c5 Corvette headlights wont go down!!!
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 19
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From: Akron ohio
c5 Corvette headlights wont go down!!!
I was wondering if anyone knows about why the headlights wont go down on c5 corvette after starting the car and turning the setting to off. They do sometimes but not all the time as of tonight they wouldn't at all. I assume that its not a fuse because it random and they go up and down when I start and turn off the car. I was wondering what ground I should check or what wires in the fuse box? or the blinker is bad but everything else on the blinker works just fine which leads me to think that it is the grounds. thanks for your help you are a big help!!
"My Dad's a TV Repairman"
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: San Diego
I was wondering if anyone knows about why the headlights wont go down on c5 corvette after starting the car and turning the setting to off. They do sometimes but not all the time as of tonight they wouldn't at all. I assume that its not a fuse because it random and they go up and down when I start and turn off the car. I was wondering what ground I should check or what wires in the fuse box? or the blinker is bad but everything else on the blinker works just fine which leads me to think that it is the grounds. thanks for your help you are a big help!!
1. Assumption or not, check fuse #6 in the passenger foot well compartment.
2. Check your ground (driver side, ahead of the windshield washer reservoir) for tightness and cleanliness.
3. If not either of these two, you may need a new light switch / stalk.
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
"My Dad's a TV Repairman"
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From: San Diego
Pro
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From: South Salem NY
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: West Virginia
These cars are complex compared to earlier Corvettes. I cannot imagine trying to keep one running without the service manuals - they are fact, not hearsay.
Re headlights. When you turn them on, power goes to the motor. When you turn the switch back to "off" the motor gets a shot of power to bring them back down. The service manuals have the wiring diagram which enables you to understand exactly how the headlight up/down mechanism functions.
They were my very first C5 accessory purchase. Spend the money and buy them - and make sure they are for your year, things changed over the life of the C5.
Re headlights. When you turn them on, power goes to the motor. When you turn the switch back to "off" the motor gets a shot of power to bring them back down. The service manuals have the wiring diagram which enables you to understand exactly how the headlight up/down mechanism functions.
They were my very first C5 accessory purchase. Spend the money and buy them - and make sure they are for your year, things changed over the life of the C5.
Last edited by jackthelad; May 25, 2016 at 08:16 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2
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From: Greenville Sc
I was wondering if anyone knows about why the headlights wont go down on c5 corvette after starting the car and turning the setting to off. They do sometimes but not all the time as of tonight they wouldn't at all. I assume that its not a fuse because it random and they go up and down when I start and turn off the car. I was wondering what ground I should check or what wires in the fuse box? or the blinker is bad but everything else on the blinker works just fine which leads me to think that it is the grounds. thanks for your help you are a big help!!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,431
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From: Chicago Illinois
I don't get it, but it worked.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 91
Likes: 18
From: Providence RI
My '00 does this same thing. I've found that if I turn the headlight switch OFF with the engine still running, they fold down every time. If I shut off the engine first and then turn off the headlights, they stay up. I rebuilt both headlight motors with brass gears and it made no difference.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,431
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From: Chicago Illinois
My '00 does this same thing. I've found that if I turn the headlight switch OFF with the engine still running, they fold down every time. If I shut off the engine first and then turn off the headlights, they stay up. I rebuilt both headlight motors with brass gears and it made no difference.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 91
Likes: 18
From: Providence RI
Getting the headlight motors out of the car takes some time and fiddling. Not much room to swing a wrench or get your fingers in place, but it's not too bad. Otherwise the job is straightforward. I used this kit, I think:
http://my.execpc.com/~rodney1/vettegears/index.htm
http://my.execpc.com/~rodney1/vettegears/index.htm