C5 headlight switch?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands Texas
C5 headlight switch?
The right headlight on my 2000 coupe works intermittently but it does not have the typical symptoms of a bad gear, no motor running noise or hanging. I opens completely and closes completely when it works.
Sometimes I have to turn the switch on and off a few times to get the headlight to open.
What could it be other than a bad gear?
Jerry
Sometimes I have to turn the switch on and off a few times to get the headlight to open.
What could it be other than a bad gear?
Jerry
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 87
From: Largo FL
This is a common problem that has been discussed before - no one has been able to come up with a definative answer. One thing I found with mine, if Im switch on the headlights as soon as I start the car they almost always pop up. That leads me to believe it is somehow voltage related 
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO.
Originally Posted by JerryYork
The right headlight on my 2000 coupe works intermittently but it does not have the typical symptoms of a bad gear, no motor running noise or hanging. I opens completely and closes completely when it works.
Sometimes I have to turn the switch on and off a few times to get the headlight to open.
What could it be other than a bad gear?
Jerry
Sometimes I have to turn the switch on and off a few times to get the headlight to open.
What could it be other than a bad gear?
Jerry
When you headlight comes up or goes down, it does that via a control arm. The arm is designed to hit a plastic stop - one opening, one closing. The stops are plastic and wear over time. Look at the side of your headlight and you should find two white plastic stops. In the short term, you can pull the worn one off, rotate it 180 degrees, and put it back on. In the long term, buy a couple of new ones, they're not expensive.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Good tip Bruce!!
The switch for the head lights does not supply power to each head light motor. It supplies one signal to the "Head Lamp Opening Door Actuator Control Module" which is located below the passengers side headlight assembly. It is attached to the front frame header rail. The head light motors plug in to it on connector C2 The opening/Closing signal and power are in connector C1. The chassis ground for the module is at chassis ground point G-102 which is located on the front passengers side frame rail aft of the headlight assembly inboard of the hood prop and looks like this:
Check the headlight assembly for the clips, and make sure that it isnt binding. lubricate all of the piviot points with spray oil. Check the connectors and wiring. Last but not least, the module could be going bad..
Please let us know how you make out what you find wrong.
BC
The switch for the head lights does not supply power to each head light motor. It supplies one signal to the "Head Lamp Opening Door Actuator Control Module" which is located below the passengers side headlight assembly. It is attached to the front frame header rail. The head light motors plug in to it on connector C2 The opening/Closing signal and power are in connector C1. The chassis ground for the module is at chassis ground point G-102 which is located on the front passengers side frame rail aft of the headlight assembly inboard of the hood prop and looks like this:
Check the headlight assembly for the clips, and make sure that it isnt binding. lubricate all of the piviot points with spray oil. Check the connectors and wiring. Last but not least, the module could be going bad..
Please let us know how you make out what you find wrong.
BC
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands Texas
Thanks for the detailed info, Bill! I'll have to print that and see if my mechanically challenged brain can soak some of it up!!! I'll definitely check out those suggestions. What you described seems to be the likely source of the problem as opposed to a gear issue.
Thanks again. I'll report back.....................
Jerry
Thanks again. I'll report back.....................
Jerry
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Elk
After I read your post, it jogged my memory and I remembered that some HIGH WATTAGE headlight bulbs also effect the module operation.
Something else to add to the equasion!
BC
After I read your post, it jogged my memory and I remembered that some HIGH WATTAGE headlight bulbs also effect the module operation.
Something else to add to the equasion!
BC
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands Texas
Thanks BC! I'll look into that too! Good idea! We went out tonight and followed the one suggestion of turning on the lights as soon as I turn on the ignition. So far it works! Could be that voltage thing.
Lots of good suggestions. Thanks to everyone and keep them coming!
Happy 4th guys!
Jerry
Lots of good suggestions. Thanks to everyone and keep them coming!
Happy 4th guys!
Jerry
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
If you think it is voltage related, check your DTC's in the DIC memory.
Use this procedure:
This is the absolute best C5 Code web site!!!
http://www.corvettedoctor.com/Codes_Page.htm
If you have any "U 1000 series codes, it could mean that your battery is starting to fail. The car will start but all of the electronic modules are getting less voltage than the need to operate. Ask me how I know!!!
A new battery and cleaning all of the chassis grounds solved all of my weird code issues.
BC
Use this procedure:
This is the absolute best C5 Code web site!!!
http://www.corvettedoctor.com/Codes_Page.htm
If you have any "U 1000 series codes, it could mean that your battery is starting to fail. The car will start but all of the electronic modules are getting less voltage than the need to operate. Ask me how I know!!!
A new battery and cleaning all of the chassis grounds solved all of my weird code issues.
BC
