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Headlight motor problem again

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Old Jul 22, 2012 | 07:58 PM
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Default Headlight motor problem again

When I turn on the lights on my 2000 trans am the driversid light goes up the just falls back down. I'm trying to figure out why this is happening. I noticed that there is a plastic stop missing that stops the arm that's connected to the motor. Or is it something else.

Thanks
Roman
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 05:17 AM
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Is the actuating arm hitting the metal stop that the plastic went on? How long has it been since you last worked on the motor?
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 11:13 AM
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This is a different trans am. I never did anything to this motor (have only owned it for 2 years). The arm misses the metal tab. It seems loose. I tightened all the bolts but still loose.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 11:30 AM
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The arm is keyed to the square edges of the motor shaft. You'll have to wiggle it a bit before it will slide down on the shaft securely. Sometimes, just tightening the bolt won't be enough to get it pressed on the shaft if its not lined up correctly.

Once its on the shaft and pressed down, it should be fine.

You might also check the angle of the stop tab and make sure it matches the other side of the car. I had the same thing happen to me and once the arm started going by the tab, it had leverage on the very end and bent it a little.

Here's a good tip for replacing the plastic bumpers that you are missing: https://ls1tech.com/forums/general-m...r-bumpers.html
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 02:42 PM
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Thank you very much. I'll be making a new stopper and checking alignment over the weekend.
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Old Aug 1, 2012 | 07:25 AM
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Back yard mechanic way I fixed the arm from missing the metal stop tab. Took an three prong to two prong cord converter (for electrical cords that have the ground but the house autlet that has no hole for ground). Ripped out the metal prongs. Slight trim with utility knife. The larger hole is perfect snug fit. Costs 0.50 cents.
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Old May 25, 2016 | 11:29 AM
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Sorry to bring this up from the dead but I'm missing the stop on my 97TA. I think and have to go verify tonight, that the stop is molded plastic on the 93-97 headlights. Anyone confirm?
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