"With one headlight..." Headlight trouble
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10
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From: Mesa, AZ (Flagstaff for school)
"With one headlight..." Headlight trouble
Hello,
I have had this little problem and it has just gotten worse over time so I thought it's about time to address the issue.
I have a '90 Formula 305 w/TBI. The car is in great shape but over the past month I have been having trouble with my driver's side headlight. When I flip the switch, the passenger side light pop's up perfectly, but the drivers side light kinda comes up, then it just sits there, halfway up. I usually get out and just pull it up and it is real loose. The other light I cannot budge either up or down. Other times, it won't come up at all.
Can anyone help me with this problem?
Thank you in advance,
Josh
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+++++++++++++++++++++++++
• '90 Firebird Formula | 305 with TBI
• Edelbrock Intake Manifold
• K&N Filter
• March Pulley's (Power & Amp)
• Alpine CDM-7861 Head Unit
• Pioneer Premier 6X9's
• Pioneer Premier 4X6's
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Groove Merchant?
I have had this little problem and it has just gotten worse over time so I thought it's about time to address the issue.
I have a '90 Formula 305 w/TBI. The car is in great shape but over the past month I have been having trouble with my driver's side headlight. When I flip the switch, the passenger side light pop's up perfectly, but the drivers side light kinda comes up, then it just sits there, halfway up. I usually get out and just pull it up and it is real loose. The other light I cannot budge either up or down. Other times, it won't come up at all.
Can anyone help me with this problem?
Thank you in advance,
Josh
------------------
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
• '90 Firebird Formula | 305 with TBI
• Edelbrock Intake Manifold
• K&N Filter
• March Pulley's (Power & Amp)
• Alpine CDM-7861 Head Unit
• Pioneer Premier 6X9's
• Pioneer Premier 4X6's
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Groove Merchant?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,655
Likes: 309
GM,
Linkage end switch adjustment. There are torque-actuated limit switches to sense the end of travel. If the linkages that control the assemble up/down are binding, the excessive torque required to move the headlight will "fool" the actuator into sensing the end of stroke, shutting it off at that position.
Sounds like it's time to clean/lube/adjust the motors and actuators. What are YOU doing Saturday?
Later,
Vader
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"Some Body...Someone"
Linkage end switch adjustment. There are torque-actuated limit switches to sense the end of travel. If the linkages that control the assemble up/down are binding, the excessive torque required to move the headlight will "fool" the actuator into sensing the end of stroke, shutting it off at that position.
Sounds like it's time to clean/lube/adjust the motors and actuators. What are YOU doing Saturday?
Later,
Vader
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"Some Body...Someone"
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10
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From: Mesa, AZ (Flagstaff for school)
Thanks a lot for the info Vadar. I'm glad I have an idea what the problem is, now I just need to find out HOW to fix it.
Maybe my Bible (Chiltons) can help.
Josh
Maybe my Bible (Chiltons) can help.
Josh
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Waco, TX
I had the same trouble on my 1988 firebird. But I have to disagree with vader, no matter how much I greased/lubed/oiled the motors it still would not work properly. I mean yeah it might be a quick fix but I found that in a week I would still have to jump out of the car to pull up the headlight--I even got pulled over two times for the stupid things, by the same cop no less. Anyway all this to say that it might be time to replace the actuator motors. I found some for 95 a piece (used but in good working order). But if you want new, they cost upwards of 125. No flame intended vader.
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88 Firebird 305 t.b.i.
FLowmaster American Thunder, K&N...more to come.
MESS WITH THE BEST, DIE LIKE A...FORD
------------------
88 Firebird 305 t.b.i.
FLowmaster American Thunder, K&N...more to come.
MESS WITH THE BEST, DIE LIKE A...FORD
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 13,414
Likes: 6
From: Central NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Firebird
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: 700R4
"There used to be" an advertisement in the back of car magazines, like Hot Rod and Car Craft, which listed a company that sold repair kits for the flip up headlights on Fieros and Firebirds.
Problem was (for me anyway) they said GM changed the internal design of the motors in 1987, and they only supplied repair kits for 87-up actuators (motors). This place might be what you want, if it's too late for Vader's idea. Sorry I don't know more about the company tho- maybe check the Fiero sites?
[edit] Oh- something came to mind as I clicked the Submit button. Were you in an accident or doing bodywork? I had a headlight mis-aligned when I put my car back together, and it went up a bit and stopped. I had to readjust the thing for clearance. If you do this, remember to check for clearance of the headlight (open, closed, and part-way) with the fender, plastic and steel bumpers, and the HOOD. Specifically the inner corner of the headlight cut-out in the hood.
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.v6fbody.com mailbags
[This message has been edited by TomP (edited July 27, 2000).]
Problem was (for me anyway) they said GM changed the internal design of the motors in 1987, and they only supplied repair kits for 87-up actuators (motors). This place might be what you want, if it's too late for Vader's idea. Sorry I don't know more about the company tho- maybe check the Fiero sites?
[edit] Oh- something came to mind as I clicked the Submit button. Were you in an accident or doing bodywork? I had a headlight mis-aligned when I put my car back together, and it went up a bit and stopped. I had to readjust the thing for clearance. If you do this, remember to check for clearance of the headlight (open, closed, and part-way) with the fender, plastic and steel bumpers, and the HOOD. Specifically the inner corner of the headlight cut-out in the hood.
-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.v6fbody.com mailbags
[This message has been edited by TomP (edited July 27, 2000).]
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 2,842
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From: Woodland Hills, CA USA
Car: Yes...
Engine: Last time I checked...
Transmission: See "Engine"...
I can tell you exactly what the problem is. The plastic gear in the actuator is worn out.
The good news is that only half the gear gets used, so only half of it is worn out. Remove the headlight motor from the car. Open the case where the ddive shaft sticks out. The gear is housed there. Clean out the plastic shavings and rotate the gear 180°. Put the case back together and put it back in the car.
Your headlight should work like new again. I've fixed both headlights on my GTA this way.
The good news is that only half the gear gets used, so only half of it is worn out. Remove the headlight motor from the car. Open the case where the ddive shaft sticks out. The gear is housed there. Clean out the plastic shavings and rotate the gear 180°. Put the case back together and put it back in the car.
Your headlight should work like new again. I've fixed both headlights on my GTA this way.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 10
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From: Mesa, AZ (Flagstaff for school)
Tom P - The car is in great condition and I really don't think it has been in an accident. I am not 100%, but I am fairly certain.
BretD - Thanks! Man, sounds like you know this process forward and backwards! I'll bust out the Chiltons this Saturday afternoon and try and get this problem taken care of. I'll let you all know how it went.
If anyone else has comments, don't be shy!
Josh
BretD - Thanks! Man, sounds like you know this process forward and backwards! I'll bust out the Chiltons this Saturday afternoon and try and get this problem taken care of. I'll let you all know how it went.
If anyone else has comments, don't be shy!
Josh
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