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3 wire headlight motors but 2 wire harness on 89 Bird

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Old Mar 7, 2026 | 12:47 PM
  #1  
Curvewrecker's Avatar
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From: Rock Falls drag strip, WI
3 wire headlight motors but 2 wire harness on 89 Bird

My 1989 Firebird has a two wire plug going to each headlight motor. The used headlights I found locally have a 3 wire plug, I think they are from a 85 TA.

I tried searching this forum but couldn't seem to find much more info. Does anyone know which years used which? Can I rewire this or do I need to find the correct lights?

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Old Mar 7, 2026 | 05:54 PM
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Firechicken82's Avatar
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From: CT
Car: 82 TA
Engine: Zz430 clone w a torquestorm blower
Transmission: Magnum f
Axle/Gears: Ford 9 w 4.11
Re: 3 wire headlight motors but 2 wire harness on 89 Bird

I think those motors are from an 84(?) either way. Your car uses a different headlight motor module than those motors are designed for. The good news is you can easily get newer style motors that will fit your car.
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Old Mar 7, 2026 | 05:59 PM
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Firechicken82's Avatar
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From: CT
Car: 82 TA
Engine: Zz430 clone w a torquestorm blower
Transmission: Magnum f
Axle/Gears: Ford 9 w 4.11
Re: 3 wire headlight motors but 2 wire harness on 89 Bird

I think those motors are from an 84(?) either way. Your car uses a different headlight motor module than those motors are designed for. The good news is you can easily get newer style motors that will fit your car.
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Old Mar 8, 2026 | 07:12 PM
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Curvewrecker's Avatar
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From: Rock Falls drag strip, WI
Re: 3 wire headlight motors but 2 wire harness on 89 Bird

I was lucky that I didn't throw away the old ones that came with my car. Despite being visibly damaged they still work! I used some Rustoleum Gloss white enamel on one headlight cover and was able to reuse one of the original white ones. Try to see if you can guess which one is which!
Switching motors was easy after removing the headlight assembly from the car. I have two working flip up headlights, and I even took the time to aim them properly. I photoshopped out my front plate.

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Old Mar 13, 2026 | 04:10 PM
  #5  
johnyromt's Avatar
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From: London, UK
Re: 3 wire headlight motors but 2 wire harness on 89 Bird

It seems like the 1989 Firebird used a simpler 2-wire setup, while earlier models like the 1985 TA had 3-wire headlight motors. Before attempting any rewiring, it’s helpful to study wiring diagrams and think through the connections carefully. Using the human mind to plan each step will give the most informational approach and prevent damage.
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Old Mar 13, 2026 | 06:17 PM
  #6  
Curvewrecker's Avatar
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From: Rock Falls drag strip, WI
Re: 3 wire headlight motors but 2 wire harness on 89 Bird

I was making it way too difficult. Forget rewiring. Swapping the motors is easy and fast. My OEM motors stopped working after a day, so I replaced them with some Amazon parts. The headlights are working great again and I am getting fast at removing and replacing the headlight assemblies.

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