I recently purchased a 2003 C5 Z06, and at the time of purchase, I was aware of an issue with the headlight motor. I have the gear set needed to repair it. Although I’m fairly certain I tested the headlights before buying the car, I was more focused on the noise coming from the motor at the time. I’ve owned the car for a month now and absolutely love it. However, as I began working on the headlight motor repair, I discovered what I believe is a more significant issue with the headlights. My car is equipped with JW Motoring HID headlights.






My plan was to run these light and switch all lights to LED headlights over the winter. I have the original headlights parts.Issues Observed:

Issue 1: Parking Light and Headlight Operation via Stalk and OTOFIX Programmer

When I turn on the parking lights using the stalk, the parking lights illuminate, but the headlights pop up without turning on. When I turn off the parking lights with the stalk, the parking lights go off, but the headlights remain up. The headlights only retract when I push the stalk to the high-beam position; otherwise, they stay up. However, when I activate the parking lights using the OTOFIX programmer, the parking lights turn on, the headlights stay down, and everything functions normally. This suggests a potential issue with the stalk I think?

Issue 2: Headlight Operation via Stalk and OTOFIX Programmer

When I turn on the headlights using the stalk, they pop up but do not illuminate. When I turn the headlights off with the stalk, they do not retract unless I move the stalk to the high-beam position, at which point they go down. Similarly, when I use the OTOFIX programmer to turn on the headlights, they pop up but do not illuminate, and they only retract when the stalk is in the high-beam position.

Plan Moving Forward:

1. Remove the JW Motoring HID headlight kit.

2. Repair the noisy headlight motor.

3. Reinstall factory headlights.

Concerns and Observations:

I’m concerned that the higher current draw from the HID headlights may have damaged the headlight control module, located under the front of the car. I’ve visually inspected and tested all headlight-related fuses with a multimeter, and they appear functional. I have not yet located the HID ballasts or relays, but I expect to find them when I remove the headlights. Based on these observations, am I on the right track with my plan?

 

UPDATE I have started converting my 03 Z06 back to stock headlights so I can trouble shoot the system with the GM shop manuals. I thought the issue might be in the control Stalk so I sent that to “Tony’s Corvette” and it checked out with no issues. I cannot recommend him enough!! More history the HID Headlight conversion from “Corvette Lights” and “JW Motoring” this conversion is about 6 to 8 years old and is no longer supported. So for this reason I am switching the car back to the stock head lights and fixing a noise headlight motor. That should be done by the weekend.

I need help!! I have a questions in the photos below this cable is under the dash to the right of the steering column under the ignition. I am guessing it is not a factory GM part. It is a jumper wire with a relay that goes between two GM plugs in the factory harness

I am guessing this is what allows the car to skip the required 1 to 4 shift. I did not think it was part of the headlight system. Can anyone confirm what this part is😬

 

Take advantage of occurrences when the car throws softballs at you and actually gives you a part number on the component of interest. All you have to do is Google the part number on the relay and you have lots of answers.

 

Lucky,

Thank-you I know better……. I figured it out when I pulled it out and the turn signals rapid flash.

Thanks again for the reply!

tpeterson

 

Update, I removed the aftermarket HID lights and put the stock lights back into the car was able to trouble shoot the problem and now I have headlights both high and low beam lights. The headlights stay down with the parking lights.

Only a couple more little things to fix and all will be well.

I am guessing about the time I get all of the gremlins fixed I will have some new ones!!!!

 

Maybe....but you are moving forward and learning along the way