Headlight Issues
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
Headlight Issues
I picked up my "new" 86 last night and had one low beam headlight out on the way home, the highs worked great, but one low beam was out. I went to take the bulb out today and being a complete novice with Corvette headlights, looked in the manual and it said to turn the headlights on and then move the switch to parkign lights and the headlights would stay open. I did this and it didn't seem like I was going to be able to get to the headlight, so i then moved the switch to off and only the right headlight closed, the left one, the one wtih the bad low beam stayed open. So I cycled the switch to headlights again and the right one opened and now the left one was working on the low beam also!! I cycled the switch again and now I am back to where I was before with the lights opening and closing properly but the left one not working on low beam.
Has anyone seen this type of thing before?
Assuming I have to change the bulb, is there an easy way to get at the screws to remove the cover to get at the bulb?
Thanks,
Bruce Green
Has anyone seen this type of thing before?
Assuming I have to change the bulb, is there an easy way to get at the screws to remove the cover to get at the bulb?
Thanks,
Bruce Green
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Headlight Issues (skybolt31)
Congrats on you new Vette and welcome to the Forum.
I think the flakey light on/off indicates you should change the bulb, though you might check connectors for good contact at the plug to the bulb.
Inspect wiring going to the headlight motor as someone might have done some bad splicing (happened with my turn signal wiring).
The headlight not going up/down sounds like a problem with the motor, if all connections & wire in sound.
I think the flakey light on/off indicates you should change the bulb, though you might check connectors for good contact at the plug to the bulb.
Inspect wiring going to the headlight motor as someone might have done some bad splicing (happened with my turn signal wiring).
The headlight not going up/down sounds like a problem with the motor, if all connections & wire in sound.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 28
From: Woodbridge NJ
Re: Headlight Issues (skybolt31)
Disconnect power from the left lamp, you should be able to locate the connector by viewing your manual. Then locate the small manual **** on the lamp assembly which is used to open and close your lamps. Turn the **** unitl the screws holding the cover in place are accessible.
As for your "winking" issue, have a helper turn the lamps on then make sure the cover is not getting stuck on the lamp opening. As the lamps are turned on press on the lamp in question, it may open.
I had the same problem with both lamps, intermittently. I removed the motors only to find they were okay. After I reinstalled the motors I was able to turn the lamp manually with no problem, but when I applied power they would wink. It was at this time I noticed the cover getting stuck. I realigned both covers and now my lamps are fine.
Good luck with your vette.
[Modified by Brimis, 8:23 AM 1/24/2004]
[Modified by Brimis, 8:23 AM 1/24/2004]
As for your "winking" issue, have a helper turn the lamps on then make sure the cover is not getting stuck on the lamp opening. As the lamps are turned on press on the lamp in question, it may open.
I had the same problem with both lamps, intermittently. I removed the motors only to find they were okay. After I reinstalled the motors I was able to turn the lamp manually with no problem, but when I applied power they would wink. It was at this time I noticed the cover getting stuck. I realigned both covers and now my lamps are fine.
Good luck with your vette.
[Modified by Brimis, 8:23 AM 1/24/2004]
[Modified by Brimis, 8:23 AM 1/24/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,182
Likes: 2
From: Almost all Skyline Cruises Vettes at Waterside 1-5
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: Headlight Issues (skybolt31)
:cheers: I think you have plenty of good advice so far, but I couldn't help but notice that you live in Westfield Mass. We get up there about three times a yearto visit or Son, Daughter in Law and two grand Daugters :D
Welcome to the Forum
:seeya
:steering:
Welcome to the Forum
:seeya
:steering:
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 655
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
Re: Headlight Issues (jackdaroofer)
I just came in from fixing mine. it had a diffrent problem but this might help. pull the connectors at the bulb and clean them. mine were so dirty that my lights were dim. cleaned them up and the worked great.
as for the motor check the little black box that the motors are connected to.
well first cycle the light is you hear noise from the motor then it's the gears. if no noise check the box. mine went out about a year ago. cost $130 to replace(dealer item)
hopefully you only have to clean the connectors. best of luck :thumbs:
as for the motor check the little black box that the motors are connected to.
well first cycle the light is you hear noise from the motor then it's the gears. if no noise check the box. mine went out about a year ago. cost $130 to replace(dealer item)
hopefully you only have to clean the connectors. best of luck :thumbs:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
Re: Headlight Issues (eddieL98)
Thanks for the tips, today the lights have been going up and down ok, just no low beam on the left side. I will get the bulb out of there, it has just been too dammm colddddddd!!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
Re: Headlight Issues (skybolt31)
Found the problem!
I opened the hood up and started moving wiring aroudn and there was a connector, a grey one and moving that around would make the light go on and off. So at least now, I know where the problem is, separating it and putting it back toegether didn't fix the problem, so the next step is to figure out what to do about it. Splice the wires together, new connector??
I opened the hood up and started moving wiring aroudn and there was a connector, a grey one and moving that around would make the light go on and off. So at least now, I know where the problem is, separating it and putting it back toegether didn't fix the problem, so the next step is to figure out what to do about it. Splice the wires together, new connector??
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
