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How are you supposed to hook up this light under the hood? On the right side you have just a bulb, on the left side there is a place for a bulb and the so called switch bulb. It does look like a piece in the middle of the light socket is missing. Am I going to have to replace the whole light apparatus? Can anyone shed light on this for me? I have a photo for reference of the left socket I'm referencing.
Interesting. What year is your C4? I have a 1996 that I replaced the under hood lights with LEDs from my local auto store and had no issues, other than burning the fingerprints off my fingers getting the old bulbs out.
Interesting. What year is your C4? I have a 1996 that I replaced the under hood lights with LEDs from my local auto store and had no issues, other than burning the fingerprints off my fingers getting the old bulbs out.
There's a fuse for the lights in the driver side in front of the wheels well so you don't have to get 3rd degree burns to do the swap.
I have limited experience having done this job only once, on a 96 model. I think you need to replace that socket. The socket and its wiring harness are a unit. I had no trouble finding what I needed on eb@y. It is a minor PITA and time consuming, and not the least difficult. Pay attention to how the wires run now and follow to where you can disconnect. Then stay disconnected until you think you're finished. $.02
Interesting. What year is your C4? I have a 1996 that I replaced the under hood lights with LEDs from my local auto store and had no issues, other than burning the fingerprints off my fingers getting the old bulbs out.
It's a 1990. The right side I replaced with an LED bulb, no problem. The driver side is different. The bulb I replaced on the right is super bright but I'd like to have them both work. And, yes, that bulb gets hot!
I have limited experience having done this job only once, on a 96 model. I think you need to replace that socket. The socket and its wiring harness are a unit. I had no trouble finding what I needed on eb@y. It is a minor PITA and time consuming, and not the least difficult. Pay attention to how the wires run now and follow to where you can disconnect. Then stay disconnected until you think you're finished. $.02
I believe I have to replace the whole unit too. Something in the middle of that socket is missing and looks scorched! I found a used one on Dinos Salvage.
I will have to track down that fuse. Now I know whereabouts to look.
On my 95 there is a connector on both sides in the front fender area. I just have mine unplugged so I don't have to worry about having the hood open for a long time.
The small metal unit beside the bulb is a mercury switch that flows to make the electrical connection when the hood is lifted. The stock bulbs in my 87 had melted the plastic in the housing so the brackets were no longer secure. I swapped them out easily with used ones from the wreckers. Not difficult at all. Be careful removing the lens, it's glass . remove the top screw and just loosen the lower screw so you can put down the screwdriver and slide the lens out with BOTH hands available! I recently replaced the bulbs in my 93 with LED, way brighter and no more heat issues. I got the bulbs off the shelf at my local Canadian Tire and they are a direct replacement , perfect fit.
The small metal unit beside the bulb is a mercury switch that flows to make the electrical connection when the hood is lifted. The stock bulbs in my 87 had melted the plastic in the housing so the brackets were no longer secure. I swapped them out easily with used ones from the wreckers. Not difficult at all. Be careful removing the lens, it's glass . remove the top screw and just loosen the lower screw so you can put down the screwdriver and slide the lens out with BOTH hands available! I recently replaced the bulbs in my 93 with LED, way brighter and no more heat issues. I got the bulbs off the shelf at my local Canadian Tire and they are a direct replacement , perfect fit.
Ah, that's why the middle part is missing, it got melted, became compromised. I'll get a unit from salvage somewhere! Thanks for the info.
Corvette Central has a on/off light switch and wiring harness for 84-96 Corvette's a little pricey at $99.99.
take a look at it and maybe you could make your own a lot cheaper. I have one on my 1990 ZR-1 desigded by Gordon Killebrew and sold by Eckler's Corvette
but not on their web site.
John
White/Black # 2546
one of a few 4l8OE auto eq, ZR-1's
From: Everyone needs something to believe in, I believe I'll have another beer. Wisconsin
Originally Posted by AAFC
Corvette Central has a on/off light switch and wiring harness for 84-96 Corvette's a little pricey at $99.99.
take a look at it and maybe you could make your own a lot cheaper. I have one on my 1990 ZR-1 desigded by Gordon Killebrew and sold by Eckler's Corvette
but not on their web site.
John
White/Black # 2546
one of a few 4l8OE auto eq, ZR-1's
The one in post #11 didn't cost me anything to make.
The one in post #11 didn't cost me anything to make.
It also leaves the wiring protected by the 20 amp courtesy or interior lighting fuse rather than 10 amps because you've 'removed' the 10 amp fuse. The wiring for the hood lights is a bit small to be protected at 20 amps, that far from the fuse. If a short in a hood lamp develops, the 20A fuse in the IP fuse block may not blow, and wiring damage could occur.
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If I want to disable the lights because I intend to leave the hood open for a prolonged period time, I remove the fuse and place only one prong back in the fuse holder. The fuse is still 'right there' to reinstall when I want to restore the lights' functionality. Takes 5 seconds, costs nothing, requires making nothing, and leaves the circuit protected at the 10A fuses potential rather than 20A which may cause damage if a short occurs.
Last edited by IHBD; Aug 2, 2025 at 10:10 PM.
Reason: Added content above the break.
Under hood lights
