I would like to regain the ability to put my lights down instead of looking like a limping TA all day

I read everything on the various tech sites and the fix looks pretty easy, I have taken apart the whole headlight assembly before to secure it because it was shaking at night at idle (I do not know why they need like 8 torx screws and three plates on there and bolts that are nearly impossible to get to but oh well ).

How long does it actually take to get the motor off, apart, and turn the gear around? For those that have done it are there any supplemental tips to add other than what is on the f-body tech websites (I always seem to find an easier technique or something small to make the job easier). Thanks for any tips, plan to get up early this Saturday or slack off at work and do it

 

You do not have to take the motor off. You do not have to take it apart. That is unless you are actually replacing the gear. There's a link in another thread to Brent's headlight fix.

 

http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/headlightfix/index.htm


If you look at the "Free headlight fix" towards the middle/bottom of that page it shows taking the motor out, opening it up, and turning the gear around to use the unworn teeth... this is what I was referring to in my post.

 

If you just want to do the free fix, you do not need to take the motor out. Just like moparman said.

And just like Brent says on the site right next to the picture:

It took me about 20 minutes, or so to do on my 99 Firebird. Not a biggie at all.

TS

 

yep, 20 minutes sounds like what it took me.....

 

OH SHIZZLE I need to read more sorry guys I could have sworn the motor had to come out and be taken apart but all I need to do is turn that shaft 180 degrees with the manual ****, re-attach, manually turn so it is even with the hood and let it adjust itself and DONE. Sounds like a 20 minute job so it would take me about 40 minutes

 

I did this today, now I have working flip up headlights after 2 years of driving around having people thinking how busted up my car is for having the flip ups always up

Took 30 minutes including 10-15 of waiting for liquid wrench to set in, the lower/raise arm for the headlight was super rusted to the shaft, had to pry at the bottom with a screwdriver and wiggle it about 100 times and it eventually came off. My passenger side motor however has a VERY loose shaft, about 1/4 inch play in and out. Works fine for now and does not make any noise or grinding when going up or down so I guess its ok. Thanks again guys, sorry to have bothered with such an easy job