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?

Check your headlight control module. Either it may be going out or, as was happening on my car, the connector wasn't seated properly.

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

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

thanks

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.

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.