2001 C5. When I turn the headlights off, the motor that closes the lights down into the body keeps running after the lights are closed. There is a rubber cover that says" Remove for manual operation". When I remove this and shut the lights off, the **** keeps spinning and is sounds like gears are grinding. Its only happening on the diver's side and only wehn turning them off, not on.

Can someone tell me whats wrong and how to fix it? Thanks.

 

if it's only running for a few more seconds and then stops by itself, you have the far from rare stripped gear failure and need to get a replacement gear kit from one of our vendors. i'm currently waiting for mine in the mail .
if you're saying that it keeps running and doesn't stop until you do something like pull a fuse or disconnect the harness, then you've got some other issue that I can't really help with

 

Thanks for the reply. It stops after about five seconds. I found some other threads since posting mine and it soundslike I can flip the gear over. I dont dive much at night but have had the twilight feature activated so the lights come on whenever I start it in the garage. I think I'll flip try flipping the gear first since I need an inspection.

 

On the advice of forum members, I purchased and installed my brass replacement gear from Rodney Dickman. Outstanding poduct, instuctions, communication, service, and timely delivery. Anyone that encounters the problem of the stipped headlight motor gear should contact Rodney with 100% confidence!

Here's the link.

http://www.rodneydickman.com/catalog/

 

yeah I replaced mine using rodney's brass gear kits they are excellent!!

 

I can't believe that there are still C5's out there that haven't had to change the gears yet. BTW do both headlights it's only a matter of time, and use a zip tie to hold the gear cover back on after you epoxy it together, just added insurance.

 

Yup very common issue I just did mine last year.

 

Thanks for the confident advice in diagnoses, purchase of optimum replacement part, and easy info of self repair.

What is with only the Left gear going out on most of the Forum Posts? Has anyone only had the right side go out? Since there is no real savings in ordering both sides, I will take my chances about the right side failing.

I did find a brass gear kit at Mid America with a PDF link to install, but their price is a bit higher then Rodney's and definitely prefer the firsthand recommendations.


BUT ... I have an additional issue with my Left Headlight assembly. The actuator bar, that connects gear motor to headlight, is very loose at the connection to the headlight, and while driving with headlights up, vibrates and shakes quite a bit.

After taking it apart, it seems that the hole/sleeve in the composite material headlight assembly, where the steel pin connection goes through has stretched or worn much larger causing the problem. I am worried the loose vibration will continue making the problem worse.

Anyone else have this problem? Or more important ... a solution without complete assembly replacement ($1000).

Brad
Convertible 50th Annv '03 C5

 

If it is the Driver's side, this is probably what you need




Here's the TSB:

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

The 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

 

Ah, the sweet sound of engineering working smoothly now.

 

I did my drivers side last year at about this time and the passenger side just went about an hour ago. Kicking myself now for being a lazy bones last year. An easy fix though.

 

 

I replaced my left side head light motor. Now the left side head light keeps opening back up after it closes. It started to do it after I unhooked the battery. I always unhook the battery when I store the car. As soon I unhooked the battery the left head light popped up. Now after every time I close the headlights the left side head light pops back open?