Replaced the Headlight Motor Drive
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,683
Likes: 144
From: Memphis Tennessee
Replaced the Headlight Motor Drive
'03 Anniversary Edition with just over 40K on the clock. A few months ago, as I drove into the garage, I shut the lights off only to hear the driver's side light motor still running. Didn't panic, but knew I need to disconnect the power to the motor and begin my plan for replacement.
I happened to find a DEAL on motor/actuator for both sides, (yes they are different...mirrored) but with the colder weather and procrastination I am just getting around to it.
Searched for every install vid I could find, and my take-away was that the procedure depicted was very different on each video. I gleaned what I thought to be the best from each and set out on my repair.
Synopsis:
Take you time in preparation. Not many tools necessary, but some tedious work is imminent. At all cost, eliminate dropping nuts, bolts and tools. When they fall you may find yourself removing additional things to right your wrong. Removing the "hinge-point" first is the best practice. It allows you to drop the bucket down and forward exposing bulb wiring and the actuator bar for disassembly. Carefully inspect the bump-stops for the actuator bar for damage, and if there is some, use the identical stops located on the back to the top bracket. Luckily, I did not need this suggestion. Take careful note on how the actuator bar is angled PRIOR to disassembly because "if" you re-install it incorrectly, it will not work. DON'T EVEN ASK HOW I KNOW THIS.
My back hurts from leaning over and my forearm looks like I did dental work on a shark, but she is now blinking her eyes correctly again. Not a terrible repair (like putting rings around your gauges) but one that patience is paramount. Quality Torx 15 and 20 will pay dividends as sometimes the attack-angle is not straight on, so purchase to the screw is challenged.
Lastly, take a few moments and clean out beneath the headlight buckets while you are in there. You will be amazed at the crud that finds its way into those cavities. Twenty-two years on the OE lift, hoping for even longer on the repair.
Take you time, enjoy the treasure hunt and feel the satisfaction of a job "well done."
I happened to find a DEAL on motor/actuator for both sides, (yes they are different...mirrored) but with the colder weather and procrastination I am just getting around to it.
Searched for every install vid I could find, and my take-away was that the procedure depicted was very different on each video. I gleaned what I thought to be the best from each and set out on my repair.
Synopsis:
Take you time in preparation. Not many tools necessary, but some tedious work is imminent. At all cost, eliminate dropping nuts, bolts and tools. When they fall you may find yourself removing additional things to right your wrong. Removing the "hinge-point" first is the best practice. It allows you to drop the bucket down and forward exposing bulb wiring and the actuator bar for disassembly. Carefully inspect the bump-stops for the actuator bar for damage, and if there is some, use the identical stops located on the back to the top bracket. Luckily, I did not need this suggestion. Take careful note on how the actuator bar is angled PRIOR to disassembly because "if" you re-install it incorrectly, it will not work. DON'T EVEN ASK HOW I KNOW THIS.
My back hurts from leaning over and my forearm looks like I did dental work on a shark, but she is now blinking her eyes correctly again. Not a terrible repair (like putting rings around your gauges) but one that patience is paramount. Quality Torx 15 and 20 will pay dividends as sometimes the attack-angle is not straight on, so purchase to the screw is challenged.
Lastly, take a few moments and clean out beneath the headlight buckets while you are in there. You will be amazed at the crud that finds its way into those cavities. Twenty-two years on the OE lift, hoping for even longer on the repair.
Take you time, enjoy the treasure hunt and feel the satisfaction of a job "well done."
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,390
Likes: 24,795
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Moved to C5 Tech.
