I've had problems with my headlight popping up for about 6 months now. I've read that it could be the switch, relay or motors themselves. I've purchased new bushings for the motors, but haven't had a chance to install them yet. Just last week, I noticed when I started arming my aftermarket alarm, that my head lights were popping up (which it's only supposed to flash my parking lights). I pushed the parking lights on the headlight switch, and discovered it put up my headlights... which it hadn't done in the past. Regardless of whether my motors are bad or not, it appears that I'm also having a problem with either the switch or the relay. Anyone have a similiar problem? Tried a search, and didn't come up with much.

 

Ahh. Those two dreaded, seemingly oxymoronic phrases again - "Aftermarket alarm" and "Professional Installation".

There is a good chance that teh "professional installes" did a bit of a hack job on your wiring. It's completely understandable. They don't understand the lighting since it isn't a Jeep Cherokee or Hyundai Accent - the only vehicles you can't hurt by hacking the wire harnes.

I'd be checking their work, or disable the alarm to see if that cures the problem.

 

You know those "bushings" you bought and haven't installed yet? Install them. I have had many customers report that using my headlight repair kit (those bushings) solved the problem you describe. Not to say that your switch may also wind up being bad, I'm just letting you know what others have reported. Spend a couple of hours and repair the headlights then report back here.

Lon Salgren
Top-Down Solutions

 

I had forgot to mention, the installation took place over 2 years ago, and I'm just now having problems... so I don't think it's the installers who messed something up... unless for some reason some kinda connection wiggled loose, which it might have.

Hey lonsal, you got a PM... I misplaced my bushings! lol

 

Easily solved. I replied with two options for you.

Lon

 

I am an installer from way back. I can tell you that if the connections were not soldered and properly taped that over time they will work themselves loose and cause shorts. It is also possible to have a bad alarm brain causing a short over to the headlight circuit. Depending on the year of your bird you have either relays or one of two modules operating your headlight motors. Evidentally they are receiving a pulse to open the headlight doors when you arm your car. The pulse to flash the parking lights is somehow bleeding over to the circuit going to the headlight doors. I've actually had a headlight switch torn apart before and the traces are right next to each other. It is possible to have a worn switch to cause this problem as well. If it were mine, I'd start by inspecting the wiring from the alarm to the parking light circuit first to make sure there is no corrosion or poor connections. After that I'd try a new headlight switch or maybe one from a salvage yard. If the problem does not go away with a new switch you might be looking at a new headlight control module. If and only if it comes to this be sure and get the correct control module. There are two different ones and they look very similar. The only difference is the color codes on the wiring harness as GM made some changes to the circuits around 1990. Fortunately they did not change the switches so any switch from this era should work.
Hope this helps. Mike M.
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Oh yeah forgot to mention. If you need help with the bushings replacement I've done dozens of them. Just take your time and don't force anything. If the bushings on the elctrical motors come out don't freak. Some sewing thread will hold them in place until you put the motor back in. Then just cut the threads. Be sure and clean out ALL the old bushing material. It should be just crusty dust by now. I use white lithium grease but I suppose you could use any suitable grease. Good luck.
Mike M