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I have a headlight problem on my newly purchased 99.
First off, it's NOT the plastic gear nor is it a fuse or relay.
The driver's side headlight will not pop up when turned on. Not that it matters, the light bulb comes on. BUT, if I turn the **** that raises the headlight manually (just a tad) and then try to pop up the headlights, it will pop up like it should. Then I put them down and try to put them up again, the driver's side will stay down. Then I turn the headlights off, turn that adjustment **** (just a tad) then try to pop up the headlights, it will pop up like it should. I repeated many times and every time I turn that **** the headlight will work as it should and every time after it works one time, it will no longer pop up.
Any ideas?
P.S. The previous owner has replaced the plastic gear with a metal one.
Thanks allot 8VETTE7. I looked at the other bumper stops and the one I could see definitely has an indentation in it. So I just ordered 4 bumper stops from Rodney. I'm also thinking since the previous owner just replaced the gear in the headlight assembly, he forgot the 3 little washers that go only on the driver's side headlight motor. Lucky for me, I have those washers left over from a previous install on my 98's passenger side headlight. Those too came from Rodney.
Did you notice (before it wouldn't open) that when closed the front of the lid(s) sat just a tad too low? I noticed a few days ago with the sun at a low angle that both my Z06's were closing about an 1/8" too far. I assume my closing stops probably need to be replaced.
You can try pulling the bumper(s) off the post and flipping it over and reinstall it on the post. If they are indented the opposite side will (should) be flat unless someone had already flipped them before. Worth a try until your new bumpers arrive.
Great Thread! I have the same problem on my new-to-me '03Z and I can also see that one closing bump stop is dented.
I'm sure it is easy enough to start taking things apart until I can get to them, but is there a how-to thread with pictures just to make things easy? I did a search but didn't find one.
Great Thread! I have the same problem on my new-to-me '03Z and I can also see that one closing bump stop is dented.
I'm sure it is easy enough to start taking things apart until I can get to them, but is there a how-to thread with pictures just to make things easy? I did a search but didn't find one.
Thanks!!
Rodney should be sending me a copy of how to R&R the headlight assembly. If he does, I will post a copy of it here. The bumper stops have already shipped so I expect them still this week.
Did you notice (before it wouldn't open) that when closed the front of the lid(s) sat just a tad too low? I noticed a few days ago with the sun at a low angle that both my Z06's were closing about an 1/8" too far. I assume my closing stops probably need to be replaced.
No, my headlight seem to be flush with the hood and front bumper but I see what you are saying, if the bumper stop is indented a 1/8", the headlight would be an 1/8' low. The bumper stops are on the way, I'll post results when they get here.
Last edited by knewblewkorvette; Sep 13, 2017 at 02:30 PM.
No, my headlight seem to be flush with the hood and front bumper but I see what you are saying, if the bumper stop is indented a 1/8", the headlight would be an 1/8' low.
This is slightly incorrect. The "bumper" side is on the smaller pivot arm side of the headlamp motor, not the main throw arm side. Indention in the bump stops will not make a noticeable difference in the height of the body panel for the headlamp door because the orientation of the main throw arm will not change; it will stay the same. The only way there would be a noticeable difference is if there is damage to the motor arm. It's a very small "window" of sorts where the pivot arm moves from fully closed to fully open, and the motor itself has no physical "stop" built into it.
You'll see what I'm talking about when you go to remove the headlamp motor.
Originally Posted by socal_Dad
I'm sure it is easy enough to start taking things apart until I can get to them, but is there a how-to thread with pictures just to make things easy? I did a search but didn't find one.
I didn't take a lot of detailed pictures but I recently rebuilt the headlight on my driver's side and posted a thread in Tech.
One note about the bumpers not mentioned. Typically you can get by for a while by switching the "open" bumpers on the headlight door lid with the "close" bumpers on the pivot arm. The "open" bumpers do not get indented on their sides with use, while the "close" ones do.
Indeed though due to their age getting replacements is a good preventative item and Rodney's are a good product.
I'll try flipping my bumpers first since they look to be in good shape other than the little dent. But if they look bad I'll order a set from Rodney for sure!
Rodney ships fast, got the four new bumper stops in 3 days. He also was nice enough to send the requested instructions on how to remove headlight assembly. Lucky for me, I didn't really need them because once I got the plastic headlight cover off (the one held on with 3 phillips screws), I could reach in there and grab the one bumper stop I could see with a dent in it. I could have just flipped it, but it fit loose. So I put a new bumper stop on (it fit tight) and plugged the headlight back in. Voila, headlights work as they should now.
The indentation was less than a 1/8".
My dog photo bombed me
Rodney ships fast, got the four new bumper stops in 3 days. He also was nice enough to send the requested instructions on how to remove headlight assembly. Lucky for me, I didn't really need them because once I got the plastic headlight cover off (the one held on with 3 phillips screws), I could reach in there and grab the one bumper stop I could see with a dent in it. I could have just flipped it, but it fit loose. So I put a new bumper stop on (it fit tight) and plugged the headlight back in. Voila, headlights work as they should now.
The indentation was less than a 1/8".
My dog photo bombed me
Pop up headlight
