C5 Headlights
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Joined: Jan 2012
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C5 Headlights
I am having problems with my right headlight. When i turn on the switch, the rt. side doesn't always open. I have to shut them off and on several times to get it to open. Anyone else have the same problem ? Is it as simple as spraying a lube on the hinge or is it a major problem? thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I am having problems with my right headlight. When i turn on the switch, the rt. side doesn't always open. I have to shut them off and on several times to get it to open. Anyone else have the same problem ? Is it as simple as spraying a lube on the hinge or is it a major problem? thanks
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I don't hear any grinding or any noise. They are the stock Headlights as well
I just went out and hand turned the gear opener and it will open on it's own now. I open and closed it numerous times. I don't know how long it will be before it won't open by it's self.
I just went out and hand turned the gear opener and it will open on it's own now. I open and closed it numerous times. I don't know how long it will be before it won't open by it's self.
Last edited by rcoughenour; May 22, 2012 at 12:35 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 765
Likes: 30
From: Vacaville California
My 2001 stock headlights just started doing the same thing with both lights. I turn on off the switch many time. And they finally open. The same thing when I try to close them When the key is on and they are open. Any I turn the lights off and they don't go down. I can hear a slight knocking sound. And I can feel some vibration like there trying to do something. They both started to do this at the same time so I don't think the gearing on both motors would go out at the same time. I am a vet rookie so any help pointing me in the right direction for the fix would be great. Thank you
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Usually the failure is one headlamp at a time therefore gears are the normal cause of issues. When both headlamps are impacted, the first source of problems is the headlamp switch itself and is known for having failures of the many switches inside. From the switch, there is a single wire that goes to the headlamp controller to command that both lights raise. The headlamp controller does not turn on the lamps. Another single wire coming out of the switch will provide power to the lights.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 765
Likes: 30
From: Vacaville California
Usually the failure is one headlamp at a time therefore gears are the normal cause of issues. When both headlamps are impacted, the first source of problems is the headlamp switch itself and is known for having failures of the many switches inside. From the switch, there is a single wire that goes to the headlamp controller to command that both lights raise. The headlamp controller does not turn on the lamps. Another single wire coming out of the switch will provide power to the lights.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
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From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
The normal cause of one headlamp not coming up is the headlamp gear inside of the headlamp motor however its possible the headlamp controller has problems too. The only way to find out is to put a meter on the headlamp connector and measure for voltage to the motor, when its commanded to raise or close. I don't have the schematics so you need to know which wires first. Also look at the ground pack mounted right there at the right forward top frame rails, adjacent to the hood riser.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 765
Likes: 30
From: Vacaville California
Yes, that is also referred to as the Multifunction Headlamp Switch. Its the usual failure with a high failure rate. BUT, in the case of just one headlamp not coming up, that switch is NOT the usual cause. As I said earlier, a single wire sends a command to the headlamp controller to raise BOTH lamps therefore if one lamp is not coming up, its probably not the switch.
The normal cause of one headlamp not coming up is the headlamp gear inside of the headlamp motor however its possible the headlamp controller has problems too. The only way to find out is to put a meter on the headlamp connector and measure for voltage to the motor, when its commanded to raise or close. I don't have the schematics so you need to know which wires first. Also look at the ground pack mounted right there at the right forward top frame rails, adjacent to the hood riser.
The normal cause of one headlamp not coming up is the headlamp gear inside of the headlamp motor however its possible the headlamp controller has problems too. The only way to find out is to put a meter on the headlamp connector and measure for voltage to the motor, when its commanded to raise or close. I don't have the schematics so you need to know which wires first. Also look at the ground pack mounted right there at the right forward top frame rails, adjacent to the hood riser.
