I have a 98 Formula, that is wrecked. The right headlight assembly is actually off the car (and has been since I got it) and I have found the headlights are ALWAYS on, whenever I start the motor. Just for grins, I plugged in the new right headlight assembly and found the bulbs light up, but the motor does not actuate. Is one of these wires cut? I see no damage to the harness, anyone know the schematic w/ colors for the headlights?
Thanks for your help.

David

ps- Oh ya, the switch is always in the off position...

 

I have since replaced a bad motor on the right front headlight, so now the headlights operate normally, with one exception... THEY ARE ALWAYS ON (when ever the key is in the run position) When I turn the car off, they drop down as they should... What might be causing something like this? Anyone had this happen before?

Thanks,
David

 

Not sure if the us versions have auto headlights but if so it could be the sensor under the dash air duct is in need of replacement. It is a photocell that completes the circuit when it sees light. If the photocell was damaged that could be the cause. Just pull it out and place a wire in place to jumper it then the headlight switch will operate the lights.

 

Do the US Firebirds have auto darkness sensing headlights? Before I go ripping into the dash, I'd like to know if anyone else's car has this option. I assume the sensor would be located in the defroster grill in the center of the dash? Thanks again for your help

David

 

not sure about firebirds
but my camaro does..
also, are you in a garage when you start up? If its out in the sun and you start it do the lights turn on?

You should have a photocell I would think but I dont know for sure.. someone with a FB will step in..

 

I even tried shining a flash light into what I think might have been the photo cell... right next to the little flashing alarm(factory) LED on the dash. Firebird people? Thanks again for your input.

David

 

If the US camaro has it I would assume the fb does as well. Not sure if a flashlight will work but you don't have to pull the dash apart. Just pry it up gently across the front from the driverside enough to pull thephotocell and jumper it. Do this in warm climate or you may crack he plastic dash.

 

I had a 95 Trans Am and the lights never came on unless I turned them on. My 2002 is the same way. Our DRLs are the same as the turn signals, just brighter unless the lights are manually turned on.

What confuses me is that the lights only come on when they key is in the run position. You can leave your lights on without the key at all, so I wouldn't think it is a wiring problem, or they be on until the battery is drained.

I know that when my 95 had a stripped motor gear, the headlights would pop up when the car was on as a signal that something was wrong. Does it make the grinding noise when you close them? If it does, go to bfranker's page and swap the gear around 180 degrees as instructed. A search for headlight gear or bfranker ought to find it.

Good luck,
Mike

 

Firebirds for sale in Canada have the sensor that turns on the headlights (and pops them up). Firebirds sold in the US have the sensor removed and shorted.

Either you have a Candian Firebird, or the sensor has become "un-shorted".

 

Well I no this is an old link, but here is the latest update... I pulled off the front part of the dash and found nothing but 2 wires running up to factory security LED. I even reached around below to see if I could find anything loose in some of the nearby holes, but no luck. Any other suggestions? I noticed one guy said his Camaro had auto headlights, as in comes on when it gets dark (Not Daytime Running Lamps)... anyone else? I'm very perplexed. Please post anything you know...

Thanks
David

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I have a 98 T/A, loaded with options, and no, there is no auto headlight. the only auto-lights you should have are your day time running lights.