Topic: Dash Headlamp Light
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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The headlamp light on the dash stays lit after the headlights have been turned on. The headlights are fully open and there does not appear to be any additional travel when they are fully open. Is this just a bad switch, or do I have a larger ($$$$) problem.
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Probably a broken switch, a VERY common malady on Sharks.
There are plastic switches on the headlight doors that control the in-dash light. If one breaks, or is not adjusted right, the light will stay on. I'll see if I can dig up a pic of where they go.
They're easy to replace, but you have to be careful, as they break quite easily...
Maybe this will help. If not, I can post the diagram from the assy. manual...Adams' Apple 2007-08-17 19:20:27
There are plastic switches on the headlight doors that control the in-dash light. If one breaks, or is not adjusted right, the light will stay on. I'll see if I can dig up a pic of where they go.
They're easy to replace, but you have to be careful, as they break quite easily...
Maybe this will help. If not, I can post the diagram from the assy. manual...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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Lifetime MemberLanoka Harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/21/2006
Posts: 828
Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c
also could be a bad ground. replaced both switches on mine and it still stays lit. haven't had time to trace it out yet.
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
[QUOTE=eddie20875] also could be a bad ground. replaced both switches on mine and it still stays lit. haven't had time to trace it out yet.
[/QUOTE]
The switches provide the ground. If yours are still burning brite, you may have a pinched wire to one of them that is staying grounded all the time. If you un-plug the switches, does the light still stay on?
[/QUOTE]
The switches provide the ground. If yours are still burning brite, you may have a pinched wire to one of them that is staying grounded all the time. If you un-plug the switches, does the light still stay on?
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
The switch is a normally closed switch, and should open when the buckets are fully extended. In other words, the switch has to be CLOSED for the lamp on the dash to come on.
KOPBET 2007-08-17 20:02:48
The switch is keyed, so there's not much adjustment, so most likely, a bucket (or both) is not fully extending. The bucket may be all the way up, but the links must travel over-center to achieve the locking and also to make the switch. Visually check that first. The front link should come to rest completely against the rear link for the switch to operate. See photo below.
You can disconnect the plug to the switches one at a time to quickly determine which switch is not opening up. Plug comes off, light goes out, that's your offender. Then check why there is no full extension. Improper adjustment of the clevis rod and/or the cover stop are possible suspects.
As mentioned, the switch is easily broken by over tightening the nut or from rough contact. Be careful.
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
Not so sure we're talking about the right switch here guys. I had the same problem on my '74 and the switch that was bad was a differnt switch (I think). It was a $20 part that had just been broken and was an easy fix (I don't seem to recall even needing tools). I'll try to get under the car and get a picture to post...
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in Forum: C3 Electrical
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