problems