Headlight Switch Removal (88)
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
Headlight Switch Removal (88)
The symptoms are that the first time I turn on my headlights after I start my car, I have to pull the switch all the way out, push back in, then pull out again. The first time I'll only get my fog lights and the headlights don't even try to come up.
The forum's general answer was that the switch was going south. I'm going to pick up a new switch and install it. My question is how hard this is and what tools will I need. I won't have a problem getting the driver side of the dash or the headlight pull **** off, so that's not an issue. I'd just like to know what I'll see once I get in there.
Will there be any soldering, or just some snapping or something? I really don't like electrical work but I can handle stuff like this.
I've also heard about a "headlight module" while reading the archives for answers to my question. What is a headlight module?
Thanks.
The forum's general answer was that the switch was going south. I'm going to pick up a new switch and install it. My question is how hard this is and what tools will I need. I won't have a problem getting the driver side of the dash or the headlight pull **** off, so that's not an issue. I'd just like to know what I'll see once I get in there.
Will there be any soldering, or just some snapping or something? I really don't like electrical work but I can handle stuff like this.
I've also heard about a "headlight module" while reading the archives for answers to my question. What is a headlight module?
Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 297
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Re: Headlight Switch Removal (Tourney3p0)
It's pretty easy and straight forward to remove :) once you remove the dash bezel, there's a... like some sort of a ring that you just unscrew (it's a bolt), I can take a picture of it (my dash is out right now), ou can use a phillips screwdriver to unscrew that bolt.
I don't know if you can reach it from the underside of the dashboard, so you can unplug it and take it out, maybe you'll have to remove the dashpad.
About the module, it cuts the power of the motors, when they're openned or closed, but they only control the motors not the lights (I'm not quite sure, mines an 84 and don't have it).
:cheers:
I don't know if you can reach it from the underside of the dashboard, so you can unplug it and take it out, maybe you'll have to remove the dashpad.
About the module, it cuts the power of the motors, when they're openned or closed, but they only control the motors not the lights (I'm not quite sure, mines an 84 and don't have it).
:cheers:
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
Re: Headlight Switch Removal (efi)
Thanks for the reply. I'll feel better about giving this a try.
So if I was to turn on the lights the first time by pulling it all the way out, but the motor didn't raise the lights, I could open the hood and check the lights to see if they're on? If they're on, module. If they're off, switch. That seems straightforward.
Or is it not that simple? It's probably painfully obvious that I'm not at all familiar with the 88's electrical system.
About the module, it cuts the power of the motors, when they're openned or closed, but they only control the motors not the lights (I'm not quite sure, mines an 84 and don't have it).
:cheers:
:cheers:
Or is it not that simple? It's probably painfully obvious that I'm not at all familiar with the 88's electrical system.
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,478
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From: Sacramento, CA Money can't buy happiness - but it's more comfortable to cry in a Corvette than a Yugo.
Re: Headlight Switch Removal (Tourney3p0)
When you first turn on the headlights do the motors run? You can open the hood and test with it open to see if you hear the motors. If the motors are not running then it is probably the controller module. That module is an electronic relay and sits on the driver side wheel wheel in front. It either works or gets replaced. $
If the headlights are not turning, but the motors are running then it is probably the bushings inside the motor/gear housing. This happens a LOT. You can replace the bushings yourself with a kit from Ecklers $5 per side, or use nylon bushings from Home Depot. I purchased one side from Eckler's and went to HD for a matching set for the other side. I don't remember the size I used but I posted it in a couple of responses in the past. Do a search for posts with my user id and headlight as the key word.
There is a pretty good tech tip on how to do the repair yourself in the C4 Tech Tips section.
If the headlights are not turning, but the motors are running then it is probably the bushings inside the motor/gear housing. This happens a LOT. You can replace the bushings yourself with a kit from Ecklers $5 per side, or use nylon bushings from Home Depot. I purchased one side from Eckler's and went to HD for a matching set for the other side. I don't remember the size I used but I posted it in a couple of responses in the past. Do a search for posts with my user id and headlight as the key word.
There is a pretty good tech tip on how to do the repair yourself in the C4 Tech Tips section.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Warner Robins GA
Re: Headlight Switch Removal (Mike_88Z51)
The motor does not run as far as I can tell. I'll replace the module.. it's looking like about 80 bucks.
It's funny because it only happens that first time (and sometimes it works flawlessly even the first time). At least it didn't get to the point where I had to struggle with it.
It's funny because it only happens that first time (and sometimes it works flawlessly even the first time). At least it didn't get to the point where I had to struggle with it.
