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1986 Never had any headlight problems before. When I closed the hood today, passenger headlight motor began running (loud "buzzing" type noise - the motor was definately running). I had to disconnect harness to the headlight motor. Only occurs with the the headlights closed and the switch in the "off" position. They open / close normally otherwise. Any help out there?
The 86 doesn't have the bushings that everyone talks about. The plastic gear that is driven by the worm gear on the headlight motor is worn in the spot where it stops. It jumps over just before the limit switch cuts the power. You will need to replace the large gear. I would recommend changing both plastic gears while you have it apart. You can get by for a while if you just remove the large gear and rotate it a half turn so it stops on a different spot when the headlight are closed. Of course, That means you will have to do the job twice. But you will be able to change it must faster the second time.
OK. The headlight assembly is out. I'm looking for some detailed instructions for disassembly to get to the gears. I've pulled up a couple of tech tips for this but they both appear to be for the 88 and up which I believe is different (the steps don't seem to match what I'm looking at). Is everything I need to know in the service manual?
Got the headlight motor apart. No big deal - much easier than for the 88 & up I think. The big gear is worn, just like RWD said. I'll replace & hopefully no more problems.