headlamp knocking after it retracts
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 628
Likes: 6
headlamp knocking after it retracts
1992 LT-1. Recently, I noticed that when I switch the lights off that the drivers side headlamp retracts under the hood and 'parks' ok but makes a kerdonk, kerdonk noise 
. Seems like the motor keeps driving it for an extra 2-3 seconds after it has parked.
Is there a switch there that detects when the lamp is parked and should switch the motor off? I will have a look this weekend, but wondered if any of y'all had seen this before.
Thanks!
. Seems like the motor keeps driving it for an extra 2-3 seconds after it has parked. Is there a switch there that detects when the lamp is parked and should switch the motor off? I will have a look this weekend, but wondered if any of y'all had seen this before.
Thanks!
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: ROSEDALE VIRGINIA
My '92 has just started doing the exact same thing. I had a post on here a few days ago...I think most people we in agreement that it was the delrin bushings that need to be replaced. I dont know if that's it or not I havent gotten into replacing them yet. The reason I was not convinced on the bushings is like you said...the motor seems to keep running a few seconds after they have been raised or retracted. Makes no sense to me, maybe someone will have the answer.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 27
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From: ROSEDALE VIRGINIA
In case it is the delrin bushings here is a good how to that a member posted. http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/33098/index.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 895
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
My car is also doing the same thing. When I first got my car, my headlights were also doing it. I replced the bushings with supposed delrin bushings and also a new plastic gear. I haven't torn the lights apart again, but this is getting frustrating. I will not buy the cheap bushings again off ebay, as I don't want to change these out every year. But it is either the bushings, or the plastic gear.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Originally Posted by moose932
In case it is the delrin bushings here is a good how to that a member posted. http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/33098/index.html
It is almost as if there is a microswitch that isn't triggering, and in the absence of an electrical signal (to indicate 'parked') the motor times-out so it doesn't drive for ever.
Theory - if this 'microswitch' is the underlying problem, then lazy eye becomes more certain. This is because the bushings will wear more quickly during the 'kerdonk' procedure.
Does anyone know of such a switch?
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
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Originally Posted by Trizney
My car is also doing the same thing. When I first got my car, my headlights were also doing it. I replced the bushings with supposed delrin bushings and also a new plastic gear. I haven't torn the lights apart again, but this is getting frustrating. I will not buy the cheap bushings again off ebay, as I don't want to change these out every year. But it is either the bushings, or the plastic gear.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: Mt. Pleasant TX
It's the bushings
I had the same issue until I replaced the bushings. I didn't have the "lazy eye" simply as u stated the motor continued to cycle for a few seconds after the light retracted. Same on mine when it went up as well
Replaced the bushings in my 95 got them from Mid Am. I think that the one's they sell are superior to some of the others I've seen. eg. those that are hollow or have a hole thru them. Their's that I got were solid round bushings . Replaced them 6 months ago and lights behave like new.
Replaced the bushings in my 95 got them from Mid Am. I think that the one's they sell are superior to some of the others I've seen. eg. those that are hollow or have a hole thru them. Their's that I got were solid round bushings . Replaced them 6 months ago and lights behave like new.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 895
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
Originally Posted by djxib
When you replaced the bushings, did it fix the knocking noise when the light retracted? Or did it just fix 'lazy eye'?
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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It's your bushings. I guranfeckintee it. Mine did the same thing before I fixed 'em two summers ago.
See the Corvette Fever article above and C4 TechTips in this Forum, then order the Delrin bushings from MAM, Eckler's, or Corvette America specialty catalogs.
You can also purchase Nylon bushings from Home Depot. Ask for item number 595609. The UPC code on the package is 30699 87278.
You'll need 3 packs of 2 each for a total of 6 spacers to do both lights. Total cost locally was $2.07 + tax. Good luck!
See the Corvette Fever article above and C4 TechTips in this Forum, then order the Delrin bushings from MAM, Eckler's, or Corvette America specialty catalogs.
You can also purchase Nylon bushings from Home Depot. Ask for item number 595609. The UPC code on the package is 30699 87278.
You'll need 3 packs of 2 each for a total of 6 spacers to do both lights. Total cost locally was $2.07 + tax. Good luck!