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Headlight PROBLEM!

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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 09:41 AM
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Default Headlight PROBLEM!

My headlights are starting to act up to the point where they don't roll up. I've noticed in the past that the driver side headlight sometimes doesn't come up. However, after turning the switch on and off a couple times normally fixes the problem. Last night, both headlights would not come up...imagine how I felt because it was dusk outside...needless to say, it was a race home. Right now, only the passenger side comes up. Any ideas as to what it could be? I hope you guys have some ideas to diagnose this problem...is it the gearing, sending unit, electrical problem...???

Please reply with ideas and possible cost of the fix.
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 09:45 AM
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Are the lights actually coming on, but staying down? Or is nothing happening?

If nothing is happening it could be fuses or the controller. If they are coming on but staying down it is probably the controller.

No grinding noises, right? That would be gears (but on both sides at once would be unusual).
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 09:48 AM
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http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette?frame=2.5749
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 09:52 AM
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Sorry...I forgot to mention that the headlights DO turn on, they just don't roll up. And, the one (passenger side) that does come up...it sounds a little "odd" when it rolls up and down. It doesn't exactly grind, but it doesn't sound like it normally does.
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 10:18 AM
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Is that the consensus...a new headlight motor assembly? What about the so called controller?
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 10:28 AM
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I believe tat GM switched headlight motors in '01 .They went from a metal housing to a plastic one. The plastic ones will crack from stress. If this were the case you would still hear the motor engage. If you have to replace the motor make sure its the same one because the mounting holes changed with the new motor design.
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 10:43 AM
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I do hear a "click" when I turn the lights on. But, only the passenger side goes up. Is that the motor trying to engage? If so, does that mean the motor doesn't have to be replaced?
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 10:56 AM
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Well, the gear is a quick and cheap fix if that is the case. I normally sell it for $24.00. If its the motor, I would see if Gene Culley has one he can sell you because if you go to the dealership I fear you may get overcharged.
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 11:10 AM
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How do I determine if it's the gearing or the motor?
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 11:38 AM
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well I know on the C4 cars if you can hear the motor running but not moving the bucket, or if it studders it is an indication that the gears have either worn down completely or are missing teeth due to wear.
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 04:10 PM
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It sounds to me that you need to replace the gears with brass gears.
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