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Old Aug 20, 2023 | 01:26 AM
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Default Need Headlight Help

The motor on my 2004 driver's side headlight died and I had it replaced. Last week a new problem jumped up that I do not understand. The passenger side operates correctly. When I turn on the headlights at both go up. When I turn them off the passenger side goes down but the driver's side stays up and will not go down. I have to lower it manually. Pops back up normally when I turn the headlights back on. Seems to me that if the gear was stripped it should neither go up or down. Any ideas? Solutions?

Thanks!
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Old Aug 20, 2023 | 10:36 AM
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Check the connection between the headlight motor and Control Module. Make sure the connectors are clean and fit tight.
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Old Aug 20, 2023 | 11:23 AM
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Thanks, will do.
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Old Aug 20, 2023 | 06:28 PM
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There are 2 plastic covers that slide over 2 tabs on each side. When they wear out you will have the problems that you describe.
Check with Rodney Dickman. he supplies them
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Old Aug 20, 2023 | 08:01 PM
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So what and where are the tabs?
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Old Aug 20, 2023 | 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by ncali
There are 2 plastic covers that slide over 2 tabs on each side. When they wear out you will have the problems that you describe.
Check with Rodney Dickman. he supplies them
Typically when it's the bump stops the lights go up then come right back down. Not go up and stay up.


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Old Aug 20, 2023 | 10:10 PM
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Originally Posted by BarneyZ
The motor on my 2004 driver's side headlight died and I had it replaced. Last week a new problem jumped up that I do not understand. The passenger side operates correctly. When I turn on the headlights at both go up. When I turn them off the passenger side goes down but the driver's side stays up and will not go down. I have to lower it manually. Pops back up normally when I turn the headlights back on. Seems to me that if the gear was stripped it should neither go up or down. Any ideas? Solutions?

Thanks!
Any chance you put HID bulbs in your car recently? Try flipping the highbeam on then turning your lights off. See if both sides go down if you do that.
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Old Aug 21, 2023 | 10:20 AM
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Also, did you shim the driver side headlight motor with washers to move it out? There was a GM TSB on this for the driver side. Some cars have required this so the mechanical arm does not pass the metal tabs where the bump stops are.

It's been a very long time since I managed this issue myself. Here is a helpful link with pics of the bump stop locations. Typically you can just remove them and flip them over to the other side for them to work as they should. Worked for me 15 years ago and still working. Otherwise buying after market is the way to go. I picked up a few spare sets a year or so back from Zip Corvettes. They also sell the shim kit washers.

https://www.zip-corvette.com/97-04-h...RoCaisQAvD_BwE

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ntinually.html





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Old Aug 21, 2023 | 11:11 AM
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When I swapped out my headlights for the ACA Bi-LED's, I could see the wear on the bump stops, so I flipped them over as they only "work" on one side, so if all of them are there, if you see a gouge or wear into them, flip them over and try that. They are cheap to replace, but flip them over and try that first (if they are worn).
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