Need Help Diagnosing Headlight Problem
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Need Help Diagnosing Headlight Problem
Hi All,
I posted a thread about this problem a month ago but got no response, and I've searched the forum and can find nothing similar to the problem I am experiencing.
While driving in the day time, the headlights on my '02 Z06 will (infrequently) quickly open half-way and then close, all in less than a second in time. The best way to describe it is a "flutter" or like a blink of an eye. This isn't an everyday occurrence but can happen once or twice a week.
Today, it happened five times within a minute. Afterwards, I turned on and off the lights and it didn't happen again. The first time today it happened as I accelerated onto the freeway, then again when I changed gears, then when I put in the clutch to shift into 5th gear, and then when the car was decelerating to exit the freeway. Also, a couple of nights ago, the left headlight did not open, but after I turned the lights off and on again, everything worked OK. The multi-function switch seems to be working correctly.
Does this sound like it could be caused by a malfunction of the headlamp control module? The module is getting 12v to it, but could it cause the headlights to open and close without any input from the multi-function switch?
Thanks for any suggestions or insight you can provide to help me solve this problem.
Rod
I posted a thread about this problem a month ago but got no response, and I've searched the forum and can find nothing similar to the problem I am experiencing.
While driving in the day time, the headlights on my '02 Z06 will (infrequently) quickly open half-way and then close, all in less than a second in time. The best way to describe it is a "flutter" or like a blink of an eye. This isn't an everyday occurrence but can happen once or twice a week.
Today, it happened five times within a minute. Afterwards, I turned on and off the lights and it didn't happen again. The first time today it happened as I accelerated onto the freeway, then again when I changed gears, then when I put in the clutch to shift into 5th gear, and then when the car was decelerating to exit the freeway. Also, a couple of nights ago, the left headlight did not open, but after I turned the lights off and on again, everything worked OK. The multi-function switch seems to be working correctly.
Does this sound like it could be caused by a malfunction of the headlamp control module? The module is getting 12v to it, but could it cause the headlights to open and close without any input from the multi-function switch?
Thanks for any suggestions or insight you can provide to help me solve this problem.
Rod
#2
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Dec 1999
Location: Anthony TX
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CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
That's a tough call. Take the control module out and see if the back of the module is cracked or separated. I do not know how much a new module is but, pick a place to start.
BC
BC
#4
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks for everyone's help. No, my Z06 didn't come with the twilight sentinel and I don't think it was even an option for the Z06.
As a start, I will remove the headlamp control module and pull it apart to see if there is any sign of an internal problem or overheated connections. I'll source a good deal on another module as a backup or replacement.
I'll let you know what I find out.
Rod
As a start, I will remove the headlamp control module and pull it apart to see if there is any sign of an internal problem or overheated connections. I'll source a good deal on another module as a backup or replacement.
I'll let you know what I find out.
Rod
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
UPDATE: Three days ago I replaced the headlamp control module with a good working used unit and so far so good. The problem has not occurred after I replaced the module. It was an easy job once I found out where it was located.
The rear cover of the original module was starting to separate, but when I removed the circuit board I couldn't see any obvious signs of corrosion or loose connections. The problem must be somewhere in the electronics.
Thanks again and I appreciate all your help. The Corvette Forum is such a great resource.
Rod
The rear cover of the original module was starting to separate, but when I removed the circuit board I couldn't see any obvious signs of corrosion or loose connections. The problem must be somewhere in the electronics.
Thanks again and I appreciate all your help. The Corvette Forum is such a great resource.
Rod
#6
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Dec 1999
Location: Anthony TX
Posts: 32,736
Received 2,182 Likes
on
1,585 Posts
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
UPDATE: Three days ago I replaced the headlamp control module with a good working used unit and so far so good. The problem has not occurred after I replaced the module. It was an easy job once I found out where it was located.
The rear cover of the original module was starting to separate, but when I removed the circuit board I couldn't see any obvious signs of corrosion or loose connections. The problem must be somewhere in the electronics.
Thanks again and I appreciate all your help. The Corvette Forum is such a great resource.
Rod
The rear cover of the original module was starting to separate, but when I removed the circuit board I couldn't see any obvious signs of corrosion or loose connections. The problem must be somewhere in the electronics.
Thanks again and I appreciate all your help. The Corvette Forum is such a great resource.
Rod
#7
Instructor
Thread Starter
Here are some pics of the old module board that I replaced. The black circular discoloration on the back side of the board was caused by a strip of the rubber adhesive used to glue the rear plastic plate to the housing. The only thing I could see when I removed the module was that a corner of the rear plate had lifted slightly from the housing.
Again, thanks for your help.
Rod
#8
Team Owner
Bill,
Here are some pics of the old module board that I replaced. The black circular discoloration on the back side of the board was caused by a strip of the rubber adhesive used to glue the rear plastic plate to the housing. The only thing I could see when I removed the module was that a corner of the rear plate had lifted slightly from the housing.
Again, thanks for your help.
Rod
Here are some pics of the old module board that I replaced. The black circular discoloration on the back side of the board was caused by a strip of the rubber adhesive used to glue the rear plastic plate to the housing. The only thing I could see when I removed the module was that a corner of the rear plate had lifted slightly from the housing.
Again, thanks for your help.
Rod