Is there a relay that controls the opening of the headlights? :confused: Intermittingly when I turn the switch the headlights do not pop up. The lights come on but do not pop up. It is always both come up or neither, also there is not grinding so I know it is not the actuators. That is why my guess there is a relay that is sticking. I checked under the hood by the battery but there is not one for the headlights in that bank of relays. Any ideas????

 

Had a similar problem last Aug/02. The headlights would come on but the door would stay down. After a few cycles of turning on and off the door would come up. Took it to the dealer and found the modular on the passenger side headlight to be the problem. Was replaced under warranty. Have a 1999 coupe with 31000 miles.

 

i just discovered the same problem this morning. :(

i hate going to the dealer.

 

what is the "modular"? can you provide me with more info. i like to be able to tell the tech asa possible when i have to take the c5 in. ;)

 

He is talking about the Headlamp door control module.
It is located behind the right hand headlamp underneath.
You can replace it yourself.
Be aware that there are other possible causes, however the module is usually the culprit.
To replace the module, go to the dealership and buy one from the parts department.
Now you need a 10 mm wrench, I usually use a deepwell 1/4 inch drive socket and ratchet.
Turn the headlams on and open the hood.
now disconnect the big grey flat connector right next to the right hand headlamp retained on the body, this will cause the headlamp to go out, to verify that this is disconnected go turn the headlamps off.
The right door should stay up and the left should go off and go down.
This step is essential, you have to work under the headlamp door and if it were to go down with your hand inside there, it would seriously injure you.
Disconnecting the connector and then turning off the lamps verifies that you won't have to worry about the door closing on your arm.
Now reach under there and disconnect the 2 wire connectors on the module.
One has 5 wires the other has 4 so you can't mix them up.
Remove the two retaining nuts which are diagonally accross from eachother on the corners of the modlue, now simply work the module out and install the new one in the reverse order and connect the two harnesses.
Turn the headlamps back on and reconnect the right hand headlamp connector.
Now turn the headlamps off and close the hood, you're done.

There are a couple of other possibilities including the headlamp switch itself and some wiring and connections. Ground problems come to mind as well.
If you have had acid leakage problems at your battery, be sure to inspect the two ground wires you can see just in front of the battery and below the tray.
I think the last time I checked a schematic the ground came in there to the frame for the headlamp module.
There is a huge ground splice under the battery tray but I don't think any headlamp control related circuits go through there.

Hope this information is helpful.

EWill

 

damn! thanks for the extremely informative reply. very helpful indeed! :) :cheers: