headlights won't go down
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: PALM BAY Florida
headlights won't go down
I just replaced the gear in one of my headlight motors that was grinding. When I unplugged the motor with the switch still on and turned the headlights off, the other motor didn't lower. I completed the re-install and hooked everything back up but neither light went down. I manually lowered them and turned the switch on. They both came up fine but when I powered down again I can hear a click under the hood but nothing else happens. For a few months prior to this I noticed my lights flip up as soon as the parking lights are turned on but the headlights don't come on until the stalk is turned all the way on. I feel like there is an actuator that I'm unaware of that may have gone out. Appreciate any help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 441
From: Arizona
I just replaced the gear in one of my headlight motors that was grinding. When I unplugged the motor with the switch still on and turned the headlights off, the other motor didn't lower. I completed the re-install and hooked everything back up but neither light went down. I manually lowered them and turned the switch on. They both came up fine but when I powered down again I can hear a click under the hood but nothing else happens. For a few months prior to this I noticed my lights flip up as soon as the parking lights are turned on but the headlights don't come on until the stalk is turned all the way on. I feel like there is an actuator that I'm unaware of that may have gone out. Appreciate any help.
Are you sure that the arm is attached correctly to the motor that you replaced? That will reverse thins as well.
I would go back and manually open the Motors that you closed. That way you are back to ground zero.
the last part of your post means you have some other electrical issue going on. That isn’t normal. Position one is parking lights. Position two is lights and motor up.
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 490
From: Denver, NC
I just replaced the gear in one of my headlight motors that was grinding. When I unplugged the motor with the switch still on and turned the headlights off, the other motor didn't lower. I completed the re-install and hooked everything back up but neither light went down. I manually lowered them and turned the switch on. They both came up fine but when I powered down again I can hear a click under the hood but nothing else happens. For a few months prior to this I noticed my lights flip up as soon as the parking lights are turned on but the headlights don't come on until the stalk is turned all the way on. I feel like there is an actuator that I'm unaware of that may have gone out. Appreciate any help.
The symptom of the motors opening up with the parking lights is not normal.
The headlight module is in the passenger side in front of the wheel well. You can access the plugs with the black shroud removed. Is that what is clicking? They do get wet inside and can fail.
Can you have someone operate the lights while you locate the click? Check both motors for being the culprit.
Have you added any aftermarket lighting or changed anything? I had my lights go absolutely crazy by having an LED DRL bulb reversed even though they plug in both ways.
Also while doing all this, look to see if you have any bulbs burned out including DRLs just to verify your lighting - it's just good maint.
I have seen some posts about the headlight door symptom with bad headlight motors. See post 9 here.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-shut-off.html
And more reading POST 16 has some interesting reading https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ights-why.html
Last edited by Ed Ramberger; Jan 29, 2020 at 07:09 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 159
From: Lafayette Louisiana
There is a Head light control module mounted on the passenger side fender behind the head light.. May be a bad connection or possible a failing module. Here is a post I did awhile back that might help ...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ol-module.html
Good luck!
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ol-module.html
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 490
From: Denver, NC
Hey Ed - as an add on to #3, just plug one motor in at a time and test operation independently. Unplug both, test one, unplug it and test the other. Might be as simple as a quick test and a bad motor.
Last edited by Ed Ramberger; Jan 29, 2020 at 08:57 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer