Two headlight problems, need tech advice
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 835
Likes: 0
From: Fort Smith AR
Two headlight problems, need tech advice
Problem #1
My drivers side headlight continues to run for about 5 seconds after it goes down, and it makes a clicking noise.
Problem #2
The headlights go up when I only turn on the parking lights.
Also, I don't know if this is related, but the fog lights are both not working. I haven't checked the bulbs, but they both went at the same time.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Shawn
My drivers side headlight continues to run for about 5 seconds after it goes down, and it makes a clicking noise.
Problem #2
The headlights go up when I only turn on the parking lights.
Also, I don't know if this is related, but the fog lights are both not working. I haven't checked the bulbs, but they both went at the same time.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Shawn
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,538
Likes: 290
From: Central MO
Re: Two headlight problems, need tech advice (Shawn84&92)
The motor actuator is going out. Just had mine replaced with 8K miles on the car. Most dealerships dont have this part so it has to be overnited. Took them about an hour to install. Works fine now!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 3
From: Spring, TX
Re: Two headlight problems, need tech advice (AZGASSER)
My car did this. I know this is going to sound strange but after I replaced the headlight motor everything worked fine. I don't know why but my fogs started working and my lights would stay down when I used just the parking lights. I just don't know - maybe horsing around with the wiring harnesses for the lights did it.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: exeter CA
Re: Two headlight problems, need tech advice (Shawn84&92)
Perhaps a great opportunity to change the fog light bulbs too. Several posts on doing that, it is painless, low-cost, and worth the effort.
I drive sometime with just the fogs on.
I drive sometime with just the fogs on.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: Two headlight problems, need tech advice (Shawn84&92)
I just replaced the driver side headlamp motor... Price 160.... list 235 dollars/
Took me 40 minutes ... to replace (four 10mm bolts and three water pak connectors to unplug... I took the motor apart after the fix.. to see what broke.. I have a 99 and the drive gear is steel.... the ring gear is nylon... and it was missing about three teeth.. also the grease used to lub these gears was hard as a rock.. possibly bad grease, wrong grease, or just worn out..
Took me 40 minutes ... to replace (four 10mm bolts and three water pak connectors to unplug... I took the motor apart after the fix.. to see what broke.. I have a 99 and the drive gear is steel.... the ring gear is nylon... and it was missing about three teeth.. also the grease used to lub these gears was hard as a rock.. possibly bad grease, wrong grease, or just worn out..
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
From: royal oak mi
Re: Two headlight problems, need tech advice (Shawn84&92)
Stop!!! I just had the same problem, instead of buying a whole new motor I purchased a brass replacement gear from Mera for $41 shipped. Solved my problems and saved money!
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,604
Likes: 396
From: Austin, TX
Re: Two headlight problems, need tech advice (Shawn84&92)
For problem #1 see here (assuming your out of warranty or want to fix it yourself): http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=583380
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
From: Stockbridge GA
Re: Two headlight problems, need tech advice (sacsrpc)
I remember this problem from a couple of years ago. Failures of the gear.
2 things to consider, check http://www.artscorvetteparts.com/ for used/new parts of all kinds. Search on your year.
Seems I remember seeing the whole actuator assembly there. If not just note the site for future reference.
Also invest in a set of factory service manuals, if the fix one problem for you, you'll get your return on the $110 investment.
Not to mention it's good reading.
I hate to post hearsay, but maybe it's the truth. If so maybe it'll save you money.
I saw a post stating the headlamps will not close or operate normally if there is a bulb failure. You said the fog lamps don't work. Possible a fuse or bad bulbs in the fog lamps?
Also check for codes, you never know. Maybe that will point you.
Let us know.
[Modified by Bugster57, 9:33 AM 6/23/2003]
2 things to consider, check http://www.artscorvetteparts.com/ for used/new parts of all kinds. Search on your year.
Seems I remember seeing the whole actuator assembly there. If not just note the site for future reference.
Also invest in a set of factory service manuals, if the fix one problem for you, you'll get your return on the $110 investment.
Not to mention it's good reading.
I hate to post hearsay, but maybe it's the truth. If so maybe it'll save you money.
I saw a post stating the headlamps will not close or operate normally if there is a bulb failure. You said the fog lamps don't work. Possible a fuse or bad bulbs in the fog lamps?
Also check for codes, you never know. Maybe that will point you.
Let us know.
[Modified by Bugster57, 9:33 AM 6/23/2003]
