C5 headlights quit working, both at the same time.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Lawrenceville GA
C5 headlights quit working, both at the same time.
'99 model.
This weekend I cleaned the ground connections and plug prongs (they did not look to bad). No improvement. I did find that if I pull the switch to activate the "Brights on" command the lights do come on. I also checked the plug going to the head lights them self right behind the head lights. I get constant power to the first two wires (I believe the center is the ground) so no power there the other two wires got no power no matter what position the head light switch was on.
What is the best procedure to isolate the switch as my culprit or not.
This weekend I cleaned the ground connections and plug prongs (they did not look to bad). No improvement. I did find that if I pull the switch to activate the "Brights on" command the lights do come on. I also checked the plug going to the head lights them self right behind the head lights. I get constant power to the first two wires (I believe the center is the ground) so no power there the other two wires got no power no matter what position the head light switch was on.
What is the best procedure to isolate the switch as my culprit or not.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 15
From: Seattle WA
'99 model.
This weekend I cleaned the ground connections and plug prongs (they did not look to bad). No improvement. I did find that if I pull the switch to activate the "Brights on" command the lights do come on. I also checked the plug going to the head lights them self right behind the head lights. I get constant power to the first two wires (I believe the center is the ground) so no power there the other two wires got no power no matter what position the head light switch was on.
What is the best procedure to isolate the switch as my culprit or not.
This weekend I cleaned the ground connections and plug prongs (they did not look to bad). No improvement. I did find that if I pull the switch to activate the "Brights on" command the lights do come on. I also checked the plug going to the head lights them self right behind the head lights. I get constant power to the first two wires (I believe the center is the ground) so no power there the other two wires got no power no matter what position the head light switch was on.
What is the best procedure to isolate the switch as my culprit or not.
My headlight switch hasn't worked for about 3 years...I've never bothered to fix it because the twilight feature works so well.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Lawrenceville GA
Have you tried turning on the twilight feature? It's in your options menu. It will turn on the headlights when it's 'dark' outside. If that works and your switch doesn't, then your switch is the problem.
My headlight switch hasn't worked for about 3 years...I've never bothered to fix it because the twilight feature works so well.
My headlight switch hasn't worked for about 3 years...I've never bothered to fix it because the twilight feature works so well.
I will try that. Guess I will have to go for a ride after dark tonight to see if it works. : )
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 15
From: Seattle WA
A poorly lit garage, parking structure, shady tree, overpass during heavy traffic, tunnel....Any of these can cause twilight to turn on your headlights during the daytime as well as at night.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Lawrenceville GA
What does this mean as to what component needs to be replaced?
I am a control freak when it comes to telling my car what to do. I dislike my car doing anything for me like locking the doors and turning on the head lights. So I need to diagnose the culprit.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 15
From: Seattle WA
OK making some progress. The twilight activation worked to bring up the headlights (so did the Magazine over the left side if defroster vent).
What does this mean as to what component needs to be replaced?
I am a control freak when it comes to telling my car what to do. I dislike my car doing anything for me like locking the doors and turning on the head lights. So I need to diagnose the culprit.
What does this mean as to what component needs to be replaced?
I am a control freak when it comes to telling my car what to do. I dislike my car doing anything for me like locking the doors and turning on the head lights. So I need to diagnose the culprit.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Lawrenceville GA
It's your multifunction switch. Pretty common part to go out on these C5's, fairly expensive and can be a bit of a pain to replace, which is why mine is still broken. This thread should help:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-a-how-to.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-a-how-to.html
Problem solved! took about 3.5 hours to remove the multifunction switch and disasemble the switch adjust the contacts then put it all back together. Works like new. Cost $0.
Thank you all!
