I've been searching the forums but can't seem to find anything on this...

just recently, one of my lights started acting funny... whenever I turn off the headlights, one of them would close (as expected), but then it would re-open again.

it seems like the actuator doesn't know when to stop turning, as it continues to cycle after the pop up light goes down.

I've already replaced the actuator's inner gear with a metal one about a 2 years ago, and it's been working fine until this gremlin popped up.

any thoughts?

 

The plastic gear are stripped. Replace them with the brass set. Do a search for brass headlight gears.

 

thanks for the search tip.
I already replaced the gear with a brass one about 2 years ago and it's been working fine until now.

when I turn off the lights and observe the actuator, I see that the motor keeps spinning even though the light is already fully down. it continues to spin until the light is back up again.


anyway, I'll dig around the rest of the threads to see what I can find.

 

Strangely I had the same problem today! I too had installed the metal gear and it had been working fine. It turned out that where I had epoxied the cover back on it had let go. I just finished removing the unit and cleaning it off and glueing it again. It works fine again now.

 

Here is a TSB that came out quite a while ago that fixed my problem very similar to what you describe. Seems to be almost exclusive to the 2000 yr model. Replacing the insulator tips on the mounting bracket travel stop tabs works like a champ. The TSB has a diagram illustrating the fix.

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/q....php?qstId=217

2000: Service Bulletin: Left Headlamp Door Does Not Stay Closed
Number: 00-08-42-002
Subject: Left Headlamp Door Does Not Stay Closed (Shim Headlamp Door Motor/Actuator and Replace Insulators)
Model Year: 2000 Chevrolet Corvette

Condition: Some customers may comment that the left front headlamp door does not remain closed after the headlamps are turned off. Others may comment that the left headlamp door closes when the headlamps are turned off, but then reopens. In either case, the right headlamp door operates properly.

Correction: Important: he following information applies to the left front headlamp door motor/actuator only. It does not apply to and should not be performed on the right front headlamp door motor/actuator.

Install one washer (2) between the left headlamp door motor/actuator (1) and the mounting bracket (3) at each of the three attaching bolt locations. Also replace the insulator (4) on each of the two mounting bracket travel stop tabs (5) as shown. For information on headlamp motor/actuator removal, see the Headlamp Motor/Actuator Replacement procedure in the Lighting sub-section of Body & Accessories in the appropriate Service Manual.

Parts Information

Part Number
Description
Qty Per Vehicle

11505463
Washer
3

16524060
Insulator
2

 

I think your gear housing has popped off and your gears are spinning. This happend to me after I replaced them with the metal gears. Take a look.

 

thanks guys.

indeed BOTH issues turned out to be the case...
1) the insulator cap was chewed up from wear
2) the actuator housing cover was loose (epoxy wasn't good).

I used some jb weld to hold the actuator cover in place, and turned the chewed up insulator cap to the "fresh" side. works fine now.

thanks again.