Turning Lamp on 84 Vette

[Thomas F.]

I just discovered recently that when I am making a left or right turn in my 84 Vette that if I turn on my signal light I have a white light that comes on on the corner of my car lighting up the roadway in that direction. I had not noticed this light before because the only time I use my signal light is in a traffic area where there is usually plenty of light at night. I accidently discovered this one dark night when I was turning into my driveway when I turned on my signal light for some unknown reason. Now I know to turn on my signal light and light up the ditch line on the side of my driveway. I was talking with a friend of mine and he said his C5 did not have this feature. Anyone have any additional info about this feature?

Also on my 84 I can release the rear hatch from three positions. Both doors and the center console. Another friend that has a later model C4 said his rear hatch cannot be opened from the passenger door. Any comments on this?

Thanks and remember to wave.

[Brian D.]

Re: Turning Lamp on 84 Vette

I seem to remember that same cornering light feature on my 1986 convertible.
I always signal, whether anyone's around or not. That makes it become muscle memory, and I don't need to worry that I may fail to signal when I should.
Sadly, after 12+ years of ownership (which ended in late 2011), I cannot remember the release points for my convertible top and lid. I probably just used the center console switch for the lid, and reached under to release the top itself.

[Walter G.]

Re: Turning Lamp on 84 Vette

The 'turning lights' were on several GM cars in the '60's. On my dad's '66 Buick Wildcat they were an option called 'cornering lights' and like those on the Vette were turn signal activated. I had a disagreement with a Bloomington Gold judge several years ago as he said the lights should come on when the car is being steered left or right with the headlights on. I argued they were turn signal activated and would not sign my judging sheet without speaking to a higher authority. Bottom line is they determined I was correct (surprise).

My '84 has the same three hatch release points as yours but I can't recall if that changed on my '89. ('89 was a coupe also so would be the same unless GM changed something)

[John M.]

[Brian M.]

Re: Turning Lamp on 84 Vette

Thomas,
My 92 had three hatch release positions.
I believe this was the last year with three switches.
Brian

[John M.]

[Perry M.]

Re: Turning Lamp on 84 Vette

Also note that when put in reverse, the backup lamps on each side of the license plate illuminate as do the lights in the side rear next to the clearance lights.

[Thomas F.]

Re: Turning Lamp on 84 Vette

What about the light at the spare tire. Is it activated by the opening of the spare tire cover?

[Brian M.]

[John M.]

Re: Turning Lamp on 84 Vette

To add to what Dave mentions is his previous post

turning the courtesy lights on will also turn on the spare tire lamp. As with the courtesty lights, the spare tire lamp will also remain on until the switch is turned off. The C4 spare tire lamp was discontinued after the 1993 model year.