New switch, same problem.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 619
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From: Wheeling IL
New switch, same problem.
I bought a new switch cuz my old one melted slightly and the headlights wouldn't turn off. I installed the new switch and the headlights turn off now, however they still don't turn on all the time (it's a problem I've had since I bought the car 3 years ago). If I click em on slowly it doesn't work, if I click it fast (not hard, just fast) they turn on. I have never had the problem that most have with the switch, where the lights turn off while driving. What is the deal?
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Wheeling IL
Stock housing, just the aftermarket bulbs. I have an alarm and remote starter too that came with it, I don't know why a Vette needs a remote start though. Thought maybe that could have something to do with it since it is attatched to lights as well.
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Wheeling IL
I don't know, they came with the car when I bought it. I know they are the HID cuz when they are off you can see the blueness thru the lense and when they are on they are not yellow, more of the blue or bright white that go with the HID. Is there an easy way to find out?
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
I don't know, they came with the car when I bought it. I know they are the HID cuz when they are off you can see the blueness thru the lense and when they are on they are not yellow, more of the blue or bright white that go with the HID. Is there an easy way to find out?
If it's true HID, the bulb will be connected to a large silver/chrome box called a ballast. It's usually about the size of the average pocket camera. If it's a halogen bulb, it will plug directly into the oem wiring.
Just because the bulb is blue does not mean it's HID. Halogen bulbs coated with a blue tint will resemble HIDs in color output, but the tinting significantly decreases output. The Blue hue from HID bulbs is caused by a the concentration of various salts in the arc section.
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The reason for TheRadioFlyers question is because you said the original switch melted. That's not right and could be caused by excessive current on the circuit. Two switch failures is not unique but it's unusual. If the rest is stock it seems the bulbs are causing the problem. Maybe they are pulling too much current for the stock wiring. If your first switch melted you may be at risk of a fire so there's a safety issue here.
FWIW, I'd change the switch again but revert to stock bulbs and see what happens. You may want a qualified auto electrician to check it just in case there's a deeper problem
JMHO
FWIW, I'd change the switch again but revert to stock bulbs and see what happens. You may want a qualified auto electrician to check it just in case there's a deeper problem
JMHO
Last edited by DeeGee; May 27, 2009 at 01:04 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
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From: Warrenville Il
The reason for TheRadioFlyers question is because you said the original switch melted. That's not right and could be caused by excessive current on the circuit. Two switch failures is not unique but it's unusual. If the rest is stock it seems the bulbs are causing the problem. Maybe they are pulling too much current for the stock wiring. If your first switch melted you may be at risk of a fire so there's a safety issue here.
FWIW, I'd change the switch again but revert to stock bulbs and see what happens. You may want a qualified auto electrician to check it just in case there's a deeper problem
JMHO
FWIW, I'd change the switch again but revert to stock bulbs and see what happens. You may want a qualified auto electrician to check it just in case there's a deeper problem
JMHO
To what degree did your switch melt. I would suggest getting the factory bulbs from the auto parts store, and replace the current ones, just to see if this makes any difference. I don't want to read about a car fire on here. Also visaully check the wiring near the headlamps.
