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headlight motors - intermittent

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Old 06-05-2016, 10:02 PM
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Car: 1989 Firebird Formula
Engine: 5.7L 355 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4 with TCI rebuild kit and valve body mods
headlight motors - intermittent

When I turn on the headlights (flip ups) sometimes the motors will get power, and sometimes they wont.

They always have power to the headlamps themselves, but the harness that goes to the motors is the issue.

Is this a grounding problem? If so, where are the grounds for the headlight motors?
Old 06-05-2016, 10:47 PM
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: headlight motors - intermittent

Check your headlight control module. Either it may be going out or, as was happening on my car, the connector wasn't seated properly.
Old 06-06-2016, 02:49 PM
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Car: 1989 Firebird Formula
Engine: 5.7L 355 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4 with TCI rebuild kit and valve body mods
Re: headlight motors - intermittent

oh ok. where is that module located? on the firewall?

also, does that only effect the motors? not the lights themselves.

thanks
Old 06-06-2016, 03:14 PM
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Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: headlight motors - intermittent

Yes, on the firewall, on the driver side. Here's what it looks like.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1990-2002-Fi...tXK5x~&vxp=mtr

Says Guide on it...GM's lighting division.

And yes, it controls the motors, not the lamps themselves.

If you do a search, you will find threads here where members have found some broken solder connections on the inside. They have been successful at re-soldering them.
Old 06-08-2016, 07:04 PM
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Car: 1989 Firebird Formula
Engine: 5.7L 355 TPI
Transmission: 700 R4 with TCI rebuild kit and valve body mods
Re: headlight motors - intermittent

got it out. i opened it up and tried tapping the relay, but it didn't help.... do you think i should just order a new one anyway? right now only the passenger side motor is getting power when i check it with a test light.
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