Headlight wont go up manually
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore Maryland
Headlight wont go up manually
I am aware on how to replace the headlight motor and gears for the headlight, but my problem this time around is that the headlight won't go up manually to even replace it. How do I go about replacing it? I've tried pulling up on the headlight when I turn the **** and everything. Now its not even making the grinding noise so I'm assuming the gear is totally gone. Do I need to remove the front bumper? Thanks. -Chris
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Not to sound onry or anything but are you turning the **** in the correct direction? If it doesn't work either way, then your gear is certainly done as you've already guessed.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 367
Likes: 3
From: maple grove and North Port fl mn and now florida
I agree with above post re getting to it from below.
Have you previously fixed your gears and if so your problem is probably not the gear being wornout but that the glue holding the 2 pieces together has started to seperate allowing the gear and internals to bind. Take a close llok at the motor itself. It cud be a very slight crack but thats all it takes. It usually happens to the right gear as it does not mount against the assembly to give it xtra strenght. I used a long narrow screw driver to put a little pressure on the side of the gear and then pulled on the light as i turned the manual ****.. Hope this helps. there is a kit you can buy that has a T metal piece that mounts outsde the gear to assist the glued parts, it is part of a replacement single gear kit...
Have you previously fixed your gears and if so your problem is probably not the gear being wornout but that the glue holding the 2 pieces together has started to seperate allowing the gear and internals to bind. Take a close llok at the motor itself. It cud be a very slight crack but thats all it takes. It usually happens to the right gear as it does not mount against the assembly to give it xtra strenght. I used a long narrow screw driver to put a little pressure on the side of the gear and then pulled on the light as i turned the manual ****.. Hope this helps. there is a kit you can buy that has a T metal piece that mounts outsde the gear to assist the glued parts, it is part of a replacement single gear kit...
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore Maryland
I tried to get to the motor from underneath but no luck getting to the screws. Its the right headlight motor as you guessed. The gear has never been replaced in my new C5 so if the previous owner did, I have no idea. I feel like just sawing this thing out its driving me crazy!
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
I've been working on my headlight too:-( You can go from under the car to get to the headlight. the assembly has two bolts (1/2") on the frame and 3 nuts (10mm)to the back inner fender well. If you get those off you should be able to pull up the complete headlight assembly out.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
I tried to get to the motor from underneath but no luck getting to the screws. Its the right headlight motor as you guessed. The gear has never been replaced in my new C5 so if the previous owner did, I have no idea. I feel like just sawing this thing out its driving me crazy!
I've been working on my headlight too:-( You can go from under the car to get to the headlight. the assembly has two bolts (1/2") on the frame and 3 nuts (10mm)to the back inner fender well. If you get those off you should be able to pull up the complete headlight assembly out.
What do you mean no luck getting to the screws? There are ony 3 or 4 in that bottom panel The screws should take you 5min to get out I think they are 7mm for the access panel. Then jmichael has the rest correctly. I have done it a few times I get it from the top now but you can pull the whole thing off in 7 minutes.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 4
From: Warrenville Il
Just another question. Is the motor turning when you turn the lights on? Just want to be sure it's not a fuse, or something other than the motor and or gears. tackling from underneath doesn't sound fun but is probably the only aiternative. Good luck
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 4
From: Warrenville Il
What do you mean no luck getting to the screws? There are ony 3 or 4 in that bottom panel The screws should take you 5min to get out I think they are 7mm for the access panel. Then jmichael has the rest correctly. I have done it a few times I get it from the top now but you can pull the whole thing off in 7 minutes.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 4
From: Warrenville Il
