The 82' Firebird has 3 relays for the headlights to function properly.
2- Actuator relays, which connect to the wires from the headlight motors.
1- Isolation relay, which attaches to the front of the car. This allows power to be sent to the actuator relays (as i understand it)
My question is:
I purchased all 3 relays and even though the Isolation relay was $10 more, they all look the same. Even the plug pattern looks the same. Is there some internal difference? I realize the actuator relays only have 5 total wires and the Isolation relay has 6 wires to it but, the relays LOOK identical.
Please clarify for me.
Thanks, Randy

 

As you have noticed by the connections, the isolation relay has six wires while the actuator relays have only five wires. Here is a schematic that will show the internal differences between them. This schematic is out of a 1982 firebird GM service manual.

 

Thanks for the info. I put a new Isolation relay in and voila, the lights go up and down just fine now.
This was a real learning experience for me. I am not sure why they don't label them Isolation and Actuator on the actual relays. This certainly would avoid some of the confusion. They look outwardly identical!!
thanks, Randy