Chevrolet Repair: 94 Chevy Cavalier Headlight Problem, low beams, high beams

Question
I have a 94 Cavalier with a headlight problem.  When I bought the car the low beams were very dim, while the high beams were equal to ordinary low beams (in brightness).  
Recently however, the low beams have gone out completely, while the high beams will only stay on by holding the dimmer switch in.  If I simply flick the switch as normal, they flash on briefly, then go out again.
I replaced the bulbs, but the problem is almost certainly electrical.  I have a car stereo that the previous owner did a miserable job of self-installing (bad connections, uncapped wires, etc).  I recently disconnected it, suspecting that it might be drawing too much power or otherwise causing electrical problems.  But that didn't solve my problem.
None of my fuses are wired to the headlights.  My manual indicated that there is a circuit breaker for the headlights "in the switch".  My dimmer switch?  How do I access that?  I plan on whatever wiring I can.  I am not, however, an expert.  What should I look for?
Thank you in advance for your valuable time and helpful answers.

-Jeff K

Answer
1. Check for loose BLACK colored wires that are attached to the vehicles front end near the headlights as if there is a loose ground wire this will cause dim low beams. Locate the BLACK wire at the headlights and trace it back to where you see a bolt or screw fastened to a metal portion of the fender or near the metal radiator support or near the vehicles battery. make sure this ground is clean and tight.

2. The low/high beam electrical switch is located under the dash mounted on the side of the steering colmn and has been known to have faulty internal contacts of which will require replacement of the switch.

3. the inoperative lever action of the high beams can also be caused by the above said low/high switch.

4. Some cases, the problem is within the steering column of which will require SPECIAL TOOLS in order to remove the steering wheel and gain access to the switch rod linkage within the steering column.


CAUTION: If your steering wheel incorporates an AIR BAG there are SPECIAL MUST precautions that MUST be followed in order to de-activate the AIR BAG system and simply disconnecting the battery will NOT totally de-activate the AIR BAG system.

Should you accidently deploy the air bag while NOT knowing what you are doing you can be seriously injured or KILLED.


autohelp