Headlight motor problems??
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
Headlight motor problems?? HELP!
Last night when I returned home the drivers side headlight closed but the motor kept running. I finally disconnected the harness to stop it. I had to close it by hand. Does anyone have any ideas to the severity of this problem or what could cause it? New motor? Replace parts in motor? Switch and/or sensor that tells motor that light is closed? Any info would help!
Thanks
Dan
[Modified by cybersigh, 5:22 PM 5/23/2003]
[Modified by cybersigh, 5:22 PM 5/23/2003]
Thanks
Dan
[Modified by cybersigh, 5:22 PM 5/23/2003]
[Modified by cybersigh, 5:22 PM 5/23/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 3
From: Spring, TX
Re: Headlight motor problems?? HELP! (cybersigh)
The gears within the motor housing are nylon and fracture easily. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the motor or replace the headlights with a non pop up design. You need to fix this problem soon because it will get worse. It is possible for the assembly to jam completely and this dramaticaly increases the difficulty of the repair. I speak from experience on this one. Thankfully I have a wife with very petite hands.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 3
From: Spring, TX
Re: Headlight motor problems?? HELP! (gonbad)
One other thing. Be careful when you remove the headlight door cover. It is attached by screws that go through small tabs on the cover into the frame. It is very easy to brake off the tabs. If you do that you will be very very unhappy with yourself. Again, I speak from experience on this. :nono:
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster CA
Re: Headlight motor problems?? HELP! (cybersigh)
I replaced my drivers side not long ago. Afterwards I disassembled the gear box on the old one, just to have a look. I've read someplace that, "in the old days", you could remove the big gear, rotate it 180 degrees and put it back together. That would buy additional life out of the same motor. You could try that but, for the effort to get it in and out, you're probably better off to just replace.
:cheers:
[Modified by scool93535, 12:53 PM 5/23/2003]
:cheers:
[Modified by scool93535, 12:53 PM 5/23/2003]
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
Re: Headlight motor problems?? HELP! (gonbad)
I probably didn't clarify enough. I'm not sure it's gear related because the headlight will raise and lower fine. But when it's in the closed position the motor continues to run. When it's in the open position the motor stops like it's suppose to. ?? Any thoughts?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 0
From: I hate you and I dont even know you
Re: Headlight motor problems?? HELP! (cybersigh)
Mine did that, it would close and then the motor would keep running and make a loud grinding sound. Dealer replaced the motor under warranty.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
Re: Headlight motor problems?? HELP! (Al '92)
That's exactly what it's doing. I've been reluctant to contact the dealer. My car is no longer under warranty. Although I've heard that they will sometimes cover items (for Vette owners) even if the car is past the warranty period.
Thanks everyone for your input. This is a great forum for info!
Thanks everyone for your input. This is a great forum for info!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 733
Likes: 0
From: The inmates are running the asylum... San Jose, CA
Re: Headlight motor problems?? HELP! (Al '92)
Mine did that, it would close and then the motor would keep running and make a loud grinding sound. Dealer replaced the motor under warranty.
Reeves
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 3
From: Spring, TX
Re: Headlight motor problems?? HELP! (Reeves)
Oh it will still work for a bit. Eventually it will not. You have to replace the motor. If you can't get it covered buy a new one from Ken Fichtner Chevrolet (supporting dealer) his parts guy Bob is great and they sell parts cheaper than anyone else usually. Don't buy one used - just a waste.
