problem with headlights

[Go4broke]

Well I am a little pissed off right now yesterday out of the blue my driver side headlight started to make a growning sound as I turn off the lights plus on top of that when I set my alarm the lights pop up and then go back down which they never did prior to the noise. is there away to stop the lights from coming up when I set the alarm and how much a new motor? I have only had the car for 3 weeks and the dealership only covers 10% of the cost. I also have a warrenty with a $100 deductable.

[Takumi Fujiwara]

lol, I dont know about it coming back up with the alarm. But It is a commin problem to have a growing headlight. =) I could be a dork and say do a search but Im bored. The headlight motor works on a sprocket that lifts the headlight. Since ur new to the car and new to the community this is a GREAt opportunity to get more familiar with the car. The gear I spoke of only rotates 180ºs so ½ of the sproket is untouched and the teeth on the used side are so worn out and unlubed that ur headlight motor stop is reached and it popps back because it doesnt realize the headlight is fully down and keeps trying to lower it for a set time.

Now Im gonna say ur gonna have to do a search for Headlight fix because I cant find the website that lists the walkthrough for taking out the headlight but u dont need it. Simply pop the hood and get a screwdriver out and I think u need a wrench so be ready to get one ( or a socket set ) . Just take a good look at the headlight and figure out how to get that thing outta there. the black barrel looking thing is the headlight motor. Get that off and open it up. Inside is the sproket. U'll see just by looking at it. ( He wasnt joking, that thing is worn out) rotate it and put the headlight back together. Took me like 25 mins to do when I had no clue what the hell I was doing. U can do it. I think the dealer wanted like 150-200 bucks or something to "replace the motor" Which they have been known to do what I just told u.

If u search u might find the website that has the metal sprocket which will never wear, but will wear on the motor due to weight. Good luck. U wont need it just be patient and do it urself.

Edit: the best part is thats its free and is good experience. U'll eventuall have to do it for the other side. I did my driver side about 7 months ago and still havent had to do the passenger.
=) [img]graemlins/burnout.gif[/img]

[ June 16, 2003: Message edited by: Takumi Fujiwara ]</p>

[AllTheGoodNamesAreGone]

return it and buy a camaro! problem solved..

kidding.. get the gear kit.. i hear its great..

~Billy

[FirebirdGT]

http://tech.firebirdv6.com/

page down to:

TSB / Repair / Installation

then:

Headlight fix.

[Go4broke]

my last car was a 98 v6 camaro should have up graded to a Z28 or SS instead of the TA lol.

[Everglades W68]

http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/headlightfix/

This tells you all about how to fix the headlight problem. Essentially, the issue is the gears are nylon based. This person sells a brass gear to replace the nylon gear that is destined to fail.

As far as the strange alarm issue, my car had something similar happen, but it disappeared when the dealer replaced the headlight motor/gears.

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Everglades W68:
This person sells a brass gear to replace the nylon gear that is destined to fail.<hr></blockquote>

Bad idea, I would not use one on my car.

[Everglades W68]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by FirebirdGT:


Bad idea, I would not use one on my car.<hr></blockquote>

Why?

[Everglades W68]

FirebirdGT, I'm curious, why did you say that???

[FirebirdGT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Everglades W68:
FirebirdGT, I'm curious, why did you say that???<hr></blockquote>

Why did the nylon gear "strip"? What is going to happen when it can't "strip"?