Hi beam headlight problem
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: SC
Hi beam headlight problem
I have a 1980 corvette and been having a problem of my headlights flickering or going out completely when my high beams are on for a while. wondering if I need to replace the light switch or look elsewhere.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 893
Likes: 7
From: Orange Park Florida
I had the same issue. Pull the headlight shrouds off, remove the bulbs, and check the connections. This area collects a lot of dirt and grime. Spray connector cleaner into the connectors and apply a small amount of dielectric grease onto the bulb prongs.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: SC
Thanks
Pro
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 720
Likes: 205
From: Michigan
Not sure about your '80, but on my '69 I had this issue after installing an aftermarket replacement H/L switch.
Turned out to be a cheap thermo protector internal to the switch. The regular H/L's would work fine, but hitting the brights would increase the current draw, and after a few seconds, the thermo would cause ALL the lights to flicker and - eventually - go out until it was cooled down again.
Tried 3 new switches before deciding to rebuild the original switch, by just replacing the dimmer coil unit (the original failure I had), and this did the trick.
Turned out to be a cheap thermo protector internal to the switch. The regular H/L's would work fine, but hitting the brights would increase the current draw, and after a few seconds, the thermo would cause ALL the lights to flicker and - eventually - go out until it was cooled down again.
Tried 3 new switches before deciding to rebuild the original switch, by just replacing the dimmer coil unit (the original failure I had), and this did the trick.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: SC
Not sure about your '80, but on my '69 I had this issue after installing an aftermarket replacement H/L switch.
Turned out to be a cheap thermo protector internal to the switch. The regular H/L's would work fine, but hitting the brights would increase the current draw, and after a few seconds, the thermo would cause ALL the lights to flicker and - eventually - go out until it was cooled down again.
Tried 3 new switches before deciding to rebuild the original switch, by just replacing the dimmer coil unit (the original failure I had), and this did the trick.
Turned out to be a cheap thermo protector internal to the switch. The regular H/L's would work fine, but hitting the brights would increase the current draw, and after a few seconds, the thermo would cause ALL the lights to flicker and - eventually - go out until it was cooled down again.
Tried 3 new switches before deciding to rebuild the original switch, by just replacing the dimmer coil unit (the original failure I had), and this did the trick.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,948
Likes: 4,506
From: Virginia
I know this one. It is a light switch, but probably not the one you think. I had this happen on my '80.
Maybe you can do this with the seat out and laying on your back (you might have to anyway), but take the dash assembly out. The only tricky bit is the speedometer cable. Then you can easily access the headlight switch (the one with the thermal breaker). If it is melted, and/or doesn't show correct voltage with a multimeter, there's your culprit.
However, I bet the high-low beam switch has failed. It is mounted on top of your steering column, and is not trivial to replace. It's a lot easier with the dash cluster removed. This is a $15- part on a C3, so a lot cheaper than the other option. Make sure you adjust it correctly.
Good luck!
Maybe you can do this with the seat out and laying on your back (you might have to anyway), but take the dash assembly out. The only tricky bit is the speedometer cable. Then you can easily access the headlight switch (the one with the thermal breaker). If it is melted, and/or doesn't show correct voltage with a multimeter, there's your culprit.
However, I bet the high-low beam switch has failed. It is mounted on top of your steering column, and is not trivial to replace. It's a lot easier with the dash cluster removed. This is a $15- part on a C3, so a lot cheaper than the other option. Make sure you adjust it correctly.
Good luck!
Last edited by Bikespace; Feb 20, 2018 at 06:46 PM.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: SC
I know this one. It is a light switch, but probably not the one you think. I had this happen on my '80.
Maybe you can do this with the seat out and laying on your back (you might have to anyway), but take the dash assembly out. The only tricky bit is the speedometer cable. Then you can easily access the headlight switch (the one with the thermal breaker). If it is melted, and/or doesn't show correct voltage with a multimeter, there's your culprit.
However, I bet the high-low beam switch has failed. It is mounted on top of your steering column, and is not trivial to replace. It's a lot easier with the dash cluster removed. This is a $15- part on a C3, so a lot cheaper than the other option. Make sure you adjust it correctly.
Good luck!
Maybe you can do this with the seat out and laying on your back (you might have to anyway), but take the dash assembly out. The only tricky bit is the speedometer cable. Then you can easily access the headlight switch (the one with the thermal breaker). If it is melted, and/or doesn't show correct voltage with a multimeter, there's your culprit.
However, I bet the high-low beam switch has failed. It is mounted on top of your steering column, and is not trivial to replace. It's a lot easier with the dash cluster removed. This is a $15- part on a C3, so a lot cheaper than the other option. Make sure you adjust it correctly.
Good luck!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Fernandina Beach FL
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Heres a way to check-
Headlight switch or bad connection at the lights.
When the lights start to flicker-disconnect one highbeam ( passenger side will work best)
See if that solves your problem.
If it does- look at the connections- grounds as others have stated.
If not- then you have to learn some acrobatics and remove the light switch.
Richard
Headlight switch or bad connection at the lights.
When the lights start to flicker-disconnect one highbeam ( passenger side will work best)
See if that solves your problem.
If it does- look at the connections- grounds as others have stated.
If not- then you have to learn some acrobatics and remove the light switch.
Richard