Odd headlight issue...
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Odd headlight issue...
Hi all,
I did use the search function, but I didn't find anything specific to my problem.
81 4 speed. The vacuum works just fine...headlights go up and down with no problem. This is the issue. When I pull the headlight switch, the headlights come up, but occasionally there is a delay in the headlights actually turning on. The driving lights are fine, the dash lights are fine, but the headlights are finicky. During the time I'm waiting for the headlights to illuminate, I also can't get them to go high beam and the indicator in the dash won't go blue either. After a non-specific period of time, they come on magically. I believe that it's either a switch or grounding problem.
Anyone else have this occur?
TIA,
MrM.
I did use the search function, but I didn't find anything specific to my problem.
81 4 speed. The vacuum works just fine...headlights go up and down with no problem. This is the issue. When I pull the headlight switch, the headlights come up, but occasionally there is a delay in the headlights actually turning on. The driving lights are fine, the dash lights are fine, but the headlights are finicky. During the time I'm waiting for the headlights to illuminate, I also can't get them to go high beam and the indicator in the dash won't go blue either. After a non-specific period of time, they come on magically. I believe that it's either a switch or grounding problem.
Anyone else have this occur?
TIA,
MrM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Sounds like a headlight switch, dimmer switch and/or headlight lamp connectors and grounds. Old car, old parts. Best way to fix them for good is put in a Relay to switch the high current for the lamps through new heavier wire (#12 is good). Use the existing wireing to control the relay. While your in there go through the grounds and connectors.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I would expose the HL switch,put a test light on the 12 red to confirm power,pull HL switch,does red maintain power,if yes test the yellow,if no power pull connector and inspect terminals,if the term look good-replace HL switch.
relays are not a bad idea
edit-(just realized the year was an 81-changed blue to yellow)
relays are not a bad idea
edit-(just realized the year was an 81-changed blue to yellow)
Last edited by ...Roger...; Jul 30, 2011 at 12:39 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
If the headlight switch is the problem, you should replace it soon. That kind of symptom indicates that there is some significant resistance in the circuit. And higher resistance means "HEAT" is being generated. The last stage of excess heat is "FIRE"...not a good thing. But, before you go that direction, also check the grounding wires for the headlight system. The same electrical fault can happen there. It would be unusual to have a ground line with a "delay", but worth checking before you go to the trouble of changing the headlight switch.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 174
From: Fort Wayne IN
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Okay...replaced switch and problem remains. Running lights, dash lights all other lights work just fine. No headlights. When I toggle high beam switch no blue light. The shop manual isn't great about how to change the dimmer switch. Is there a fusible link or fuse (other than in switch) I should look for?
Thanks
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 34
From: Porterville Ca
It seems you're not getting correct voltage to the headlights. You're going to have to use a multimeter and check voltages until you find the culprit. Start by connecting your neg multimeter lead straight to the battery. There aren't many good grounds in a Corvette, and at 30 years old, everything is suspect.First check battery voltage,we want 12.5 volts. If not, start charging the battery. Check for voltage in and out of the fuse, then at the switch (don't assume it's good unless you want to be still chasing this over Christmas vacation).check at the dimmer switch, and into and out of both headlights. If you find the voltage dropping more than a few tenths out of any item, unplug it and inspect both sides of the connector for rust, corrosion and loose terminals. Keep in mind that bad connections prevent the flow of electricity, it could be as simple as loose or corroded battery terminals or a ground at the HL. Keep us posted on your progress.
Michael
Michael
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
having the same problem
hi there, im having the same problem. i have checked lamps, ground wire. i still get the warning noise saying the lights are on when the ignition is off but the lights wont turn on. did you manage to find what your issue was? mine started with one light dying followed by the next one the following day. when the lights pop up one light flashes on and then off within a second.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
