Proper Headlight Operation?

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Jan 13, 2002 | 08:45 PM

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Oct 2000

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From: Riverview Florida

Proper Headlight Operation?

Ever since I've had my car, the headlights open as soon as the switch is pulled out to the parking light position. The parking lights, side markers, etc. come on and the headlights stay off. When I move the switch to the next position the headlights come on as they should. Push in on the switch to the center position and the headlights go out but stay up. They close normally when the switch is pushed all the way in. I also can't get them to stop half way for servicing as I've seen described. I have seen lots of 'Vettes with just the parking lights (and driving lights) on and the headlights closed.

Is the way my lights are working an adjustment problem or a bad light switch?

Jan 13, 2002 | 09:03 PM

snaketr

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Re: Proper Headlight Operation? (es)

es your headlight are working as they should. You service your headlights with the hood open.

Jan 13, 2002 | 09:10 PM

CG77VETTE

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From: Denville NJ

Re: Proper Headlight Operation? (es)

The normal operation is the parking lights and side markers on at first detent in the switch (headlights stay down) the headlights pop up and go on only when the switch is pulled all the way out. The reverse however is not the same. Once on, push the switch in to the first detent and the headlights go out but they stay up, and the parking lights and side markers stay on. Push the switch in and all lights out and headlights go down. It seems you only have half a problem. It appears you have a faulty switch or it might even be a relay. You should be able to freeze the headlights half way in order to change the bulbs.

[Modified by CG77VETTE, 7:13 PM 1/13/2002]

Jan 13, 2002 | 09:11 PM

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

Well '88 was a new headlight motor design, but this does NOT sound correct at all whatsoever if I am reading this right. You should be able to turn on your parking lights WITHOUT the headlight buckets rotating upwards.

Jan 13, 2002 | 09:30 PM

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Oct 2000

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From: Riverview Florida

Re: (scorp508)

That's what it's doing - headlights popping up @ the first detent. I got all the service records from the first owner from the car's 135,000 mile history and can't find any reference to the light switch ever being replaced, so it probably is time to do it.

Jan 13, 2002 | 10:55 PM

snaketr

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Re: (es)

Maybe I misread this. Are your headlights rotating on the first detent when you first turn your park lights on? They should not, however I am not sure what you were talking about with rotating halfway. The headlight are either open or closed, you can change the bulbs from under side when the hood is up, or you can use the **** to manually rotate the capsule. You cannot stop the headlights in mid rotation though.

Jan 13, 2002 | 10:58 PM

scorp508

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From: Boston, MA

Re: (snaketr)

Quote:

You cannot stop the headlights in mid rotation though.

Says who?

All you do is pull the switch all the towards you and then push it back one detent when they reach where you want them to stop. You can do it the opposite way too if starting from the open position. Push it all the way in and then pull it back to the parking light position.

You can also turn off ALL of the lights and keep the buckets up. There is a position for this, but it is super hard to feel. You have to just practice to get this once right, as if you push it in another 1/8" they will close.