01 trans am headlight problems

[mikes01ta]

Hi I'm new here and I just got my TA its got 206k miles and runs strong everything was great till I am on my way to work this morning as soon as I hit the hwy my headlights go out the switch is was working as it should they flip up and down good for the 30 mile ride to work flipping the switch trying to get em to come on . Well I got to work and when I got off the lights worked again I tried several times and everything was good till I got home and they went out now they won't flip up ? I can hear the switch tick and my volt meter drops a hair at the same time all my tail lights work turn just no headlights ? Please help lol I'm lost can the control box cause this

[cocobolo95]

I assume you mean the headlight buckets went up but the lights themselves would not light. Then the problem got worse where light buckets would not raise. Check fuses, headlight switch, ignition switch. The parking & running lights are on a different circuit then headlight bulbs, that includes wiring out of headlight switch.If you look for the thread in this section titled " 94 & 98 f-body service manuals, easier links" you can download the 01 wiring diagrams, by clicking the link. You can also download the 98 service manual, which will have troubleshooting charts for the headlight system, you can use to troubleshoot.

[GaryDoug]

This sounds like a defective light switch or fusible link Z. The circuits to turn on and lift the lamps are separate but common to the switch and link. It is possible to have the headlamps on and not up or the headlamps up but not on. It is only when you have both conditions (down and off when the switch is on) that the fault would be with the switch circuit. You can try wiggling the fusible link while operating the switch. When the link blows, like a fuse, it frequently can make intermittent connection after that. Fusible link Z (and others) is found between the two underhood fuse boxes, and under the red plastic terminal cover. See the attachment diagram for red highlighted electrical path for the headlamp current. It is also possible that the internal circuit breaker in the switch is intermittent, requiring replacement of the entire switch. Download the attachment because I only have very limited space for these and will delete it in a few days.

[mikes01ta]

Thanks I will check the fusible link I took the switch apart everything looks good when I bought the car the switch was bad I replaced it and everything worked . I can get my buckets to come up if I unplug the connector from the control box and they go down as they should just not up without un plugging it and plugging it back in

[GaryDoug]

Originally Posted by mikes01ta

...I can get my buckets to come up if I unplug the connector from the control box and they go down as they should just not up without un plugging it and plugging it back in

Here is the sequence of how it's supposed to work:
1. Both headlamp and parking lamps off (both 0v at controller inputs), headlamp doors are down.
2. Parking lamps come on (12v at "Park" lamps input to controller), doors stay down.
3. Headlamps come on (12v at "Head" lamps input to controller), doors go up.
4. Headlamps go off (0v at "Head" lamps input to controller), headlamp doors stay up.
5. Parking lamps go off (both inputs are 0v), doors go down.

At step 3, both inputs must be on (Park=12v and Head=12v) before the doors will come up. It sounds like you are missing the 12v parking lamp signal to the controller.

Try wiggling the connector and wires that you are unplugging at the module to see if there is an intermittent connection. The Park lamp input is on pin C.

[mikes01ta]

Ok I checked all the fusible links I get 12v threw all 3 and I have 12v on pin c on the controller

[mikes01ta]

I figured out my problem it was in the switch I guess because its new dosnt mean its good or I have another problem that's taking out swtches ? I'm going to fix the switch and see how long it will last thanks for all your help.

[mikes01ta]

My problem is back lol I guess whatever the problem is its taking out my switches I am going to try a new control and see what that does

[GaryDoug]

Make sure you have the correct value fuses. The controller is pretty low-load. More likely is an intermittently shorted headlamp or socket.

Keep in mind that the light switch has an internal circuit breaker that may take several minutes to reset itself.

You can test the controller to see if it is shorting by simply unplugging both connectors after the headlamp doors are up (or just manually raise them). If the problem stops, then you can replace it. If the problem continues, then the controller is not the fault. The controller has no effect on the headlamps' bulb power.

[mikes01ta]

Ok the breaker in the switch is what's breaking I took the switch apart and the breaker was laying inside melted so I put a jumper in place I uses a small wire soldered it in and it blew it like a fuse all my fuses are sized right. and I cant see a shorted wire anywhere

[GaryDoug]

After reviewing the full diagram set, I see that the circuit has no fuses, just the fusible link. I still suspect either an intermittently shorted headlamp bulb or socket. Another possibility is a short in the DRL module. You could try unplugging it. It is behind the radio.

[mikes01ta]

I disconnected all head lights and turned the lights on it and it wasn't blowing the breaker in the switch I plugged the lights ine at a time and found The right high beam blew the switch so I unplugged it ad and I had all functions for about 45min I moved wires making sure its fixed everything seems good so I drive it and make it 1 mile driving than they go out. Will a universal fog light harness work just to turn on the lights. I'm about to pull the engine and buy a roller camaro lol iv never been so stumped this is driving me crazy

[GaryDoug]

I would examine the right high beam socket (and right low beam if they are bundled together) carefully for any potential shorts. If you find nothing, trace the wire back to the harness and look for any bare or damaged insulation that could touch the metal chassis somewhere. ... Especially where it hooks around the headlamp assembly bracket.

[mikes01ta]

It just blew the wire infront of the fusible link and I have continuity threw all 4 lights so I'm going threw every wire now

[GaryDoug]

OK, but you are not looking for continuity. You are looking for a short to ground.