Headlights work, tail and dash lights dont?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Headlights work, tail and dash lights dont?
Hello,
I have a C5 (1999) and I used to turn the headlights on manually then one day I noticed the headlights would turn on but the dash and the tail lights would not.
But everything works fine in automatic mode. Now this is fine excet when it is raining and not dark enough for the headlights to come on automatically but it would be good to have the tail lights on.
Anyone got any ideas,
I have a C5 (1999) and I used to turn the headlights on manually then one day I noticed the headlights would turn on but the dash and the tail lights would not.
But everything works fine in automatic mode. Now this is fine excet when it is raining and not dark enough for the headlights to come on automatically but it would be good to have the tail lights on.
Anyone got any ideas,
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Try putting the headlamp switch in PARK position and see if the tail lamps are lighting .... they probably aren't. If that is the case it is probably your Headlamp switch. The Switch provides power to the tail lamps when in "manual" mode (Park and ON positions), but the BCM provides power to the taillamps through relay 43 when in the "auto" mode. If you know how, check for voltage on the BROWN wire coming off the headlamp switch. The wire should show voltage when the switch is PARK or ON, and be off when the switch is OFF. Also check for power on the ORANGE wire to the headlamp switch, it should be HOT at all times.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,293
Likes: 60
From: Somewhere out there
Switch
Very common problem, I had it happen on a road trip 100 miles form home...go figure. The headlight switch has failed to complete the dash/taillight circuit. Some will say replace the switch, $100 option. I removed the switch disassembled it and cleaned the contacts. Works like new haven't had a problem since.
Several others have removed and cleaned also.
Good luck.
-KOZ
Several others have removed and cleaned also.
Good luck.
-KOZ
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I'd say the headlight switch is a strong possibility
One member posted up the following fix:
Cleaned the ground that’s located behind the driver’ side headlight across from the alternator yesterday and guess what – my rear lights, turn signals, and reverse lights are all working normal again. Everything is back to normal.
As thats free and easy to check it may be worth a try first.
One member posted up the following fix:
Cleaned the ground that’s located behind the driver’ side headlight across from the alternator yesterday and guess what – my rear lights, turn signals, and reverse lights are all working normal again. Everything is back to normal.
As thats free and easy to check it may be worth a try first.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,535
Likes: 379
From: NSL UT
Very common problem, I had it happen on a road trip 100 miles form home...go figure. The headlight switch has failed to complete the dash/taillight circuit. Some will say replace the switch, $100 option. I removed the switch disassembled it and cleaned the contacts. Works like new haven't had a problem since.
Several others have removed and cleaned also.
Good luck.
-KOZ
Several others have removed and cleaned also.
Good luck.
-KOZ
gave me this link now they work as normal. pretty easy and for the switch its do or die anyway might as well try it.http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...p?p=1563499998
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Here is where I got mine and it was a perfect match
http://www.chevy-autoparts.com/partslookup1.jsp
ACDELCO D1512G [SWITCH-HEADLIGHT] SWITCH,HDLP & T/SIG & CRCONT(W/ LVR) OEM#26075870 0.00 154.26
http://www.chevy-autoparts.com/partslookup1.jsp
ACDELCO D1512G [SWITCH-HEADLIGHT] SWITCH,HDLP & T/SIG & CRCONT(W/ LVR) OEM#26075870 0.00 154.26
