Electrical Problems
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Electrical Problems
The 1985 Corvette that I recently bought has some electrical problems with the headlights and the power antenna. The power antenna is stuck in the "up" position and never moves. I've been told that the relay needs to be replaced.
The headlights work just fine, but the left headlight motor won't turn off. Both headlights pop-up and close but that motor stays on. When they're closed I can pull the **** out just a bit, not enough to turn them on, and the motor will stop. I've been told it could anything from worn gears to a bad switch.
I'm hoping that someone has had this problem before and knows how to fix it.
The headlights work just fine, but the left headlight motor won't turn off. Both headlights pop-up and close but that motor stays on. When they're closed I can pull the **** out just a bit, not enough to turn them on, and the motor will stop. I've been told it could anything from worn gears to a bad switch.
I'm hoping that someone has had this problem before and knows how to fix it.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
Hi 4Ever21,
welcome to the forum and congrats and best of luck on your new vette.
You would do well to find/order the Factory Service Manual(s), published by Helm, you'll find them invaluable.
Regarding the antenna, the relay is in the butt somwhere (in/around the hatch latch area).
However, the antenna's die (our 94's was dead when we bought), so be prepared. Consider doing some electrical diagnosis to verify it is the relay and not just the antenna (perhaps you might be able to hear the relay click while having someone else turn on the antenna).
Can't help on the headlights (no problems with ours yet -- knock on wood), but someone will chime in I'm sure...
Again welcome...
welcome to the forum and congrats and best of luck on your new vette.
You would do well to find/order the Factory Service Manual(s), published by Helm, you'll find them invaluable.
Regarding the antenna, the relay is in the butt somwhere (in/around the hatch latch area).
However, the antenna's die (our 94's was dead when we bought), so be prepared. Consider doing some electrical diagnosis to verify it is the relay and not just the antenna (perhaps you might be able to hear the relay click while having someone else turn on the antenna).
Can't help on the headlights (no problems with ours yet -- knock on wood), but someone will chime in I'm sure...
Again welcome...
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
Likes: 7
From: sw Ohio
Thanks for the advice, I really hope my antenna isnt shop. I mean it still gets reception obviously but its pretty much lifeless. I dont really care too much about it anyway, cause $200 is a lot for a stupid antenna.
I found out whats wrong with the headlight, the bushings are work out and need to be replaced. There is a FAQ on this forum with tips on installing them.
I found out whats wrong with the headlight, the bushings are work out and need to be replaced. There is a FAQ on this forum with tips on installing them.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 0
From: GA
I'd bet the antenna drive "tape" is broken and someone cut the power wire because the motor kept running (common thing on GM's with power ant.) You can get a mast repair kit from your local dealer for about $20. It is the very top portion of the mast and the drive "tape" which is a plastic "rod" that winds up on the reel inside the motor housing. They get brittle with age and use and tend to break. They are a pain to remove when they break in the up position though.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,310
Likes: 216
From: Sussex,Wi
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Originally Posted by Morley
I'd bet the antenna drive "tape" is broken and someone cut the power wire because the motor kept running (common thing on GM's with power ant.) You can get a mast repair kit from your local dealer for about $20. It is the very top portion of the mast and the drive "tape" which is a plastic "rod" that winds up on the reel inside the motor housing. They get brittle with age and use and tend to break. They are a pain to remove when they break in the up position though.
You can also get a plain "mast" antennae in for $25.00 or less.
Because you have to remove the whole ant. assembly to repair it, just put in a cheapo if desired.
