Is this my headlight motor going out?
09-17-2008, 09:16 PM
#1
Instructor
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Location: Durant Oklahoma
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Is this my headlight motor going out?
Funny thing started happening today. I turned the headlight **** up just one click, where it would turn the dash lights on but not pop up the headlights. The headlights poped up but they didn't come on. When I turned the **** another fully on the headlights came on. When I turned them off the headlight assembly went down but it made a noise for about 5 seconds afterward, like the motor was still running and trying to put them down, but they were already down. They go up and down just fine but do this weird thing every time.
09-17-2008, 09:31 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Apr 2007
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Sounds like the plastic gear in the motor is missing some teeth.
Here is one place to get the gear, I am sure there are plenty of other vendors here that sell them
.
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...1&dept_id=1154
.
Here is one place to get the gear, I am sure there are plenty of other vendors here that sell them
.
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...1&dept_id=1154
.
Last edited by lil vette; 09-17-2008 at 09:33 PM.
09-17-2008, 09:42 PM
#3
Night Owl for life
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yes you need a gear replacement.
09-17-2008, 11:19 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
Go to C5 Tech Forum sticky there are 2 great write-ups in the DIY thread. I used the second DIY it has excellent pictures.
I ordered Gears from Brent Franker CNC milled hardened aluminum and relaced them this weekend, worked smooth as butter.
I ordered Gears from Brent Franker CNC milled hardened aluminum and relaced them this weekend, worked smooth as butter.
09-17-2008, 11:32 PM
#7
Le Mans Master
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I just did this on my car on the drivers side yesterday.
The symptoms were identical to yours, my car is a 2001 with 44k miles.
Luckily it is really easy, I would not go with a brass gear kit unless you are going to have your car for 100 years there is no need. Whatever the mileage is at right now you'll probably get that again with another replacement plastic gear. I got on ebay for 10-15 shipped. The job requires you to first take off the headlight cover 4 star bolts, then the black plastic headlamp surround 3 phillips screws, now you can reach your hand into the front bumper there are 3 nuts that need to be removed facing you as you look at the light from the front bumper, lastly 2-3 bolts )depends on year of car) on the inside of the frame (on left side for drivers side and right for passenger side). Now you can undo the main connector and the headlight assembly will pop right out. Now you can remove the motor, unplug the 2 connectors from the bulbs, 3 bolts and one nut. Very carefully pry open the housing. Replace the gear, put some lube on it and close it back up using some rtv for a good seal if you dont have a gasket. If you break the housing youll have to use epoxy or jb weld to seal and hold it. that's it, now put it all back. Should take a couple hours first time. sure is good not to hear that horrible sound any longer!
The symptoms were identical to yours, my car is a 2001 with 44k miles.
Luckily it is really easy, I would not go with a brass gear kit unless you are going to have your car for 100 years there is no need. Whatever the mileage is at right now you'll probably get that again with another replacement plastic gear. I got on ebay for 10-15 shipped. The job requires you to first take off the headlight cover 4 star bolts, then the black plastic headlamp surround 3 phillips screws, now you can reach your hand into the front bumper there are 3 nuts that need to be removed facing you as you look at the light from the front bumper, lastly 2-3 bolts )depends on year of car) on the inside of the frame (on left side for drivers side and right for passenger side). Now you can undo the main connector and the headlight assembly will pop right out. Now you can remove the motor, unplug the 2 connectors from the bulbs, 3 bolts and one nut. Very carefully pry open the housing. Replace the gear, put some lube on it and close it back up using some rtv for a good seal if you dont have a gasket. If you break the housing youll have to use epoxy or jb weld to seal and hold it. that's it, now put it all back. Should take a couple hours first time. sure is good not to hear that horrible sound any longer!
