Heads light intermittantly do not open
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
Heads light intermittantly do not open
I have a 1999 c5.
The headlights fail to open on consistent basis
The light do illuminate but they don't pop open consistently
Often I have to shut the car off/turn back on and eventually they work.
Once open, they do shut off after a few minutes
This happens in auto and manual mode.
Any ideas on what I should consider to fix the problem?
Thanks!
Pat
The headlights fail to open on consistent basis
The light do illuminate but they don't pop open consistently
Often I have to shut the car off/turn back on and eventually they work.
Once open, they do shut off after a few minutes
This happens in auto and manual mode.
Any ideas on what I should consider to fix the problem?
Thanks!
Pat
Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 669
Likes: 80
From: NE USA
Multifunction switch in the steering column. Several contacts internally in the switch are copper tabs that slowly loose their tension against their respective contacts. Yours are loosing their ability to effectively complete the circuit. Likely when it's hot they don't go up.
Do a search for the multifunction. Several good threads on how to replace, there was a stretch awhile back when there was limited availability. There was a thread on how to disassemble the switch, clean the contacts, and bend some tension into the tabs. I did this, but it eventually failed again. PITA, just buy the switch.
I eventually replaced it, no issues, all working properly.
Do a search for the multifunction. Several good threads on how to replace, there was a stretch awhile back when there was limited availability. There was a thread on how to disassemble the switch, clean the contacts, and bend some tension into the tabs. I did this, but it eventually failed again. PITA, just buy the switch.
I eventually replaced it, no issues, all working properly.
Last edited by C3w4sp; Jul 25, 2017 at 12:00 AM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
Multifunction switch in the steering column. Several contacts internally in the switch are copper tabs that slowly loose their tension against their respective contacts. Yours are loosing their ability to effectively complete the circuit. Likely when it's hot they don't go up.
Do a search for the multifunction. Several good threads on how to replace, there was a stretch awhile back when there was limited availability. There was a thread on how to disassemble the switch, clean the contacts, and bend some tension into the tabs. I did this, but it eventually failed again. PITA, just buy the switch.
I eventually replaced it, no issues, all working properly.
Do a search for the multifunction. Several good threads on how to replace, there was a stretch awhile back when there was limited availability. There was a thread on how to disassemble the switch, clean the contacts, and bend some tension into the tabs. I did this, but it eventually failed again. PITA, just buy the switch.
I eventually replaced it, no issues, all working properly.
Thanks....The switch on the end of the turn single handle, or internal to the steering column itself?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 842
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
When you turn 'em on, do you hear the motors running like they should be going up? If so, I'd guess your plastic gears are shot. Replacing them with metal ones would fix it if that's the case. Kinda weird that they'd both go at the same time though, usually in that case, one will work and one won't.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 669
Likes: 80
From: NE USA
I will see if I have the old one still in the garage, I can post a pic of the thing.
like the post above, if the headlight door motor is stripping the gear that's a different matter. They have nylon gears in them and they can strip the teeth. If that's the case you will know, it makes a horrible sound like a small very rapid automatic weapon.
Here's a link on repairing it:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...f-replace.html
And a how to remove it link:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-a-how-to.html
Last edited by C3w4sp; Jul 28, 2017 at 11:22 AM.
