I have to drive with my high beams on because my low's don't work

It's probably the switch , but testing to know for sure is alwasy a good idea .

Headlamps Inoperative - High Beams
Step
Action
Value(s)
Yes
No
1
Did you perform the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) System Check?
--
YES - Go to Step 2
NO - Go to Daytime Running Lights (DRL) System Check
2
Disconnect the turn/hazard headlamp switch connector C1.
Connect a fused jumper between terminal B of the turn/hazard headlamp switch assembly harness connector C1 and ground.
Do the high beam headlamps operate?
--
YES - Go to Step 3
NO - Go to Step 4
3
Replace the turn/hazard headlamp switch assembly.
Did you complete the repair?
--
Go to Daytime Running Lights (DRL) System Check
--
4
Repair the open in CKT 1200 between the turn/hazard headlamp switch assembly. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you complete the repair?

Daytime Running Lights (DRL) System Check
Step
Action
Normal Result(s)
Abnormal Result(s)*
1
Turn the headlamp switch to the HEAD position.
Turn the headlamp dimmer switch to the LOW position.
The low beam headlamps are ON.
The high beam headlamps are OFF.
Headlamps Inoperative - Low Beams
2
Turn the headlamp switch to the HIGH position.
The high beam headlamps are ON.
The high beam indicator is ON.
The low beam headlamps are OFF.
Headlamps Inoperative - High Beams
3
Turn the headlamp switch OFF.
Turn the ignition to ON.
Disengage the parking brake.
The high beam headlamps come ON at a reduced intensity in approximately 30 seconds.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Inoperative, Headlamp Switch Operates Normally
* Refer to the appropriate symptom diagnostic table for the applicable abnormal result.

I'm sure a number of things can cause this problem but in my case it happened after I changed a burned out light. and even though the lamps i installed fit fine they were not the right. been a while now but I think its just a difference of a letter. hope this helps

YOU HAVE FAULTY COMBINATION SWITCH WHICH IS TURN SIGNAL SWITCH AND DIMMER SWITCH.YOU NEED TO DISABLE AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL.JUST TURN OFF RADIO REMOVE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE LET AIRBAG DISCHARGE AND THEN REMOVE COMBINATION SWITCH FROM THE STEERING COLUMN.

if you have to hold the switch so the high beams stay on then that indicates a bad/worn switch,you could have 2 problems the day time running light relay may have a problem with it.i would first replace the headlight switch at the base of the steering colume as by the info you supply its not changing to the high beam side without holding the switch in position.

Have you tried replacing the bulbs? My daytime/low beams work after replacing the bulbs

Yes, just like every other car on the road.

I just worked on a Pontiac Sunfire on a light issue. The driving lights are on a separate switch on a 2003 from the dimmer switch. Have you checked to make sure both low beam light bulbs for your headlights are not burnt out on low beam? Have you checked to make sure you have power to the low beam where the connector connects onto the bulb?

Hi,
I got my daughter a 2003 Pontiac Sunfire. They are a lot of electrical work.
The problem is the wiring harness which splits and travels under the battery and the windshield washer reservoir. The wires oxidize and fall apart.
The low beams will work but if you turn on the high beams the lights will go completely out, right?
If this is the case I can pretty much guarantee that you will have to remove the battery, the drivers side front inner fender, the air filter housing, the air throat, and the windshield washer reservoir. You will then be able to open the wiring harness feeding the headlights. The wire that feeds your high beams is a pink wire. Test the wires from the harness plug (located just under the battery) to a point as close to the headlight as you can, Use a simple continuity tester. Also feel and bend the wires. If the insulation cracks and you see a green or lite blue powder then patch a new wire in.
All in all I found 4-wires which I replaced. Everything works now.
Good Luck,
Jay

Could be that your high beam light's are burnt out and need to be replaced. When you say the the switch is new you mean the lever on the stearing collum is new right?? Good luck

I had the same problem and it turned out to be the dimmer switch. Good luck!