C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Headlight Electrical Issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 12, 2009 | 08:52 AM
  #1  
Petes73's Avatar
Petes73
Thread Starter
Racer
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Marion Ia
Default Headlight Electrical Issue

I was working on getting my 73 this week end. I did not drive it much at all last year, but hope to get many miles in this year. I had changed the carb and I'm getting that sorted out. While doing the test dives to check the adjustments I was making I turned on the head lights. They pop-up just fine, but the are not on. Every other light on the car works. I did not see a fuse in the fuse box, but it was late and I did not look real close. Is there a breaker I need to check. I have all the manuals, but I'm at work and thought I would get a head start by asking the experts.
Reply
Old May 12, 2009 | 09:05 AM
  #2  
...Roger...'s Avatar
...Roger...
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Default

Try punching the dimmer several times and operating the headlight switch in and out before you go digging in too deep.
Reply
Old May 12, 2009 | 10:40 AM
  #3  
Duke94's Avatar
Duke94
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Default

There is a circuit breaker inside the light switch. It should reset itself after it cools off from a short circuit. I agree with DWncchs, check the high beams as they are on different wires than the low beams. If they don't work either, it may be the light switch which is common to both. BUT, as with all Corvette electrical issues, check the ground wire for corrosion first. The headlights are grounded at the alternator. The link below will take you to a 78' wiring schmatic, but your 73' should be basically the same.

Gary

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/tune.../index11.shtml
Reply
Old May 12, 2009 | 11:23 AM
  #4  
Petes73's Avatar
Petes73
Thread Starter
Racer
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Marion Ia
Default

Thanks guy's I will check both. Neither the high or lows is working. Seems like it it is not one thing it is another.
Reply
Old May 12, 2009 | 11:39 AM
  #5  
...Roger...'s Avatar
...Roger...
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Default

Pete I would pull the 3 wire connector off the dimmer switch and check the blue wire for voltage with the headlights pulled on. If you have power there then its the dimmer ,headlights,connectors or grounds in the front of car. If you dont have power on the blue then we can start the search as to why.
I dont believe your 73 has a separate fusible link for the headlights as does the 78.
Reply
Old May 12, 2009 | 03:12 PM
  #6  
Petes73's Avatar
Petes73
Thread Starter
Racer
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
From: Marion Ia
Default

Originally Posted by DWncchs
Pete I would pull the 3 wire connector off the dimmer switch and check the blue wire for voltage with the headlights pulled on. If you have power there then its the dimmer ,headlights,connectors or grounds in the front of car. If you dont have power on the blue then we can start the search as to why.
I dont believe your 73 has a separate fusible link for the headlights as does the 78.
Thanks for the tip, I will be working on it the next few days. I would like to get it sorted out and just drive for a change
Reply
Old May 12, 2009 | 04:19 PM
  #7  
65747785's Avatar
65747785
Pro
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 589
Likes: 1
From: PA
Default

I would think the head lights worked the last time your drove it.

Being the car sat for a while, maybe some corosion set in the plug connectors. Check for the green corrosion, if ya find some of that, you found the problem.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Headlight Electrical Issue





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:31 PM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE