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Headlight - Noise when closing

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Old Aug 12, 2002 | 04:09 PM
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Default Headlight - Noise when closing

My drivers side headlight just started making this loud chattering sound for five seconds or so after it closes; like a ratchet overrun.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!
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Old Aug 12, 2002 | 04:20 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (billjax)

A gear is stripped in the actuator. Much discussion about simply replacing the gear but I don't think anyone's ever accomplished it - I'd let Mr. Warranty replace it! I didn't have the pleasure until about 75K miles, that noise is diabolical and even worse in the confines of the garage.
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Old Aug 12, 2002 | 04:27 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (TeeJay)

Tee Jay's right.

I've had the driver's side go bad twice. I'd have the dealer do it. I think it happen's alot. They knew what it was based solely on description.
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Old Aug 12, 2002 | 04:29 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (TeeJay)

A gear is stripped in the actuator. Much discussion about simply replacing the gear but I don't think anyone's ever accomplished it - I'd let Mr. Warranty replace it! I didn't have the pleasure until about 75K miles, that noise is diabolical and even worse in the confines of the garage.
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Old Aug 12, 2002 | 04:39 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (WildKarrde)

Thanks for the replies so far - my first problem at 2100 miles!!

Will the mechanism ultimately fail and the light no longer raise/lower? Sounds like I'd better turn twilight sentinel off and call a dealer.

Crap!! :( :( :(
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Old Aug 12, 2002 | 09:39 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (billjax)

yep, that is it. i just had mine fixed last week. wish i could have spent the money elsewhere. but nothing ever goes right. all well!!!
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Old Aug 14, 2002 | 11:43 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (yellow01)

Yikes, mine's doing the same thing on the driver's side. I had a Fiero with popup headlights that never failed in the 6 years I had it. Are Corvette headlights so much more prone to failure?
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Old Aug 15, 2002 | 04:54 AM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (TeeJay)

A gear is stripped in the actuator. Much discussion about simply replacing the gear but I don't think anyone's ever accomplished it - I'd let Mr. Warranty replace it! I didn't have the pleasure until about 75K miles, that noise is diabolical and even worse in the confines of the garage.
Hi all,
I have taken out my stripped gear and am working on some replacement parts. I believe you can only open up the '97 & '98 model year motors, though. I will post when/if I get some parts.

Steve
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Old Aug 21, 2002 | 11:36 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (Blackjetvette97)

Count me in there too. Mine just started doing it this week. ugh.
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Old Aug 22, 2002 | 12:59 AM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (billjax)

I was in the same boat about 2 weeks ago. Dealer fixed it pretty quickly. Shouldn't have a problem getting it fixed
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Old Aug 24, 2002 | 01:19 AM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (billjax)

Dealer fixed mine this morning and said they'd gotten a lot of them to fix recently. Always the driver's side only for some reason.
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Old Aug 29, 2002 | 02:26 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (aseipos)

Anyone have the part # for what you need to replace on a 2000?

btw mine's the passenger side so its just luck of the draw probably. For the time being I turned off the twilight sentinel so the lights don't go up and down everytime I enter or leave my garage. I might leave it off to prevent it breaking again in the future.
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Old Aug 29, 2002 | 11:14 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (deeb0)

Passenger side headlamp control drive actuator/motor GM # 16530236.

If you want a great deal on one of these, e-mail me and I'll put you in touch with the forum member who got me mine. He saved me major bucks!


[Modified by redriverjohn, 9:16 PM 8/29/2002]
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Old Aug 29, 2002 | 11:48 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (billjax)

This must be the week for drivers side actuators. Ours did the same thing monday morning
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Old Aug 30, 2002 | 10:02 AM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing

The 4th gen Firebirds have this exact same problem as well.
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Old Sep 3, 2002 | 09:46 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (Scissors)

Mine is shot too. Drivers side... god is that noise horrible
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Old Sep 3, 2002 | 10:51 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (billjax)

Had to have mine replaced last week. Drivers side also.
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Old Sep 4, 2002 | 04:24 AM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (HBJ)

Replaced the driver side motor a few weeks ago, now the passenger side has started doing the same thing. What an awful noise!
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Old Sep 4, 2002 | 12:09 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (billjax)

Pretty common C5 failure item. The dealer replace the left-eye on mine under warranty and said they have seen several with the same problem. Get it fixed before it hangs up and drives you crazy.
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Old Sep 4, 2002 | 12:14 PM
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Default Re: Headlight - Noise when closing (billjax)

Mine happened about a year and a half ago, driver's side only. Dealer just replaced the whole assembly.


[Modified by David Lively, 10:15 AM 9/4/2002]
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