no headlights on...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
no headlights on...
first of all.... all lights used to work, last week i removed the lower dash pads on both sides then did some other projects. reinstalled the dash pads and hooked everything back up. Now, headlights don't light up. All other exterior lights come on and function just fine. Interior lights all work... guages maybe a bit dimmer than before but maybe not. The old switch looks to be original but functioned well before. I have a new replacement switch but damn thing...I can't get the old one out! Tried and tried and can depress the little button to release the rod but it doesn't let go. Maybe the switch isn't the problem.... anyone have any ideas? Any suggestions are appreciated!
thanks,
Sully
thanks,
Sully
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
When you push the button, is the **** already pulled out? That's step number one. Pull the **** out all the way as if you were turning on the headlights. Then, press the button, and the shaft will pull right out.
It sounds like your switch is okay since the rest of the lights all work, but a new switch is always a good idea.
It sounds like your switch is okay since the rest of the lights all work, but a new switch is always a good idea.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Man I feel your pain. It took me 30 minutes to get my **** off a couple of days ago. If all else fails, you could take a hack saw to the **** shaft and just buy another one.
I can't help you on why your lights don't work, but if you figure it out please let me know as I'm fighting the exact same problem.
I can't help you on why your lights don't work, but if you figure it out please let me know as I'm fighting the exact same problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Man I feel your pain. It took me 30 minutes to get my **** off a couple of days ago. If all else fails, you could take a hack saw to the **** shaft and just buy another one.
I can't help you on why your lights don't work, but if you figure it out please let me know as I'm fighting the exact same problem.
I can't help you on why your lights don't work, but if you figure it out please let me know as I'm fighting the exact same problem.
That would suck, he just replaced the shaft and **** eight months ago, from what he told me earlier.
I suggested maybe a squirt of WD40 down where the button depresses, and in along the shaft.
Anyone think that's a good or bad idea? Just a thought.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 3
From: Florissant MO
Keep turning it as you pull and press the button and wiggle it a little. It will come out. Sometimes if you push it in and pull it out and wiggle it a little more, all while holding the button, it will come out. Woops, I think I just got a little obscene, but it works.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Matt I'm not so sure the lubricant would work it's way all the way down to the button especially since the shaft is still inside the switch. I'm sure you guys have already seen this, but here's a good article on the subject:
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/content/view/93/
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/content/view/93/
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
want to scream...
I have fiddled with that stupid switch and the little button on it and I still can not get the rod to release! I am kinda at a loss. I guess I might have to pull the dash pad again. Still have no headlights... all other lights work on the exterior and all lights work in the interior including the guages, courtesey, and the A/C face... just no headlights.... any ideas???
Sully
Sully
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 39
From: Denver, CO
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
this is perplexing, as im in almost the exact reverse!!! my headlights work, but no gauge lights and no tail lights... though i think mine is more of a fuse panel issue.. (i think the car was flooded once..) you might check fuses. if you count rows up... 3rd row of fuses up, 1st one in, should be a 20.. i got that one connecting right and voila!! headlights! just a suggestion.. you might make sure all of the fuses are making proper connection.. when you where wiggling and stuff, you mighta shorted something without ever noticing.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
That's a good point, while messing around under the dash you might have shorted something or jostled something, or maybe the fuse was just ready to blow.
Replace the headlight fuse, as sometimes they can look fine and still be bad.
What other items are on the circuit with the headlights? Nothing?
Also, you say the headlights don't work, but did you try switching to brights?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
That's a good point, while messing around under the dash you might have shorted something or jostled something, or maybe the fuse was just ready to blow.
Replace the headlight fuse, as sometimes they can look fine and still be bad.
What other items are on the circuit with the headlights? Nothing?
Also, you say the headlights don't work, but did you try switching to brights?
Replace the headlight fuse, as sometimes they can look fine and still be bad.
What other items are on the circuit with the headlights? Nothing?
Also, you say the headlights don't work, but did you try switching to brights?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
does the headlight switch ground through the guages? I noticed it does have that little thin metal strip that attached to the back of the speedometer? maybe that's it since I have screwed it all back in yet...
Sully
Sully
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
That strip is just a brace I think...it only screws into the dash pad where there is no metal. The grounding is all in the harness I think.
I would replace that fuse first, and then try the lights.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 9,429
Likes: 44
From: Macon, GA
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
yes I have the headlights grounded.... there is one ground that is on the front light harness that is on the radiator support on the drivers side and then there's another ground that is up on the header bar next to the horn...both are sturdy and in place.
Sully
Sully