Headlight lids

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Feb 24, 2012 | 04:11 PM

ilfarmer

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Dec 2005

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Headlight lids

I have just replaced a dead batteryin my 2000 c5. While trying to charge (unsucessful)both headlite motors were clicking slowly,I turned the light switch on the lids poped up,the lights came on, and the clicking stopped.when I turned the light switch off the lids went down, lights went off, but both sides were making a grinding noise(loud).The old batt. wouldnt take a charge(dead cell)so purchaced a new one.Now when turn lights on doors pop upand lights come on but whenturn off doors pop down,lights go off and grinding noise(loud) continues.I can raise and lower them mannualy but to stop the grindingI had to disconnect the wire harnes to each lighht. Could this be a programming problem from the dead battery? I have read on the forums about the gears an motors going bad but to give Chevrolet dealer $1000 to put new parts in if it is something to do with the battery ordeal. Any help would much appreciated!

Feb 25, 2012 | 12:21 AM

Oldvetter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 6,937

Likes: 21

From: Waldorf MD

Go here and look at post #2 and #22:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...l-in-here.html

Feb 25, 2012 | 02:14 AM

DeeGee

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 19,384

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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England

2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

Great links from Oldvetter

The fact that the gears showed problems after your battery problem is unrelated and a coincidence. The problem is caused by broken teeth on the nylon gears in the headlight motor. The grinding noise is the broken gear wheel slipping against the other gear.

The good news is that new brass gears are about $50

Feb 25, 2012 | 11:09 AM

ilfarmer

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 3

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Thanks oldvetter! This is my first experience in using the forum. I clicked on the thread you gave me but can't get to 2 or 22. I know I am not doing somethong right. Thanks again!

Feb 25, 2012 | 11:22 AM

ilfarmer

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 3

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Thanks DeeGee! Fromwhat I had been reading on the different forums was afraid the gear was the problem. Does GM sell the brass gear or is it just an aftermarket item? Also I still dont understand if the gear is stripped how it will still open and close mannualy by tuning the motor by hand.

Feb 25, 2012 | 12:12 PM

yaknow

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 7,207

Likes: 312

From: Lino Lakes MN

I believe I bought my brass gears through Eklers, yes even with stripped gears you can move the headlights by hand, as you can skip gears that are broken, the motor is more sensitive than your hand, if that makes sense

Feb 26, 2012 | 02:23 PM

BarneyZ

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 1999

Posts: 2,301

Likes: 83

From: DFW, TX

My lids would fail to come up Intermittantly. I was ready to replace the headlamp module. By accident I noticed that one of the battery cables was loose. Tightened them up and the problem was gone. Yopu might want to check yours out.

Feb 27, 2012 | 02:32 AM

DeeGee

Tech Contributor

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 19,384

Likes: 87

From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England

2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilfarmer

You can get replacement motors from GM but I dont thing they sell the gears. You'd also run the risk of another failure if you go that route. Better to buy replacement brass gears. I used Rodney Dickman for mine.

http://my.execpc.com/C4/4A/rodney1/vettegears/

The problem is that individual teeth break off the gear wheel leaving a gap. As you wind manually, the gear turns and the unbroken side of the gear engages and raises the lights. You'll feel the slip as it passes the broken section. The electrics drive the wheel so fast that you hear the machine gun noise as the gear jumps.