C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Which is it, Multi Function Switch or Headlamp Control Module?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 25, 2010 | 04:38 PM
  #1  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Thread Starter
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,475
From: South Florida
Default Which is it, Multi Function Switch or Headlamp Control Module?

My headlights do not turn on or open up.

Before anyone asks, Yes is did search the forums. I know the problem is either the Multi Function Switch on the steering column or the Headlamp control module.


But I have a question as I have not seen my particular case mentioned.


When I turn the multi function switch to the headlamps ON position everything works as normal(Interior lights and taillights work, turn signals and cruise control too) except the headlamps DO NOT come up and the headlights DO NOT turn on. Neither the high beams or the low beams are getting power at the bulbs. (I tested with a multimeter)


From my understanding, the Headlamp Control Module ONLY controls the operation of the headlamp motors and not the headlights themselves. If this is true, then the issue is most certainly the Multi Function Switch.

Can anyone confirm if the Headlamp Control Module only controls the headlight motors?

Thanks
-Taz
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2010 | 04:47 PM
  #2  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,360
Likes: 1,128
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by TriPinTaZ
Can anyone confirm if the Headlamp Control Module only controls the headlight motors?

Thanks
-Taz
Yes. I hope you have alleviated other possibilities...i.e. wiring, fuses, etc.
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2010 | 04:55 PM
  #3  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,360
Likes: 1,128
From: Dyer, IN
Default

PM sent.
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2010 | 09:08 PM
  #4  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Thread Starter
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,475
From: South Florida
Default

yup I have checked all the fuses and relays and even replaced the 20amp headlamp circuit breaker just to make sure it was not faulty.

I checked all the wiring under the hood and there was no apparent damage or loss of ground. When I checked the voltage at the light bulbs it was not getting 12v. So I tested further back checking the larger plug that controls all the lights and the motors. I had power to the motors, but not the light bulbs. So my final guess was that the Multi Function switch had gone bad and since the lights were not getting the signal to turn on, the buckets would stay down(which makes perfect sense on how the headlamp control module would work).


Looking back in the past, I have had a recent issue with my right turn signal intermittently working yet the bulb was fine. Also, the headlamp buckets would sometimes fail to go down and would require an additional on/off to make them go down. And sometime the headlights would work perfectly but I would get the annoying chime as if the headlights were still on when I would shut the car off.


Thank you for the help! You have confirmed my diagnosis. Now the dilemma, do I just order a new switch or do I disassemble my current one and try to repair. This would be a minor project compared to my capabilities, but I am not sure I want the headache of taking it all apart. Hmmmmmmm


Anyhow, Thanks again!
Reply
Old Jan 25, 2010 | 09:26 PM
  #5  
BOTTOMS UP's Avatar
BOTTOMS UP
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Default

they are repairable , do a search
there is a very good thread on it
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2010 | 07:57 PM
  #6  
Internets_Ninja's Avatar
Internets_Ninja
Thread Starter
Safety Car
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,048
Likes: 1,475
From: South Florida
Default

I took apart the multi function switch today. I found the headlamp contacts were not making contact so I cleaned them up and bent them a little bit following the DIY thread on the forum.

Headlights work just fine again.

Thanks,
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Which is it, Multi Function Switch or Headlamp Control Module?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:05 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE