I have read through most of the other headlight postings but could not find any with the same 2 problems I am experiencing with my lights....

My 2000 seems to have developed an interesting quirk (for lack of a better word) that happens whether the car is on or off. And of course, this started happening right out of the blue, I have not added anything or replaced any components.

Part 1
When I manually turn on the parking lights (to light up the instrument panel) the headlights come up. Mind you, I am not turning on the headlights. While they come up, the remain off unless I go one more click and actually turn them on.

Part 2
When I go to turn them off, they both fold down, but the drivers side motor begins to make a grinding sound for about 10 seconds or so...

although the lights go up and down, and light up, they aren't doing what they are being told to do, and now have an added sound when folding back down.

any suggestions before I have to break down and take her to the dealership..??

Thanks for your help guys..

 

Which side is your's doing this on? Ours just started doing the exact same thing you described today on the LH front.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

The grinding noise would suggest a broken/worn gear inside the headlight motor. This is a common problem and there is an upgrade you can buy that consists of a new brass metal gear and bushing. For early 2000 models and prior the fix is easier because the motor face plate is held on by screws on later models it is glued on.

Rodney Dickman is one of the forum vendors who sell the upgrade kit and he has one for both types of applications I described above.

http://www.rodneydickman.com/retail_new.html

I think the problems with the headlights raising up on the half turn of the light stalk is symptomatic of a problem with the actuator control module which is located behind the passenger headlight assembly.

I have found that symptoms related to the failure of the lights to raise or lower, or to do so intermittently or only partially, are the control module on its way to being broken. You can get a new one for somewhere north of $200 or a used one for less. Karshop here on the forum might be able to hook you up.

I also think that a weakened battery might also play a part in some of the symptoms I have defined as the control module. My battery was older so I changed it out, rebuilt my headlight motors and changed out the control module and all of my issues have been corrected.

Let me know if I can explain something better for you.

 

Thanks. Ordered the gears today and if still have problems with opening when turning to park, then we'll get the new module.....

 

yup the gears are bad. replace them and all your troubles will be gone.

 

Headlight door control module fixed mine!!

 

Do you happen to have the part number for the door control module? Same for all C5 years?

 

It is caused by a stripped gear - mine did exactly the same thing, fixed the gear - headlight door operation returned to normal.

 

I found it by doing a search online. Since then, I have had a computer crash and reload! My advancing age has hampered my ability to remember things!! I seem to recall that it was quite a bit cheaper than price quoted from Chevy dealer.

 

replacing the gear solved both of my issues.

thank you !!!

I also found this link that had some great pictures that helped me get the job done. All it took was a little bit of patience and the rest was somewhat simeple.

Thanks again

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post&t=1434257