Dash install = one headlight won't go up?

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Feb 13, 2006 | 07:37 PM

85VetteBoy

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Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Spring Branch Texas

Dash install = one headlight won't go up?

is that possible? What a long afternoon.. bought a dash for my 85 off of ebay. Of course, it didn't work.. didn't really even look exactly the same.. I'm thinking it may have been for an 84. Luckily, the only thing wrong with my digital dash was that the lenses were sun-burnt. I switched them out.. and voila.. dash works great.

now, before installing this dash.. both headlights popped up no problem.. now, the driver's side light turns on.. but, will not pop up. Is there a way these two things are related? or do I just have really bad luck?

How much for a headlight motor for my 85? thanks!!

jp

Feb 13, 2006 | 07:50 PM

C4driver99

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Joined: Feb 2006

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From: Concord NC

Lots of possible reasons. I wouldnt think it would be a headlight motor. Either a bad fuse or you may have moved a wire in the dash that leads to the headlights. Trace back and make sure nothings popped outta place. Its also possible that it may be stuck underneath the hood tighten/loosen the bolts and try some lubricant for starters before you buy a motor. I think there around 200$$

Feb 13, 2006 | 07:50 PM

CorvAdel

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Joined: Nov 2004

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IMO...unrelated.
Try the h/lite relays first. If they are ok, then pull the motor apart and you might find it is one of the gears. These are quite cheap to buy. It could also be the brushes, and they are probably cheap too...The other thing to check while it is apart would be the contacts inside the motor..similar to old style distributor contact points...they can get an oily film on them and wont work...A simple clean would fix this...
A new motor would be the last thing...not cheap! Good luck.

Feb 13, 2006 | 07:52 PM

85VetteBoy

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From: Spring Branch Texas

thanks

paid nearly 300 for the POS dash.. the last thing I want to do is dump another 2 bills on a motor.

The only perplexing thing is.. are there really separate fuses or wires from the dash for each individual light? It's only the driver's side that won't go up.. the passenger's side works fine.

jp

Feb 13, 2006 | 07:54 PM

85VetteBoy

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From: Spring Branch Texas

hlite relays

I apologize for not knowing..but where are these? and, are there separate fuses per light?

Feb 13, 2006 | 08:28 PM

85VetteBoy

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From: Spring Branch Texas

anyone

else ever run into this? Just crazy.. the headlights were working great.

jp

Feb 13, 2006 | 10:08 PM

AGENT 86

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 20,290

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From: Summerland B.C. Canada

http://members.shaw.ca/dankai/Headlight%20Doors.pdf

Feb 13, 2006 | 10:16 PM

kickbackking

Intermediate

Joined: Oct 2004

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RE: Headlights

I will go with the person that suggested to check the brushes and clean up the armature. I cleaned up the contacts and motor armature and brushes on my 85 vett more than 10 yrs ago and never had a problem since.