headlights don't work???
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,083
Likes: 0
headlights don't work???
I have a 1981 corvette. I recently had been having problems with my starter overheating and placed a heat shield over it to correct the problem. Unfortunately, when I placed the shield over my starter there was a bare wire that I touched and sparks flew. I taped the bare wire and continued. Everything seemed fine until I went to use the headlights. Headlights went up and no headlights? I replaced the headlight switch and no remedy. I thought that it must be the linked fuse in the red wire down by the starter and replaced it with a new wire extension. Still no headlights!!!! When I turn the headlights on the dash lights and tail lights come on but no power to the headlights. The connector that plugs into the switch looks burnt on the plastic but appears to be alright. I checked the big red wire and no power to it ( thats when I decided to replace the wire extension to the starter.) I did check the dimmer switch and disconnected the connector to see if it was the switch but there is also no power to that as well. I am at my wits end and am quite frustrated with this PITA. Please advise. I am also confused in why the headlights don't go down when I turn the switch off?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
There are 2 fusible links at the starter.Follow the harness up from the starter to a connector behind and above the pass. cylinder head just below the alarm hood switch...there should be a 6 wire connector...pull it apart and there should be 2 heavy red wires... both must be hot.( this is from memory)
edit-there could be 3 reds plus a purple and a black..hmm thats only 5 crap cant remember..I'll have to get the diagram out in the morning if you havnt found it.
edit-there could be 3 reds plus a purple and a black..hmm thats only 5 crap cant remember..I'll have to get the diagram out in the morning if you havnt found it.
Last edited by ...Roger...; Aug 12, 2008 at 12:06 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I have a 1981 corvette. I recently had been having problems with my starter overheating and placed a heat shield over it to correct the problem. Unfortunately, when I placed the shield over my starter there was a bare wire that I touched and sparks flew. I taped the bare wire and continued. Everything seemed fine until I went to use the headlights. Headlights went up and no headlights? I replaced the headlight switch and no remedy. I thought that it must be the linked fuse in the red wire down by the starter and replaced it with a new wire extension. Still no headlights!!!! When I turn the headlights on the dash lights and tail lights come on but no power to the headlights. The connector that plugs into the switch looks burnt on the plastic but appears to be alright. I checked the big red wire and no power to it ( thats when I decided to replace the wire extension to the starter.) I did check the dimmer switch and disconnected the connector to see if it was the switch but there is also no power to that as well. I am at my wits end and am quite frustrated with this PITA. Please advise. I am also confused in why the headlights don't go down when I turn the switch off?
I don't see mention of you replacing the headlight fuse. Even if it looks good, replace it anyway, and then try your headlights.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
