91 Headlight Control Module
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,332
Likes: 3,246
From: Hartford WI
91 Headlight Control Module
I had sudden failure on both sides to pop up. Per FSM diagnosis, it is the module. Since it is NLA, like many parts for our cars, who is the best vendor for it or does it matter? I see they are reproduction parts and the prices go from $140 to $200. Not sure. Any advice? TIA
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
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I had sudden failure on both sides to pop up. Per FSM diagnosis, it is the module. Since it is NLA, like many parts for our cars, who is the best vendor for it or does it matter? I see they are reproduction parts and the prices go from $140 to $200. Not sure. Any advice? TIA
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,592
Likes: 1,053
From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
Not sure if they are interchangeable but the C5 uses one that looks identical. Maybe there is a way to CrossRef them?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/131525239819?lpid=82&chn=ps
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/corvette-headlight-module
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/131525239819?lpid=82&chn=ps
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/corvette-headlight-module
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,332
Likes: 3,246
From: Hartford WI
Not sure if they are interchangeable but the C5 uses one that looks identical. Maybe there is a way to CrossRef them?
1997 2004 Corvette C5 Headlight Control Module Flip Up Headlights | eBay
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/corvette-headlight-module
1997 2004 Corvette C5 Headlight Control Module Flip Up Headlights | eBay
http://www.ebay.com/bhp/corvette-headlight-module
A couple things I noticed. I fawked up. It was for a Buick Reatta, Pontiac Fiero, Firebird and Sunbird. I noticed it after it was on the way. However, a contract is a contract is a contract so I had to hope it works or dispose it myself. Bought it for $180 plus $9.99 shipping. Got it today.
Hooked it up and it worked. I got the headlights working despite my stupidity.
2 things I noticed. 1 is that there are no felt pads to cushion it from the wheelwell. I took the old ones and put glue and it works. Next is there are some brass inserts that the attachment screws go into. Fortunately, the old ones were recoverable and I made that work.
Now I have lights. HAPPY again.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,592
Likes: 1,053
From: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
Great info. 
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,332
Likes: 3,246
From: Hartford WI
OK. Now we have an issue. I smelled something burned and pulled apart the old module. Stink of burnt circuits was VERY strong. Looked at it and 3 points around the board were burned. Also there was some water.
Looks to me like water contamination and since most of us know water and electricity don't get along, maybe we need to take out the module and seal the edges shut so no water gets in?
Looks to me like water contamination and since most of us know water and electricity don't get along, maybe we need to take out the module and seal the edges shut so no water gets in?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
I would have to agree to the water intrusion theory as the culprit.
Looks like both transistors need replacing (BUZ10), two zener diodes (Z1, Z2) Z3 appears ok, C1 appears compromised and Q5 appears to be split.
So far about 15 dollars worth of parts it the board doesn't need repairs. If you can find the parts.
Could you flip it over and post a picture?
Looks like both transistors need replacing (BUZ10), two zener diodes (Z1, Z2) Z3 appears ok, C1 appears compromised and Q5 appears to be split.
So far about 15 dollars worth of parts it the board doesn't need repairs. If you can find the parts.
Could you flip it over and post a picture?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
It would also be interesting to note the replacement part circuit board number.
Would you be willing to take the new one you have apart and post a picture of the board?
The part number of the board (16509737-4), which is written on the bottom of the board itself, crosses to the 3rd gen firebirds. Is this the first time this part has been replaced?
Would you be willing to take the new one you have apart and post a picture of the board?
The part number of the board (16509737-4), which is written on the bottom of the board itself, crosses to the 3rd gen firebirds. Is this the first time this part has been replaced?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
Little more digging revealed there are multiple control boards that do a similar function but not necessarily work in different applications.
http://www.fiero.nl/cgi-bin/fiero/sh...tyle=printable
Seems that some of these boards are wired internally to be different for specific applications.
Curious if anyone might have the board number from a C5 Corvette control module?
http://www.fiero.nl/cgi-bin/fiero/sh...tyle=printable
Seems that some of these boards are wired internally to be different for specific applications.
Curious if anyone might have the board number from a C5 Corvette control module?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 527
Likes: 23
From: Mishawaka Indiana
What does the other side of the board look like? The transistors are available(just looked them up) not sure about the the diodes since I cant see the number. I'd scrub the board with lacquer thinner and old toothbrush then use a DMM to check the components. I used to repair electronics and this should be an easy fix. Can always use it as a backup or sell as repaired.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,332
Likes: 3,246
From: Hartford WI
I would have to agree to the water intrusion theory as the culprit.
Looks like both transistors need replacing (BUZ10), two zener diodes (Z1, Z2) Z3 appears ok, C1 appears compromised and Q5 appears to be split.
So far about 15 dollars worth of parts it the board doesn't need repairs. If you can find the parts.
Could you flip it over and post a picture?
Looks like both transistors need replacing (BUZ10), two zener diodes (Z1, Z2) Z3 appears ok, C1 appears compromised and Q5 appears to be split.
So far about 15 dollars worth of parts it the board doesn't need repairs. If you can find the parts.
Could you flip it over and post a picture?