Ok, here's the situation, the left headlight on the T/A 'sometimes' doesn't want to go up. When it does stay down, if you pop the hood and turn the dial a little to move it up, the motor engages and it rises like it should. It lowers properly all the time. Is this a motor problem, a worn gear or what?

Also, what is different between the headlight motors of '82-'86, and '87 and up? I know there's a rebuild kit for Fiero and Firebird headlights, but it's for the '87's and up.

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1988 Firebird
60° T-Stat w/Switch
1986 Trans Am - Bright Yellow
Edelbrock Intake, Q-Jet
350cid
T-5
Accel Super Coil

 

I had the same problem on mine, the problem was the contacts (brushes) inside the motor. Theres a cover on the side with 3 bolts, and its in there. I replaced mine with one from a junkyard, and its still working to this day. Its relatively easy to take the cover off and check them out, so I would try that and see if they are worn out. Im not sure what the diff is on 87 up.

 

Max,

Those are the end limit switches. Poor contact can cause failure of the motor in either direction, and your solution will probably solve the problem.

I would add that you might want to take a peek at the gear while in there.

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Later,
Vader
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"Make Me Bad"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0

 

All I know about the difference is that 82-86 used three wires to connect the harness to the actuator (headlight motor); 87-up used two wires.

Past that, well, ya got me. If you find the 87-up lights in a junkyard, be sure to grab the "lights harness". That comes off the drivers' side firewall (part of a big connector there), and runs to all the front lights- parking, blinkers, headlights. Among the lights, you'll find three relays on it (uh, well, for 82-86 lights!) that control the flip-up function. I'd imagine all the wiring inside the driver's compartment is the same; it's probably just changed from the firewall forward. Know what I mean? You might not have to rewire your passenger compartment to adapt the 87-up lights.

Anyone got more info on this? I'm curious! It's rare I see an 87-up of anything in the junkyards near me, and when I do, I always forget to investigate that!

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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
---Think your car could be pic of the week? Visit http://www.f-body.net for details!

 

the brushes are not the limit points, they are two different things, max is confused,

the brushes contact the motor armature, thats how all electric motors are


the points are below the brushes area with motor standing upright