headlights grinding noise when down - fixed but now does it when up!
#1
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headlights grinding noise when down - fixed but now does it when up!
I applied Brent Franker's free fix, but something weird happens. It used to have the lights pop up and down when I locked, unlocked, etc. Now the lights don't come up unless I turn on the headlights. Additionally, the grinding sound happens when they go up! They work fine when going down now. Did I not tighten something up right? I noticed there is about an inch or so play in the headlights when they are in the up position when jiggle them. Also, the first few times after the fix for the driver side it seemed to work perfect. What am I doing wrong? Any help greatly appreciated!
#2
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You're not doing anything wrong. You're actuator(s) is(are) dying. That noise is telling you of their impending demise. The "fix" buys you time - maybe a week, maybe a year. Eventually, it/they will need replacing. Expect to pay $500 or so for each including book labor time and MSRP on OEM parts. Of course, it can be done for much less if you shop around and/or do the work yourself.
It sounds as though you actually have/had two problems. I've seen the headlights pop up like that a couple times. It usually involves a short in the multifunction or headlight switch. Try turning off/on your foglights and see if that affects it.
Good luck!
It sounds as though you actually have/had two problems. I've seen the headlights pop up like that a couple times. It usually involves a short in the multifunction or headlight switch. Try turning off/on your foglights and see if that affects it.
Good luck!
#4
I recently had the same problem. I found out that the gear inside your headlight motor is made of plastic. Your teeth on the gear is wearing out. I went to www.rodneydickman.com and ordered a new brass gear for $40. It comes with instructions and grease. that fixed my problem.
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I hope no one ever pays that much money for a headlight fix.. its soo easy.
Manually put the headlight up, or just put the headlights all the way on and turn them down to parking lights so they stay up.
Remove the plastic shroud, 3 philips head screws.
remove the 8 torx screws that hold the halogen bulbs onto the housing, and put the bulbs aside.
get a 10mm wrench, preferably 2. a racheting wrench works wonders here
remove the actuator arm from the actuator, 1 10 mm bolt. might have to pry it a bit due to rust/corrosion keeping it on there.
then remove the 3 bolts holding the actuator in. the one in the back is somewhat of a bitch to get but it can be done with patience.
somewhere along the lines you should unplug the motor from the cars wiring harness, obviously. thats it, just reverse the order to install the new actuator. It is a somewhat expensive piece, maybe 150 - 200?
Manually put the headlight up, or just put the headlights all the way on and turn them down to parking lights so they stay up.
Remove the plastic shroud, 3 philips head screws.
remove the 8 torx screws that hold the halogen bulbs onto the housing, and put the bulbs aside.
get a 10mm wrench, preferably 2. a racheting wrench works wonders here
remove the actuator arm from the actuator, 1 10 mm bolt. might have to pry it a bit due to rust/corrosion keeping it on there.
then remove the 3 bolts holding the actuator in. the one in the back is somewhat of a bitch to get but it can be done with patience.
somewhere along the lines you should unplug the motor from the cars wiring harness, obviously. thats it, just reverse the order to install the new actuator. It is a somewhat expensive piece, maybe 150 - 200?
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get the brass gear. just make sure you don't over tighten the two screws that hold up your headlights from the top. If you over tighten them, you'll wear out the motor. And if it's your motor then at least you'll have a brass gear at hand when the plastic one wears out and trust me... it will wear out again. Don't pay for this cause it's something that happens to all of us. It's better for you to learn then to pay every time this happens