Headlights Multi-Issues
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 154
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From: Grand Haven Michigan
Headlights Multi-Issues
Finally got around to starting my '71 after a full wire harness replacement.
I found my tail lights worked just fine, but my headlights did not want to turn on. I have to go and check the connectors to make sure everything is plugged in ok, but if anyone can think of where the problem could occur that would be helpful. Only the drivers side parking light turned on with the light switch and the passenger side worked with blinkers. Could it be a ground issue or a loose connector?
Also, the drivers side headlight is getting stuck open. I can't even push it down, i have to go underneath and push/pull on various springs and other parts to make it go down, anything I can do to adjust this?
Thanks,
Jay!
I found my tail lights worked just fine, but my headlights did not want to turn on. I have to go and check the connectors to make sure everything is plugged in ok, but if anyone can think of where the problem could occur that would be helpful. Only the drivers side parking light turned on with the light switch and the passenger side worked with blinkers. Could it be a ground issue or a loose connector?
Also, the drivers side headlight is getting stuck open. I can't even push it down, i have to go underneath and push/pull on various springs and other parts to make it go down, anything I can do to adjust this?
Thanks,
Jay!
1969/1971/2021 Coupes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 80
From: Port Huron MI
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Jay,
I had a similar problem on my 71 when I first bought it. I found that most of the connections had degraded to the point that they were not making a good connection (ground or hot leads). I spent a whole Saturday under the front of the car removing every wired connection and installing new connectors and cleaning contact points. Some of the wires were solidly connected to the connectors but were not making a good contact for some reason. After going through all of the wiring, everything worked perfect.
As far as the headlight adjustment, I'm not typically the one who responds immediately with "do a search," but in this case it would be easier to do one on here or in Google. There's some instructions already out there that are very thorough and easy to follow.
After looking further, I found this on the Willcox site.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27609
Good luck!
Terry
I had a similar problem on my 71 when I first bought it. I found that most of the connections had degraded to the point that they were not making a good connection (ground or hot leads). I spent a whole Saturday under the front of the car removing every wired connection and installing new connectors and cleaning contact points. Some of the wires were solidly connected to the connectors but were not making a good contact for some reason. After going through all of the wiring, everything worked perfect.
As far as the headlight adjustment, I'm not typically the one who responds immediately with "do a search," but in this case it would be easier to do one on here or in Google. There's some instructions already out there that are very thorough and easy to follow.
After looking further, I found this on the Willcox site.
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=27609
Good luck!
Terry
Last edited by HOOAH; May 20, 2013 at 11:03 AM. Reason: Added a video link
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,172
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Jay,
Under normal conditions you shouldn't be able to push a fully raised headlight door closed from the top.
There's an 'elbow' in the mechanism that locks the headlights in the open position so they don't bounce while you're driving.
When you work the mechanism from below you're pulling that elbow back from it's locked position.
This procedure is even mentioned in the owner's manuals.
If it's working properly the headlight actuator's motion overcomes that lock. Check the open adjustment, it may be letting the door open too far.
Have you checked that the ground wire for the front lighting harness has a good connection at the core support?
Regards,
Alan
Under normal conditions you shouldn't be able to push a fully raised headlight door closed from the top.
There's an 'elbow' in the mechanism that locks the headlights in the open position so they don't bounce while you're driving.
When you work the mechanism from below you're pulling that elbow back from it's locked position.
This procedure is even mentioned in the owner's manuals.
If it's working properly the headlight actuator's motion overcomes that lock. Check the open adjustment, it may be letting the door open too far.
Have you checked that the ground wire for the front lighting harness has a good connection at the core support?
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Agreed you have multi issues.
First you might want to confirm that the (1) clk-ctsy, (2) tail and(3) stop-hazard fuses are good.
Then go step by step and see if this helps:
For the headlight not going down, test the actuator as you might have a bad seal (grommet).
http://www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm#actuator
First you might want to confirm that the (1) clk-ctsy, (2) tail and(3) stop-hazard fuses are good.
Then go step by step and see if this helps:
For the headlight not going down, test the actuator as you might have a bad seal (grommet).
http://www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm#actuator
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Grand Haven Michigan
Well, solved the headlights not going on problem. After an hour and a half of tracing wires from the schematic, ringing things out with the multi-meter. I eventually decided to check the dimmer switch... I plugged it in wrong somehow, only one of the 3 prongs were connected.
Now I am left with another problem, when I started yesterday my blinkers worked, now they don't. My hazards still work.
The headlight being stuck up, I have to look more into. It goes up and gets into the lock position, but is unable to get itself out of the lock position. I am going to have spend a little more time to learn how it works to fix it.
Thanks!
Jay
Now I am left with another problem, when I started yesterday my blinkers worked, now they don't. My hazards still work.
The headlight being stuck up, I have to look more into. It goes up and gets into the lock position, but is unable to get itself out of the lock position. I am going to have spend a little more time to learn how it works to fix it.
Thanks!
Jay
