Headlight motor
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 243
Headlight motor
Hi everyone,
I'm having an issue with the drivers side headlight. The lights opens and closes but after closing the motor continues to run for several seconds and the light assembly judders in place accompanied by a loud thumping. What's even more odd, if I only turn on the park light so that headlight neither pop up or illuminate, when I turn them off the headlight motor runs on the drivers side only even though the assembly is closed and it makes the noise/judder.
Any ideas? It seems almost as if there is a limit switch out of adjustment that is allowing the motor to run beyond when the light is closed. At the same time, I can't explain why it tries to close the light even when it was never opened in the first place.
I'm having an issue with the drivers side headlight. The lights opens and closes but after closing the motor continues to run for several seconds and the light assembly judders in place accompanied by a loud thumping. What's even more odd, if I only turn on the park light so that headlight neither pop up or illuminate, when I turn them off the headlight motor runs on the drivers side only even though the assembly is closed and it makes the noise/judder.
Any ideas? It seems almost as if there is a limit switch out of adjustment that is allowing the motor to run beyond when the light is closed. At the same time, I can't explain why it tries to close the light even when it was never opened in the first place.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 781
Likes: 73
So far, knock on wood, I have no experience with my Corvette's lights.
I do however have lots of experience with my son's 2001 Trans Am's pop up headlights.
What you describe is similar to what happens to his car the lights will close but the motor keeps running. Turn them back on and only one pops up.
I'm sure GM uses a similar design across the board. In their infinite wisdom, instead of using metal gears in the headlight motors they used nylon gears.
The gears wear and eventually fail. Sounds like it's time for a headlight motor.
I do however have lots of experience with my son's 2001 Trans Am's pop up headlights.
What you describe is similar to what happens to his car the lights will close but the motor keeps running. Turn them back on and only one pops up.
I'm sure GM uses a similar design across the board. In their infinite wisdom, instead of using metal gears in the headlight motors they used nylon gears.
The gears wear and eventually fail. Sounds like it's time for a headlight motor.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 15,926
Likes: 579
What year if it is a newer one it is 6 bucks worth of pucks. Many threads on this and a video on youtube for the fix.
It is doing what most will do at some point easy cheap fix. I bought the gears with the pucks off ebay just needed the pucks like most. If you can find it get the gasket.
It is doing what most will do at some point easy cheap fix. I bought the gears with the pucks off ebay just needed the pucks like most. If you can find it get the gasket.
Last edited by antfarmer2; May 2, 2016 at 07:08 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 243
Antfarmer, it's a 94. It's done it only twice, the original time that made me go WTF was that and a second time when I was pressing buttons and turning ***** trying to find the culprit.
The electric part of the motor seems just fine so I'd prefer to repair over replace the whole unit. I'll try to find some YouTube videos this evening. Thanks for the headsup.
The electric part of the motor seems just fine so I'd prefer to repair over replace the whole unit. I'll try to find some YouTube videos this evening. Thanks for the headsup.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 113
Likes: 17
From: Fayetteville GA
As mentioned, it's a "normal failure." Mine did exactly the same thing. Inside a plastic gear are three little plastic pucks which disintegrate. $6 and an hour's work, and everything is back to normal.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 15,926
Likes: 579
Antfarmer, it's a 94. It's done it only twice, the original time that made me go WTF was that and a second time when I was pressing buttons and turning ***** trying to find the culprit.
The electric part of the motor seems just fine so I'd prefer to repair over replace the whole unit. I'll try to find some YouTube videos this evening. Thanks for the headsup.
The electric part of the motor seems just fine so I'd prefer to repair over replace the whole unit. I'll try to find some YouTube videos this evening. Thanks for the headsup.
The pucks or bushings can be bought at some local parts stores in the help section too they are used in some window regulators too. Do both sides it will not be far behind.
Last edited by antfarmer2; May 2, 2016 at 09:28 AM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 243
I ordered two sets of pins on the thought that I would preemptively replace the passenger side. In the video he has the more comprehensive kit, but it seems in my case that the pins are the likely culprit.
The pin kit doesn't come with grease which is the one downside. Does anyone know what type of grease is used and friendly on the plastic? Would be nice to freshen that up while in there.
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 150
Likes: 24
From: Alabama
Has anyone replaced the pucks without removing the entire headlight assembly?
Looks like it might be possible to drive out the pin then remove the gear cover assembly while the motor is still in place.
Looks like it might be possible to drive out the pin then remove the gear cover assembly while the motor is still in place.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 113
Likes: 17
From: Fayetteville GA
It does look that way. I seem to recall reading that while it can be done, it's actually easier to remove the assembly from the car to do it.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 15,926
Likes: 579