Hi Beam switch won’t work - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Jetjock · 08-13-2019

When I got my car, I couldn’t get the hi beam switch to work. Gordon looked at it and got it to work temporarily but then it went back to not working. I managed to get it work but I need a permanent solution. I get the feeling that the rod moves around because something is missing. Any ideas?

Demps · 08-13-2019

This is a crazy design. The dimmer stalk (blinker) is pulled which in turn pushes/compresses a semi-pliable rod running down the steering column that in turn pushes a toggle switch at the base of the column.

Sucky part #1: remove drivers kick panel & support backing. Find the rod & push down with your hand at the switch to engage the toggle dim—bright switch with your headlights on. Does the dim—bright toggle? Yes, the rod most likely has deformed in the middle where it bends around the mounting bracket. No, switch or another relay is bad (I undid something that disables the toggle...it’s in the service manual).

Sucky part #2: getting to where you can straighten rod. Lesson learned: it’s tricky to straighten it & keep it clear of bracket. Maybe fabricate something to slip on the end of the rod.

Ted

Jetjock · 08-14-2019

The dimmer switch works so it must be the rod. It works a couple of times and then locks up.

DRM500RUBYZR-1 · 08-15-2019

It's the rod!

My techs would order a new handle and switch, then be frustrated that it still did not work.
Now, we go right to the rod.
No easy way, just takes time.
But almost 9 out of 10 it is the rod.
The 10 would be when someone breaks the stalk off.
Marty

08-14-2019	#3
Jetjock Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Auburn, KY Posts: 557	Re: Hi Beam switch won’t work The dimmer switch works so it must be the rod. It works a couple of times and then locks up. __________________ Roy L. Carman If I feel the need for speed, I just think about flying the B-777. 1989 Dk Blue Coupe lost in divorce 1991 Black Coupe SOLD 1992 Black ZR-1 #423 SOLD! 1993 Ruby Red 40th Anniversary ZR-1 #334 1995 Black ZR-1 taken by ex-wife 2002 Pewter Coupe no idea where it is 2003 50th Anniversary Corvette #No idea what number SOLD! ZR-1 Net Registry #516 Grand Sport Lifetime Member NCM Lifetime #1468 ZR-1 Net Registry Board Secretary

08-15-2019	#4
DRM500RUBYZR-1 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mullica Hill, NJ Posts: 2,621	Re: Hi Beam switch won’t work It's the rod! My techs would order a new handle and switch, then be frustrated that it still did not work. Now, we go right to the rod. No easy way, just takes time. But almost 9 out of 10 it is the rod. The 10 would be when someone breaks the stalk off. Marty

08-13-2019	#1
Jetjock Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Auburn, KY Posts: 557	Hi Beam switch won’t work When I got my car, I couldn’t get the hi beam switch to work. Gordon looked at it and got it to work temporarily but then it went back to not working. I managed to get it work but I need a permanent solution. I get the feeling that the rod moves around because something is missing. Any ideas? __________________ Roy L. Carman If I feel the need for speed, I just think about flying the B-777. 1989 Dk Blue Coupe lost in divorce 1991 Black Coupe SOLD 1992 Black ZR-1 #423 SOLD! 1993 Ruby Red 40th Anniversary ZR-1 #334 1995 Black ZR-1 taken by ex-wife 2002 Pewter Coupe no idea where it is 2003 50th Anniversary Corvette #No idea what number SOLD! ZR-1 Net Registry #516 Grand Sport Lifetime Member NCM Lifetime #1468 ZR-1 Net Registry Board Secretary

08-13-2019	#2
Demps Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Niceville Posts: 1,000	Re: Hi Beam switch won’t work This is a crazy design. The dimmer stalk (blinker) is pulled which in turn pushes/compresses a semi-pliable rod running down the steering column that in turn pushes a toggle switch at the base of the column. Sucky part #1: remove drivers kick panel & support backing. Find the rod & push down with your hand at the switch to engage the toggle dim—bright switch with your headlights on. Does the dim—bright toggle? Yes, the rod most likely has deformed in the middle where it bends around the mounting bracket. No, switch or another relay is bad (I undid something that disables the toggle...it’s in the service manual). Sucky part #2: getting to where you can straighten rod. Lesson learned: it’s tricky to straighten it & keep it clear of bracket. Maybe fabricate something to slip on the end of the rod. Ted