I have a 98 Firebird that the right headlight doesn't go down. I have checked the voltage on both the left and the right headlight motor (on my car there is two wire's going to the motor, both with voltage on them), and they are the same left to right, yet the left one works fine. I read somewhere about a control module on the drivers front corner that had something to do with sensing when the motor was up??? anyone know anymore details on this? Any input would be appreciated!

David Sellars

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 

If your motor is working, it might be that the gears are gone. The plastic gears wear out sooner or later.

The motor only uses 50% of the gears and will make an awful sound when lowered, though, so that might not be your problem...

You might also see if lowering the headlight manually would help it get back in order.

Later!

TS

 

The headlight motors are designed poorly by GM. There is no sensor, up or down, only a metal arm that has a set starting and stopping point. Each time the light goes up or down a strain is put on the motor and then to the gear. When the metal arm has fully extended the motor stops. So if it tries to go down (the motor still functions) or makes a grinding noise you can flip the gear like 95GRNZ said. However in time the old brittle gear's otherside will proabably also strip. There are brass gears available now. If the motor is fried, you need a new motor, or Actuator like GM names them. They run 285.00 from GM. However if your in good with the parts guys they may spare you cand charge you less. I paid 180.00

 

This (rightside) headlight a used junkyard piece, as my car was wrecked when I bought it. Since I've owned the car, the headlights have ALWAYS come on whenever the engine is running, regardless of the position of the headlight switch. (And where not talking daytime running lamps here) I always assumed they came on because the right headlight assembly was completely gone... so after completing the repairs to the car, and installing this used headlight assembly, the problem never went away? The healight motor doesn't even make a noise, so I'm not sure whether this is a control module issue, or a headlight motor problem. Any other thoughts?

 

i have my $$$ on bad motor......

 

Are you just now trying to repair it or was it working then quit?

If you're just fixing it, you probably have a pinched/cut wire somewhere or a bad motor. The problem is, you may have more than one problem and will need to verify functionality of each part and go down the line till you find what is wrong. Test the voltage on the good light while someone raises and lowers it to see exactly what happens. Make sure it's the same on the other side.

Try putting 12 volts directly to the motor to see if it spins.

If it was working and now isn't, you either have a bad motor, gear or a bad electrical connection. But most likely just one component that has failed.

Most of this is just logical but I know how it is when you look at something too long and get frustrated. Step back and try to rethink everything. I'm sure you'll get it. Good luck.