Car: 1991 Firebird
Topic: Headlights
Ok, I need some help. Sometimes, I can be driving down the road and flip the switch and the headlights come up just fine. Other times, they come up part way and don't make it all the way up. They usually go down just fine but every now and then one of them will stay up. I tested it the other day while washing my car. I pressed the switch and they both came up all the way but after they were up the motor would still turn for a little over 5 seconds afterwards. It does the same thing going down. I'm thinking that the gears inside are worn down. Is this something that I can fix myself? Can I turn the gears somehow or buy replacements or do I have to get a new motor? If I can just change the gear, how much disassembling do I have to do to the headlight setup?

Ok, one last question. The only other problem I have is that when I press the switch just for the parking lights to come on the headlight motors activate and bring up the lights. They are not on, but the go up and down. I was informed by people on this board a while back that the motors shouldn't work, that only the parking lights should come on. If this is a problem, does it lie in the switch itself? Sorry for all the questions but my parents want to get this fixed before they leave for Florida.
Thanks.

 

About the Headlight problem:

I would put my money on that being busted uo gears in the motor. Now I wouldn't go dissassembling the motor, casue I heard that they are near imposible to fix. Just go to a boneyard (cheap solution) and pick up a set. Or order them from GM, I hear they are pretty damn expensive that way...

About PArking Lights:

I don't know for sure but I would guess the problem lies in teh switch itself... but then the lights should come on, not just go up. I dunno, you'll have toa sk somebody else about hat one.

-Max

 

hey there is another way to fix the head light motors, done it several times no problem...call me and i'll explain it to you and it wont cost you but three nuts and some silicone! 601-986-2619 after 4:30 pm

 

What time zone?? East coast right?

 

I'm in Miss. Central time.

I would type it here but it would be to long to type, better to tell you on the phone where i can explain it to you. Don

 

The erratic popup is definitely your headlight switch. It's fairly easy to replace and inexpensive to boot. I had the same problem.

I had the same run-on problem as well with one of my headlights, and went out and replaced the motor, even though it was still going up and down. The motor was about $170, but worth it to me. I would have hated to come out and find a dead battery.

------------------
Chris G
91 TA WS6

 

I took apart the motor today and I don't think the gears are really the problem. It looks as if it has too much play from the screw that turns it. I ordered a rebuild kit from Eckler's (corvette parts and accessories) for $5. I'm gonna see it that works. It has the bushings to tighten things up. If it doesn't work, I'll probably make that call, lol.

 

maksik7, good thing you didn't put money on it . Finally got everything fixed this morning. Works like a charm. Thanks for all the help.