My right fog light looks like it is flickering when traveling down the road. I had my wife follow me as she drove the Vette because I knew I was having trouble with it and wanted to watch it in my rear view mirror and see if I could figure out what is going on. The light has movement as they all do, but this one seems to have much more. Could it be worn out and needs replaced? Has anyone else experienced this? Like I said, it appears to be flickering, but actually it is just too loose. The mechanic at the Chevy dealership told me that I have to put up with it because it is the nature of the beast. If that is so, then why doesn't both fog lights do it? He didn't know.

 

Sounds like either an imminent bulb failure, corroded/dirty connector or a loose ground to me.

 

Document ID# 780025
2002 Chevrolet Corvette
________________________________________
Fog Lamp Bulb Replacement - Front
Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the front fascia lower close out panel. Refer to Close Out Panel - Front Bumper Fascia Lower in Bumpers.

3. Release the brake caliper cooling duct from the front fascia and position the duct aside.


4. Disconnect the front fog lamp electrical connector from the fog lamp bulb/socket.





Caution
Halogen bulbs contain gas under pressure. Handling a bulb improperly could cause it to shatter into flying glass fragments. To help avoid personal injury:
o Turn off the lamp switch and allow the bulb to cool before changing the bulb.
o Leave the lamp switch OFF until the bulb change is complete.
o Always wear eye protection when changing a halogen bulb.
o Handle the bulb only by its base. Avoid touching the glass.
o Keep dirt and moisture off the bulb.
o Properly dispose of the used bulb.
o Keep halogen bulbs out of the reach of children.

5. Remove the fog lamp bulb/socket from the fog lamp.
6. Rotate the fog lamp bulb/socket counter-clockwise to release it from fog lamp.


Installation Procedure
1. Install the fog lamp bulb/socket to the fog lamp.
2. Rotate the fog lamp bulb/socket clockwise to secure it to the fog lamp.
3. Connect the front fog lamp electrical connector to the fog lamp bulb/socket.
4. Position the brake caliper cooling duct to the front fascia, and press to secure.
5. Install the front fascia lower close out panel. Refer to Close Out Panel - Front Bumper Fascia Lower in Bumpers.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Check and adjust fog lamp aim as necessary. Refer to Fog Lamp Aiming Procedure

 

The fogs ground at G102 and on reflection, the fact that only one is flickering makes that less likely.

 

With the bulletin that DeeGee posted, I am going to replace the assembly. I found one for $175.00. Does that price sound right? The step by step procedure with the written detailed instructions will allow me to replace this on my own, instead of paying my Chevy dealership $95.00 an hour.

 

It might be worth pulling it out and taking a good look at the connectors first. It may be as simple as a bent pin or some movement on the connector.

 

I had a DRL that was acting flaky. Turned out to be dirty bulb contacts. Sprayed them with some Caig DeOxit and wire brushed them. No problems since.

 

I have some flickering w my ACA's... But dont drive the car enough at night to worry about. I need to try to figure it out as much as they cost me.

 

If the ACA that flickers is an HID, and you did not power them via a relay direct from the battery (or positive post in the fuse box) try doing that first. If that does not cure it try placing a capacitor right before the power in to the ballast. Good luck.

 

I powered them just as Radioflyer told me... Perhaps i mis spoke... One of mine "may' be loose.. Really have not spent any time figuring it out.

They don't flicker at all just sitting there... driving is when one tends to bounce. Thank you for the insight my friend. they are great HL's...

 

There's flicker (which is the hid bulb actually flashing slightly) and there's bounce (usually visible only when the car is moving unless you have a large cam)

flicker is typically caused by the ballast not receiving enough voltage and typically happens on cold-firing of the bulb. If this is happening on a bulb after the first 20 seconds of being turned on, there's a power issue typically low voltage.

1) check your car's voltage with a voltmeter across the battery terminals both with the car running and with the car off. Car running should be at least 13.5v and off should be no lower than 11.5v

2) check the fuse on the faulty light to make sure it is secure and did not partially fail (could cause a voltage drop)

3) try switching the bulbs from left to right and vise versa. This will determine if the bulb or ballast is at fault.

 

I have the ACA's as well with the lows converted to HID and the highs with HIR bulbs. I have the fogs converted to HID as well. I luckily have not had any issues with flickering or bounce. As noted by Radioflyer there is a difference with different cures obviously. Radioflyer will be your subject matter expert on this and can advise better than I. I just am enjoying the amazing difference in night time driving with the ACA's but I am lusting after the new light cannons in a fixed headlight that Radioflyer offers. Never thought I would like a fixed vs pop up but his are very good looking, not a frog eye, and the enhaced lighting seems to be amazing.

 

Thanks guy's... I love mine... think the one is just loose... I have a brand new Optima Red top.. Always @ 13V...Fuses are good.. HID's fire right up.. They are truly an Amazing product.

 

A lot cheaper to troubleshoot and diagnose than to just start throwing random parts at the problem.

 

Removed fog light this evening. Found that the socket has a faulty contact. Cut off the old socket and spliced in a new one. Just trying it out after putting in the new socket and bulb by holding it in my hand and flicking it with my fingers, all seems to be fixed. Am ready to reinstall the light after breakfast in the morning. Then, I'll try it out going down the road with my wife driving and following me, so that I can see it in the rear view mirror to make sure the flickering is gone.