Headlight problem
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Headlight problem
I have a2001 Vette and am looking for a reliable repair shop in the Raleigh, Nc area. I am having a problem getting the headlights to switch on when the car is running. I need a mechanic that knows the electrical system in the C-5. I think there is a short in the turn-signal/headlight lever? Any recommendations will be most appreciated.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
C5 with headlight problem
Here is what I need to do just to get the lights to flip up: Turn ignition to acc. thurn light switch on. Sometimes it takes 3 or 4 tries before they flip up. I don't know if the lights are acually on before they flip up. I don't think so. The lights will not come on when the car is running, so if I'm driving and need the headlights, I have to pull over and go through the "procedures" as explained above. I have disengaged the sentinal system. I also make sure the emergency brake is off before doing everything else. What do you think? Thanks for the help. Greg
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Its always a tricky one to diagnoze a headlight problem without seeing the car
From what you say my guess would be you have a bad headlight/turn signal switch. These switches are unreliable and often fail. The reason Dave asks whether twilight sentinel is engaged is because it can still operate even with a turn signal switch failure as it uses another circuit. Try turning it on as it may give you a temporary work around.
You could try squirting some electronics cleaner into the turn signal switch. Its been known to clean up the contacts and start working again. Some members have stripped the switch down an used sandpaper to clean the contacts. If that fails you could repair or replace the switch.
Here are some How Tos:
Switch Repair:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1826359
Switch Replacement:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-a-how-to.html
As an aside, the lights should work using the manual switch with the E Brake on or off. The E Brake has to be off to allow the lights to pop up with twilight sentinel on.
If that doesn't fix the problem, many of the functions route through the hazard warning switch and you can DIY replace that. Normally though the hazard failing causes other symptoms so I'd start with the T/S switch.
From what you say my guess would be you have a bad headlight/turn signal switch. These switches are unreliable and often fail. The reason Dave asks whether twilight sentinel is engaged is because it can still operate even with a turn signal switch failure as it uses another circuit. Try turning it on as it may give you a temporary work around.
You could try squirting some electronics cleaner into the turn signal switch. Its been known to clean up the contacts and start working again. Some members have stripped the switch down an used sandpaper to clean the contacts. If that fails you could repair or replace the switch.
Here are some How Tos:
Switch Repair:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1826359
Switch Replacement:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...-a-how-to.html
As an aside, the lights should work using the manual switch with the E Brake on or off. The E Brake has to be off to allow the lights to pop up with twilight sentinel on.
If that doesn't fix the problem, many of the functions route through the hazard warning switch and you can DIY replace that. Normally though the hazard failing causes other symptoms so I'd start with the T/S switch.
Last edited by DeeGee; Jan 11, 2012 at 03:23 AM.
