Trans Am headlight issue

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 20, 2007 | 11:10 PM

=Tac=

Thread Starter

On The Tree

iTrader: (8)

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 138

Likes: 0

From: Asheville, NC

Trans Am headlight issue

This started about a week ago, i was leaving in the early morning and turned my parking lights on and noticed my headlights were up (but not on) when they shouldnt have been. Turned the light off and the driver side headlight motor was making a loud noise. Turns out once the light is down it continues to try and close is for about 5 seconds then quits. Also, when I lock or unlock to doors with the keyless the headlight go up and down. Wonder if the motor is on its way out and causing these problems, or if its something else.

Thanks.

Oct 21, 2007 | 10:03 AM

WhiteBird00

Ungrounded Moderator

iTrader: (4)

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 11,334

Likes: 347

From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)

A dealer would tell you that the headlight motors need to be replaced because GM doesn't sell repair parts. But really only the plastic gear inside the motor is damaged. In fact, only half of the gear is damaged. You can disassemble the motor and rotate the gear 180 degrees to use the undamaged side or you can buy brass replacement gears. More information is available in the Frequently Asked Questions sticky at the top of the forum.

Oct 21, 2007 | 10:47 AM

KEE AUDIO

Banned

iTrader: (65)

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 2,851

Likes: 2

From: Marietta, GA

Actually you don't have to dissassemble the motor just yet. Just remove the arm that connects the motor to the headlight assembly and then using a allen head screw driver rotate the gear 180 degrees manually by using the wheel on top of the motor...you'll have to remove the rubber cover over it. Make sure you pay attention to which way the gear was pointed so you rotate 180. You can tell because their is flat spots on the shaft you can use as a reference. Also, make sure the 4 tabs that are bent around the plastic gear housing are pushed against the metal gear motor tightly. This is the real reason the gears fail. The tabs get loose over time and it allows play between the plastic gear and the metal worm drive thus stripping the ends of the plastic gear.
For more info on the "free" fix and brass gears check out Brent Frankers web site. He even has a video on headlight motor replacement and sells brass gears. Keep in mind though the brass ones will only last if you make sure the housings are tight against each other. Otherwise the brass gears strip too. Try the 180 free fix first though!! Good luck!!