Headlight won't open sometimes (passenger side)

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Aug 20, 2011 | 06:48 AM

Jeff 97 Formula

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Headlight won't open sometimes (passenger side)

There are times when I turn on the headlight switch that only the driver side headlight goes up (the passenger side stays down). I then turn the lights off and try again, and after a few tries it finally decides to go up.

What should I be looking at to fix the issue? Thanks!

Aug 20, 2011 | 06:53 AM

Blackbirdws6

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From: Millstone Twp, NJ

If you do not hear any abnormal sounds once it does go up or down then you need a new headlight motor.

Aug 27, 2011 | 08:31 AM

Jeff 97 Formula

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackbirdws6

If you do not hear any abnormal sounds once it does go up or down then you need a new headlight motor.

Well, turns out I have fallen victim of the common headlight gear failure since I now hear a grinding noise from that headlight when I lower the lights.

I found 2 sources that sells metal gears (one place sells brass, the other sells aluminum). The one that sells brass gears also includes a reinforcement brace to keep the motor together so that it doesn't only rely on epoxy. It also includes grease, epoxy, and a new rubber bumper.

I would post the URL but am pretty sure this vendor is not a sponsor.

EDIT - the place that still sells brass also sells aluminum at a slightly lower price. Should I go with brass or aluminum?

Last edited by Jeff 97 Formula; Aug 27, 2011 at 08:38 AM.

Aug 27, 2011 | 10:55 AM

the impaler

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From: republic of texas

I used the brass one, works great. I'm not sure if it matters one way or the other.

Aug 27, 2011 | 09:48 PM

95greenmaro

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From: houston, tx

can u pm me who has the brass ones. i am replacing mine tomorrow with another plastic one for now. then i am going to replace both of them with the brass later on. tired of hearing the grinding everytime the lights move up and down

Aug 30, 2011 | 02:38 PM

zoomer02

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From: Katy, TX

You don't need to replace anything. You can do the free fix. Just disconnect the motor from the headlight. Then with the manual **** on th motor rotate the shaft 180 degrees and reconnect it to the headlight. The motor only uses one side of the gear. The other side is still functional. I have done this twice with my 1995 firebird and they are still going strong on the original motors.

Good Luck!

Art