So yesterday I encountered the first issue I've had with the infamous troublesome popup headlights. My left headlight motor is acting up and not getting the headlight up all the way.
It stops just before popping up all the way and ALSO stops before putting it down all the way. It doesn't rest anymore! The motor continues to try to finish the job either way and keeps running. The good news is that if I help it along and rotate the left headlight on by hand, the motor stops. Looks like I'm driving with the headlights on for a while.

Anyway, I know these motors can go bad (and mine is stock) so I went ahead and took the left motor off to inspect what was going on.

I got these pics of the inside of the motor, anyone got any opinion on the condition of the gears/motor? It seems that the motor runs well, but is being caught up or seized. From what I can tell from other videos of these motors on youtube, the amount of grease and dark fluid that is inside mine is not natural? YOU BE THE JUDGE





I also took a video of what sort of happens when the motor is off the headlight
The motor eventually seizes when both halves are together. Foolishly, I didn't get a vid of my malfunction properly, but it's pretty simple:


When I'm turning it off, it gets stuck like this

When I'm turning it on, it gets stuck like this

I would appreciate any insight. I feel it's most likely the gears, but I wanted other opinions. I know other people have dealt with these before. If it is the gears, any sources on where to by a kit for my year? I was looking and it seems that most kits are for 88-96.

Thanks guys

 

there are certainly others more knowledgeable than myself - but I would clean it up and replace the gears, grease and try it - honestly i had the same one fail a couple of times i have since upgraded the system - little dent in the savings account but I am happy - there will be others to add about the type of gears some like the brass some say to stay with the nylon (you can search to see the array of opinions) - it sounds like the motor is doing its thing - somewhere cogs are missing the connection - mine would show wear marks on the middle which is hard to see while installed - maybe something to look at -