Headlight Lift Problem
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Newark CA
Headlight Lift Problem
Every so often my headlight motors take a little time to open. Other times they open as soon as I hit the switch. Not a real problem yet however I would like to fix B4 it is one. Any ideas why the delay?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I could be way off the mark and other smarter guys may chip in.
If you have twilight sentinel enabled, as the sensor detects low light it brings up the lights. Theres an automatic delay built in so you don't get "flapping headlights". If the sensor has demanded a flip up, it will take a while before the command is activated. Watch the delay when you drive into a tunnel. It takes maybe 10 secs to flip up as you enter and then the same to flip down as you exit.
On manual with no twilight sentinel, the lights should flip up instantaneously.
Try enabling TS and then disabling it. See if you get the same delay in both modes.
Just a thought
If you have twilight sentinel enabled, as the sensor detects low light it brings up the lights. Theres an automatic delay built in so you don't get "flapping headlights". If the sensor has demanded a flip up, it will take a while before the command is activated. Watch the delay when you drive into a tunnel. It takes maybe 10 secs to flip up as you enter and then the same to flip down as you exit.
On manual with no twilight sentinel, the lights should flip up instantaneously.
Try enabling TS and then disabling it. See if you get the same delay in both modes.
Just a thought
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 0
From: Omaha Nebraska
St. Jude Donor '06
WOW!! Your very first POST!! 
I have the same problem... However, if I tilt the steering wheel a couple times up and down, the lights will then work. I always figured it was in the steering column and finally asked about it a few weeks ago and was told to start in the connector at the base of the steering column.
Baby is stored waiting for warmer days so I haven't taken a look yet.
my 2 cents...
Happy New Year!!
I have the same problem... However, if I tilt the steering wheel a couple times up and down, the lights will then work. I always figured it was in the steering column and finally asked about it a few weeks ago and was told to start in the connector at the base of the steering column.
Baby is stored waiting for warmer days so I haven't taken a look yet.
my 2 cents...
Happy New Year!!
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Newark CA
Originally Posted by FNbad01C5
Every so often my headlight motors take a little time to open. Other times they open as soon as I hit the switch. Not a real problem yet however I would like to fix B4 it is one. Any ideas why the delay?
