Headlight motor noise

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 24, 2025 | 05:59 PM

IllllIIllllIIIIlI

Thread Starter

8th Gear

Joined: May 2025

Posts: 8

Likes: 1

Headlight motor noise

Hi
One of the headlights motors is making noise for few seconds when light is closed.
No problems when after opening.
Here is the video.

Should I just replace the motor , or there is some sensor fault and its should stop earlier ?
BTW . Front bumper is not there since it will be soon replaced after accident. Not sure if that can be delated to the noise ...

Aug 25, 2025 | 09:13 AM

Missileboy

Burning Brakes

Joined: Dec 2022

Posts: 1,033

Likes: 896

From: Nappytown MD

chances are the plastic gears are a bit cooked on the end of engagement., They sell C5 headlight motor rebuild kits with brass gears. If the motor is turning, it's the gears more than likely.

Aug 25, 2025 | 09:38 AM

Markmbaha1

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2018

Posts: 756

Likes: 172

From: SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by IllllIIllllIIIIlI

Hi
One of the headlights motors is making noise for few seconds when light is closed.
No problems when after opening.
Here is the video.
Here

Should I just replace the motor , or there is some sensor fault and its should stop earlier ?
BTW . Front bumper is not there since it will be soon replaced after accident. Not sure if that can be delated to the noise ...

Unquestionably, its the gear assembly that raises and lowers the lights. Been there. The gear and motor come assembled for an easier install and they are cheap. Id buy both for a better rate and replace both as the other is next. I paid under $200 for both. Thete are plenty of videos to walk you through the replacement. Your alternative is to rebuild the gear box. It's a few dollars less and some do it. But then you've still got the old motor and you have the exact same removal and install.

Aug 25, 2025 | 10:29 AM

RichMisner

Racer

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 271

Likes: 26

From: Minneapolis MN

Headlight motor replacement

I bought the following headlight motor 5 years ago after trying (and failing) to tear apart/upgrade the gears in the one that had failed. I never should have wasted the time on a rebuild; the new one was plug and play, inexpensive, and has been error-free ever since.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/223493987315

"No regerts"!

Aug 25, 2025 | 01:00 PM

mykream

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 1,209

Likes: 363

From: Massillon Ohio

Just buy new motors off ebay as well as new bump stops.

Aug 25, 2025 | 09:48 PM

kc stingray

Racer

Joined: Aug 2016

Posts: 337

Likes: 48

From: kansas city missouri

just purchased a left headlight motor for my z06. rock auto has close out prices on c5's
i would check their site for deals

Aug 26, 2025 | 09:34 AM

Gordy M

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 2,804

Likes: 358

From: Northville, MI

That happened to me a few years ago, I ended up getting a headlight module on Ebay and everything worked fine for the last few years 1989 Corvette Headlight Lamp Actuator Control Relay Module BRAND NEW C4

Aug 26, 2025 | 08:47 PM

jdmvette

Night Owl for life

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 24,725

Likes: 4,564

From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here

Change both motors IMO.

Yes the gear is the culprit but the motors themselves are well over 20 years old and you can get a brand new pair for dirt cheap on eBay which should be good for another 20+ years