Hello

This what is going on with my 85 Corvette
the passenger motor works. I took the motor apart and cleaned it. Put it in the car set the headlight in position and plugged in the connector. The motor came on and flipped the headlight to the open position. Could this be the relay?

Thank you

 

I had the same type of issue. Some times I would even pick up what sounded like a radio station playing thru the headlight. I cleaned the ground wires and it's been fine since.
Not saying this is your problem, just something to look at before buying parts

 

I don't think I understand the problem. Are you saying the headlight door is open when it should be closed? If you turn on the headlights, does that door close? Does the other headlight work properly?

If the door is working backwards, did you remove the magnets from the motor housing when you had it apart? I'd guess they were put in backwards.

 

This is a great idea. Because when I first bought the car only one headlight went on. Now both headlights go on but the motors are not working. So checking the ground is free and makes sense.

thank you

 

Hot Rod Roy

I don't think I understand the problem. Are you saying the headlight door is open when it should be closed? One headlight did, up till a week ago, open and close properly.
If you turn on the headlights, does that door close? Does the other headlight work properly? The headlights go on but do not open. I tried to manually rotate the one headlight to get it in the open/up position. But, it kept closing. Like a little gremlin was working a secret switch somewhere. I removed the headlight and wiped down the armature. I did not remove the magnets. I reinstalled the motor. And plugged in the motor. the headlight rotated around. I tried to rotate, manually the headlight into the park position. But the gremlin kept activating the motor and rotating the light.

If the door is working backwards, did you remove the magnets from the motor housing when you had it apart? I'd guess they were put in backwards.

Thank you for trying to help me. I really do appreciate it

 

Yes, that "secret switch" is probably working correctly. When the headlights are OFF, the door should be closed. If you try to rotate the **** to open the door with the lights OFF, that "little gremlin" is smart enough to know the door is supposed to be closed when the headlight is OFF, so she closes the door on you! Did you try turning on the lights, then turning the ****?

Quote:

I removed the headlight and wiped down the armature. I did not remove the magnets. I reinstalled the motor. And plugged in the motor. The headlight rotated around. I tried to rotate, manually the headlight into the park position. But the gremlin kept activating the motor and rotating the light.

Were the headlights ON or OFF at that time?

When you had the motor apart, were you able to find the "limit switches"? They are near the commutator. They need to be clean. Be sure to lubricate the motor shaft bushings with a light weight white grease, like LubriPlate or CRC StaLube.

I still may not understand your problem.
When the lights are ON, what do the doors do?
When the lights are OFF, what do the doors do?
Have your headlights and doors ever worked right?

 

Oh so it is working correctly, darn it!
No I did not find the limit switch I did not remove the shaft. But now that you mention it. I will remove the shaft and give it another try.
When the lights are on the doors do nothing.
Lights are off the lights do nothing but I can hear one of the motors making a clicking, very faint, noise.
Yes, up until last week the passenger headlight was working correctly.

So if I remove the armature shaft. I will see the limit switch?

Thank you

 

If you have not removed the armature, don't do that!!! Your problem could be the relay, but I've been trying to learn more about your problem before I go there.

I'll ask again: Have your headlights ever worked right? I believe you said this car is a recent purchase.

 

Hot Rod Roy,

I want to thank you for your efforts. Last night I did remove and replace the armature. I cleaned the contact switches. No change either way. Frankly, I think the relay is a prime candidate. i bought the car 2 years ago as a project and it has been just that a PROJECT, OMG. I am on Guam and I am getting ready to be sent home to NJ, I am a federal employee. The shipping company is very particular about cars they accept for shipping. So I want the car as road ready as possible. Last night I called them and asked if the lights had to operate, flip for the car to be shipped. They said no. They need to go on and off. So I am gong to get new relays and if that don't do it. When I get to my garage I will get them to work or buy new motors, whatever.

To answer you question I bought it two years ago and one light flipped. And up until a couple of days ago it was working fine. Now it no longer flips. Like I said I need to get the idle straightened out and put some road test miles. As long as I can get it on a boat I am good to go.

I am so appreciative of your effort to help me.

thank you
Joe

 

Why??? If you don't like my direction, all I can do is wish you luck. I can't help you.

Contact switches? Are you talking about the commutator brushes, or the limit switches? I'm not sure I understand what you are saying.

If you have one light flipping, you can test the relays. This link might narrow down the issue.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-tech-performance/4406660-86-headlight.html#post1601571603

 

Roy,

This is great thank you
Let's take this one step at a time.
1. Raise your hood.
2. Turn on the headlights. The doors should open. Mine do not open
3. Twist the **** on the bottom of the motor. Caution: The door may rotate quickly! Keep your arm out of the way! The passenger headlight will go back to parked if I spin the ****
4. If the motor spins, the problem is dirty limit switches inside the motor. I cleaned the limit switch. a little sand paper and some contact cleaner. What else can I do?
5. If the motor does not spin, you may have a bad relay or worn motor brushes. We will check the relays.
6. Try exchanging the two bottom relays, which are under a cover in front of your LH wheel. Does this cause the other headlight motor to malfunction? The junk yard near me just got a 85 wreck. So I'm going to get the relays from it.

Thanks again
Joe