Headlight won't open
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Headlight won't open
On my 86 coupe, passenger side headlight would not pop up when I purchased the car from GM dealer in 2013. They replaced the motor. Now after approx 3 years , one day driver side won't open (light bulb lights up though). Is it a bad motor or something simple, how do I figure this out ?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I don't mind driving with headlights not popping out, as I drive during the day mainly, but when I turned the headlight on over the weekend,the drive side moved half way and is stuck in that position, doesn't look good to drive like that :-(
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,427
Likes: 604
From: Minneapolis Mn
There is a set of gears in there that could go bad. Especially if it turns part way but doesn't complete the rotation. Does the motor carry on after it quits turning or not? There is a **** IIRC on it that allows you to 'turn' the headlight assembly further, might be worth a test to see if it will turn further, might just be an adjustment.
This is all based on whether it ever worked or not. If it worked correctly at one time, I'd guess either the gears or the limiter is out of adjustment somehow.
This is all based on whether it ever worked or not. If it worked correctly at one time, I'd guess either the gears or the limiter is out of adjustment somehow.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
The '84-'87 headlight motors have limit switches inside the motors which can get dirty. This will cause the problems you are seeing. It's not too hard to open up the motors to clean the contacts of these limit switches. While the motor is open, apply some light weight white grease to the bearings of the motor armature.
These limit switches are actuated when the armature shifts up or down in its bearings when the worm gear pushes against the mating pinion gear when the headlight door hits its stops.
There are several posts about doing this repair, and should be available with an advanced "search".
The '88-'94 headlight motors are entirely different.
These limit switches are actuated when the armature shifts up or down in its bearings when the worm gear pushes against the mating pinion gear when the headlight door hits its stops.
There are several posts about doing this repair, and should be available with an advanced "search".
The '88-'94 headlight motors are entirely different.
Stellabarbara
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 99
Likes: 11
From: Washington Michigan
2015 C4 of Year Finalist
1990 headlights won't open completely
I have looked in the forum for the same issue and don't see one that can help, so here goes.
My 1990 headlights will not open completely. They are winking at the ground. I can hand open them, but then they start winking at the ground again. I hear both motors working when I turn the lights on and off.. Don't know why? Help
My 1990 headlights will not open completely. They are winking at the ground. I can hand open them, but then they start winking at the ground again. I hear both motors working when I turn the lights on and off.. Don't know why? Help
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 83
From: Minnesota
Stellabarbara, If your 90 is the same as my 88, It has plastic gears inside the motors that have teeth missing. MidAmerica, Ecklers and I'm sure others have brass replacement kits that are pretty easy to install. I did mine probably 15 years ago and they still work great.
David
David
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I manually spun the ****, it takes forever, but worked and now the headlights are closed. I am able to drive it w/o looking odd. I will eventually get the left motor replaced, as there is no sign of life in this. Thanks for the guidance.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 550
From: Mission Viejo CA
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I have looked in the forum for the same issue and don't see one that can help, so here goes.
My 1990 headlights will not open completely. They are winking at the ground. I can hand open them, but then they start winking at the ground again. I hear both motors working when I turn the lights on and off.. Don't know why? Help
My 1990 headlights will not open completely. They are winking at the ground. I can hand open them, but then they start winking at the ground again. I hear both motors working when I turn the lights on and off.. Don't know why? Help
The Rod could have typed less and helped more. Do not use metal gears.
Last edited by antfarmer2; Sep 7, 2016 at 04:43 PM.