C5 Corvette / Firebird / Chrysler Pop-Up Headlight Problem Fix
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2018
- Mark shows you what might be wrong with your C5 Corvette, Pontiac Firebird or Chrysler with pop up headlights, what causes the winking problem, what tools to use and how to fix it
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FINALLY!!! A repair that didn't cost me any money and only took 20 minutes. Thank u!
Glad to help Little Jim
What's the name for that little piece and where to get it
Amazing how the problems that arise are identical to other corvettes. My Corvette is showing the identical symptoms. Many thanks for sharing this video.
Thank you, this was exactly what I was looking for!! Great Video.
Thanks for the video. Gonna give this a try this weekend
Great video. Pin pointed my problem exactly. Thanks for tip on using other stop.
Headlight starting winking today, Motor was new and all I could think about is paying more to replace again. Watched your vid and 20 minus later problem solved. Was a loose nut to the pivot arm and the plastic piece. Works like a charm. Thanks for a very helpful and knowledgable Vid. You are the best !!!!
Anytime Ken - thanks! Cheers from Canada
thank you for posting this complete video. With this, I was able to 'jiggle' my headlight enough for it to work as it was 'down hard' prior to this fix. Yes, I have a stripped gear, but at least I can drive at night until I can get it fixed. Really appreciate your thorough video.
Anytime Dell - cheers from Canada!
Perfect video for the issue at hand. Thank you so much
Glad to help Ratchet - Cheers from Canada!
Thankyou! You saved me after 1 and 1/2 years of frustration!
Glad I could help Mark - pop up headlights are a pain given the amount of problems they can have
hi Mark, I am writing you from Colombia. My Corvette C5 had that trouble from a long time ago, I have already changed the pieces, but the issue was still there. Thanks to your advices my car is like brand new. Thank you so much
Anytime Marcelo - cheers from Canada!
Thank you this video helped me get through my motor repair on my vette
Anytime Rocko - Cheers from Canada!
This is a perfect video! All you need to fix your C5 Vet headlight!
Thanks for the comment - cheers!
Thanks for this video! I had drivers side headlight motor that wasn't working on my 2000 C5 (that had been replaced just a bit over a year ago... and was JUST out of warranty). I sure didn't want to pay $500 again to have it replaced, so I was able to do it myself for just $85 (for new unit from Amazon) and this awesome video!
Good going Jim - cheers!
Great video. Exactly what was wrong with mine. Thanks to this video it was an easy fix.
Anytime Lynn - Cheers from Canada!
Thank you for the video on the pop up fix. Just had this issue start on me tonight on my 2002 C5 Corvette. Won't pop up. Going to spend the day working on it tomorrow, get that light working again. Thank you again!
Did it work out for you K? - Cheers from Canada!
Well done, best video for this issue happening on C-5’s that I’ve seen yet!
Thanks Mark - Cheers from Canada!
Thanks for the video! I had the exact same problem. I didn't realize I could tilt the headlight assembly forward like that. I wish I had known that when I changed the motorsr! So much easier.
Anytime Eric
Thank you very much fixed my headlight problem in 20 min. thanks to your video excellent it was the plastic stop switched them and all done
Glad to have helped - cheers!
This video helped me fix my problem, great vedio
Great to hear Jim - cheers from Canada!
Had the same thing on my C5, I followed this fix and it worked perfectly! THANK YOU! Only thing different was that the rubber stopper on mine was actually just gone completely. I bent the bar in and wrapped the stop point MANY times in layers of duct tape to substitute the padding of the stopper. Hoping it works.
Good idea - you could also get a small piece of plastic hose and push it over the metal tab
Great video now I'm gonna go fix mine.
Glad I could help Blue - did you fix it?
Great video! Perfect fix...
Please "like" the video that's thanks enough - glad it helped
Lifesaver!! Great vid!
I changed my headlight motor and started having the problem of the stopper not stopping it thank you for the video
Anytime
Was exactly as you described. Thank you.
Anytime Brian - Cheers from Canada!
Thanks for the video. I had a bit of a different issue but your info helped me figure it out by eliminating some causes. Changed the headlight bulbs to LED. Parking lights are on the entire time. Should have disconnected them before working on them like you show. Anyway, they would not go down after installing the LED bulbs. Lights worked fine, they just would not go down. Noticed a small clicking noise and it sounded like a car trying to start without enough voltage. Started the car up and the lights went right down. Seems Corvettes are very finicky about voltages to certain things. After a full charge, they worked fine. This would not have happened had I watched your video first.
well it worked in the end - Cheers!
Awesome! Thank you!
Great video! thanks. Liked and subscribed. Cheers
Thanks Dave - cheers fromm Canada!
Great video man I fix the problem in my friend 98
Cheers - well done Rodrigo
Excellent!
Well. Your video very helpful. It was poor angling on the camera man part. Lots of time your arm was in the way and I couldn't see exactly what you was doing. Also after you fixed the problem, you never turned the lights on to see if the headlights would go in the up position. Thank you for the video.
Thanks for the comment Revon - Cheers from Canada!
Great video , What it means when they get stuck up I have to turn on and off the light 5 or 6 times before they go down what's causing this
Thanks
Thanks for the tutorial, I will check the stops. Changed my D.R.L. on my 2000 C5 passenger side via the manually raising and lowering headlight process. Now the motor continues for another 5 seconds after lowering just like your video states, do not understand how I stripped the gear. Seems more of an adjustment needed than replacing the gear. Count on 1 hand number of times per year these headlights even get used.
Let me know what you find Chris - good luck - Cheers fromm Canada!
Mine was shaking as I drove down the road.i replaced missing bump stops and wore out ones and it’s all fixed.
Changed a motor but now the headlight is up in the off position and down in the on. Any ideas? Also both rubber nodes are ok.
Regarding 1st issue stripped gear, the problem isn't only the nylon gear, it's a combination of other things culminating with complete failure due to about six teeth of the plastic (nylon) gear being worn off by the steel worm gear attached to the motor shaft. 1st of all, if you've heard of the 180 degree flip fix on existing gear, that is a valid fix because gear doesn't turn more than 180 degrees thus half of gear is untouched, like brand new. The reason the nylon gear gets stripped is because the housing is also plastic, and on my firebird the two load bearing surfaces which house the worm and nylon gears and support the torque of the rotating steel shaft that is attached to the nylon gear (again, only turns back and forth a total of 180 degrees approx) turning the headlight arm up and down. There isn't really much wear to speak of on the torque bearing surfaces, it’s that one surface is the housing (back opening) and the other is on the cap of the gear housing. This cap having to withstand MOST of the torque is the major issue. For one, the are no fasteners to rigidly mount this cap to the housing...My model is just glued on I have seen some that had smaller screws holding cap in place. Just be aware that the three motor mounting bolts DO NOT hold housing cap onto housing, they only hold housing onto car. So the load on the housing bearing is fine but the load on the cap bearing (and most of it is on cap bearing surface because LS headlight motor shaft comes out the cap side and bolts to swing arm is excessive and must be glued or bonded very carefully. The shaft of RS headlight motor is reversed and most of the load and torque from the shaft is supported by the back of housing mounted directly to car by three bolts. So, to summarize... the cap of the housing can come unglued (or worn or warped) and shaft going thru cap's hole (bearing surface) torques the cap in a direction opposite the meshed gears which in turn, pulls nylon gear away from worm gear, which causes less nylon gear tooth surface area to contact steel worm gear tooth surface area, thus stripping nylon teeth. These fixes that are sold are a semi sham. You don't need brass or other metal gears, and GM wasn't being cheap when the engineers decided to go with nylon gears... they did that to avoid the noise and harshness associated with the use of all metal gears as the headlight assemblies go up and down...the nylon gear muffles most of the noise. You just need to assess the wearing of the bearing surfaces of housing and cap, then determine how hardened the plastic cap and housing mating surfaces have become over time and if they’ll accept glue or epoxy for a permanent bond because that glue is the only thing holding the torque (force) of the headlight swing arms… not only when opening and closing, but also as you're driving and hitting potholes when the weight of the headlights wants to slam them down… only the glue holds bearing surfaces together with no other mechanical (bolted on) connection. I'd also install a flexible wire loom around exposed lamp wires to prevent further chafing against sharp body brackets. This is different from the Corvettes issue and the plastic bump stops being worn away or missing... note: missing or worn bump stops affects headlight aim on those vehicles. Take care.
This is my problem on my Firebird. I hope this works.
Have a close look Joe and let me know how you make out - Cheers!
@@carquestions will do thanks!
Or if it’s grinding it’s because the seal between the body and the cover of the gear has separated. Given that you have the updated motor that doesn’t have the three screws. If it is the seal that have broken check the gears teeth and if good to go re glue seal or use two to three zip ties. Ask me how I know.
My lights have rarely been used. My right side goes up , my left side does not. I switch it off, the right side goes down and the motor grinds a bit?
For the record, you don't have to take off the headlight itself. Unless you have thick arms, you can simply use an open end for the bolts.
Thank you
Anytime FDD - cheers!
Thanks..
Hi my friend, I change mazda 3 machine now the car start but if I press petrol!!!! The car swatch of, after I try to start but didn't start like no power or petrol in the car, but if I take the head battery of!!!!! For 10 Seconds!!!! The car start normal. But again if I press petrol!!! Again swatch of. Can you tell me if the ecu need to program or what??? Thank you
What if when I turn on the car my left head light won’t go up but when I pull the headlight it opens ? Thanks
Do you have a video on how to change the plastic gear to a brass gear?
just Google it Terry there are lots of videos on it
Hey car questions. I ended up getting two new motors. They came from auto parts store fully assembled but there was a cello of green grease in the box. Do these new motors have to be greased before they are installed. After installation it’s one up one down on , on. Then off the opposite is up when off. Like out of sync. How to do align this.? HELP GIRL THAT WORKED , with her father on a Plymouth.
Tracy - sounds like they aligned the internal gear incorrectly with the arm - not sure since I'm guessing - the grease goes inside to lube the gear but only if the motor comes apart with screws - might want to double check with the parts person on this - Cheers and good luck.
My driver side headlight is getting stuck. Pops up sometimes and when it does is a tad bit slower than passenger side. Could the rubber stops cause this or would it be more electrical? No noise from motor. Thanks for your help and good video by the way.
I had the same issue. The motor is probably getting old and weak. I replaced it with one from Amazon and the new motor fixed the problem.
@@shawnharmon32 thanks for the heads up. Gives me an idea of what to expect. Really appreciate it!
its likely the bumper - check it first
Ok cool, will do. Let u know uf it is. Thanks for your help!
My headlights did the same thing. Checked for the plastic stops for my 96 firebird to be there. They’re broken off!
Happens all the time
Thanks for this video, as I have the same exact issue with my C5. Question...what would a dealer charge in U.S. dollars to fix this issue? It will be nice knowing what to tell the dealer what the issue is! As a novice, I don't want to do a botch job! Thanks....
Try it yourself - you can do it - they botch the job 50% anyway
Thanks for the clarity of the explanation. Getting ready to try this fix over the weekend. When you say you have to align the linkage when getting the assembly back together, what does that mean? Sorry, this is Rodeo #1 for me!
I have a 1988 Corvette. This really helped. Thanks
Anytime Brian - Cheers from Canada!
i just bought an 02 it has had the gear replaced with the brass one,,problem is they must not have glued the cover on very well,,the rubber bushing by the gear got tangled up in the gear and it blew the gear housing open,,insert frown face here,, now i have to replace complete motor..on the other hand i now am going to have an extra brass gear! glass is always half full.
Keep fixin Curt - you could have done a better job - just go slow - its the fastest way - no need to pay someone to wreck your car
so I put a new balancer on my 04.Two months Battery disconnected .Hook up the battery ,and the lights popped up just like a half inch or less.Start the car turn on the headlights everything working,Go to turn them off the lights shut off but they will not go down.They worked fine before never had one issue.50K miles on my car.They both pop up at the same time high beams work fog lights work.Got to be electrical like a relay I am thinking.The fuses are not blown.What do you think cant find a video with this specific problem.could it be something like a computer problem tripped something when I put the battery back in.
check those stops for sure - maybe missing or cracked - also check all grounds very closely and clean no matter what condition -
question: my 91 firebird headlight (only one side) it slams down when i push the switch to turn it off, could it be the headlight motor?
sounds more like its missing a cushion or the arm is lose - compare each part with the other side
@@carquestions ok thanks
Can you manually flip up the light with that knob and still have the lights work ?
Yes most times - yes
Are the rubber bumpers available for purchase? Thanks!
Don't know Keith - check corvette forums and google
My issue is different and I haven't found any video that has the same problem as mine I have a issue where the passenger side will raise but the driver side does nothing just stays closed any idea ?? On problem is the motor bad???
ya - bad motor most likely - stripped gears etc
My 89' Firebird lights are out of sync since I installed a new motor assembly on the passenger side. Now when I turn the lights on one headlight is on and open and the other is off and closed. When I turn off the lights one closes and the other opens. The lamp is only lit when it is opened. Could this be a wiring issue?
Thanks.
No. Sounds like it needs reset.
Question...if I just turn the knob manually will it go down ? Thank you
Yep - but might pop up when ignition is turned on
@@carquestions Thank you for the reply and although I put it down manually it's still down. Thank you again :)
This is a known C5 driver side headlight issue. There are 3 washers you can buy which will prevent this from happening again. Rodney Dickman has them. They are only for the drivers side. It’s not an issue on the passenger side.
Thanks for the info SSM - Cheers!
STRANGE, OUT OF ALL THE VID'S FOR FIXING THIS WITH THE PLASTIC STOPPERS WHY WOULD'NT SOME ONE GIVE A WHERE TO GET THE RUBBER / PLASTIC STOPPERS. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT. NOT VERY THOUGHTFUL AT ALL. WHO IS RODNEY DICKMAN? DOES HE HAVE EXTRA RUBBER/PLASTIC STOPS? COME ON , READERS NEED VITAL INFO. I'AM LAZY, & PAST 75 +++++.DON'T HAVE TO MUCH TIME TO WASTE ENERGY!!!!!!!!!!!!!👴🤔
Rodney Dickman Auto Accessories Google it
Hey great video, im having problems after i install my LED lights, they wont go down, something to do with the manual override nob on the gearmotor... any way to fix it?
are the replacement lights identical in every way and shape? - if not they are hitting something
carquestions they are. When they go up they dont come down right away
Do my LED lights need Warning Canceller + Anti-Flicker ?
@@kostitsynbros74 Don't your LED's have a heat sink built in? - they couldn't be exact
@@kostitsynbros74 No anti flicker - not required
My left headlamp will not popup at all on my 97 c5. Is it same fix as per video?
Check to see if your part is broken or missing and replace and try it Jin
My 1997 corvette driver side headlight is making that gear sound but also they stay on when in the down position, def will change the gear but the lights staying on not sure how to fix that any tips?
repairing the gear should fix both issues
bad tree
What are the bumpers at the top for? Spares?
Stops when fully open I think Don
Pain you know were when this happens
my issue is just a little different, my passenger side light doesn;t always pop up. I have noticed that after driving it a ways the knob you turn there seems to tighten so it wont move, about hand tight not terrible but it's snug. If I loosen it a turn or two the headlight will pop up exactlt as it should. Then drive it in the day time again and the issue repeats.
Buzz - sounds like an internal gear problem with the motor - it's a plastic gear - you can take it apart and change the gears or buy a replacement motor.- let me know what you find - Cheers from Canada!
Great video. Cringed when you tapped the headlight cover with the torx 😂
Sorry!
Im having this problem but i have a 95 firebird and the bump stops are plastic knobs that stick off so when they break there is no replacing them, its just a hole in the plastic where it used to be. Its so frustrating and idk what to do because every video just shows replacing these little rubber caps on a metal lip whereas my whole thing broke off
You'll have to find a way of making them yourself BR
You don't have to dissemble the hole light and bracket I reached my hand thru and replace bump stop .
If you have small hands ya it works
What if they come up but one doesn’t go down all the way?
Check for more broken parts like stripped gears
Is there a button for the headlights in the vehicle
Not on this generation of vettes
98 firebird replaced gears ,motors ,push arms , etc lights wont open with out help close fine ! Need help !
If you have power - (first thing to check) then it is binding - test motor disconnected and make sure it works all by itself - let me know what you find
Motors are new arms are new seems as though arms go over center when down if I lift lights 1/2 in then they open close them and same thing If I adjust stops then lights look part way open when closed !!
Ok so I have a 50th anniversary corvette and my left headlight wont come up at all what can I do for that?
First figure out if the motor is running when you turn them on - if it is then likely stripped gears in motor - if the motor isn't making any noise at all start checking power to the motor of the affected headlight - good luck and let me know how you make out - cheers!
Im having the same problem with my '01. Were you able to figure out your problem?
Yea motor on my driver side of my C5 headlight runs for a few seconds after I turn the lights off.
You're car is totaled. Sell it for parts, man. BTW, I need a new passenger side motor if you have a price in mind. Thanks!
@@jimkelly8332 I just fixed my driver side pop up on my C5. My car is mint.
I changed my motor headlight gear and now they pop up BUT when I switch them off they stay up and the only way to put them down is manually ? Anyone have a clue ?
What kind of gear you installed?? Metal or plastic?
Plastic, I found the issue it was a bad Ground and blown fuses
@@trillcastro4720 got you thanks for responding
@@trillcastro4720 Where was the bad ground? and what fuses and location? Mine are doing the same thing, I have looked everywhere and you are the first i have found with the same problem as me. Thanks
What tells headlight module to stop moving headlight
Increased current draw when it hits its limit.
My head light covers are stuck in the down position on my 1992 lebaron
Check fuses first Tom - then power to motors - Cheers from Canada!
My pop up is scraping on the hood. The back side up the pop up head light
Your adjusters are probably too far back
hood is out of alignment - or headlight mounting is bad
Danny Ainge look alike?
I have problem my headlight will not pop up
Skippy - check to see if power is getting to the motors - Cheers!
Mine simply go up and stay up! LOL, maybe it needs the antidote for viagra? ;)
Different issue Jay - motors may need to be changed
@@carquestions If they go up and stay up, the next morning if I turn them on and of, they go back down.
@@J1Z06 Maybe a stripped plastic gear inside motor - need to take out motors and check
@@carquestions I’ll have them looked at. Thanks!! It’s 17 years old with 108k. Things can and will start to go.
Would have been better if your dad was a glass maker hard to see through your hand and arm
Yes JP - still working on my camera skills
@@carquestions thanks for replying and my left headlight is doing what it is suppose to do now
My motors both work, so motor is good, I replaced the gear in each motor, installed new switch on steering column lights pop up but won't go down, what's my problem, please.
I had a problem with one headlight going up and down and other just stayed down. The problem was the Headlight Headlamp Control Module was faulty.