Lights not coming up?!?

[99FirebirdSPL]

I got my new 99 bird in november, and I have had this problem twice now, and at the worst possible times. The headlights themselves do turn on, but the light fixture doesn't retract open. When I manually open them, they will close but not open again. After I flip the switch and turn the car off and on for like 10-20 minutes, they finally open. Anybody have any ideas as to why they wont open? I'm thinkin a few things: could be the motors going bad, could be from turning them on while driving, or maybe some kind of electrical short.
Also the driver's side light is loose and jiggles around on the highway, but I don't think these problems are related.
Anybody had either of these problems or have any advice/input?!?

[Scarano]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

I have had this dang problem since I got my car last year. Sometimes they go up with the switch, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they auto pop up at night, sometimes they don't. I find if you turn the switch all the way really fast, it might help. I have no idea what the problem is, although I haven't really investigated because of the intermittent nature of it all. I just haven't got around to taking the car to the dealer, which is what I think I'll have to do in the end. In your case, I don't think the driver's side light being loose and jiggling about has anything to do with it. I am speculating that it might be a problem with the switch itself. But that doesn't explain why the lights don't auto retract when it's night time. It's a bizarre problem, without better understanding how the parts come into play very difficult to pin point. I know there is also a headlight sensor in the picture as well. Let's keep this thread updated on how we make progress.

[bah]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

when did they start putting sensors on the non canadian cars? i know my 98 doesnt have auto, but i wish it did

[Dawizman]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

My lights will only come up with the e-brake on. I found a way around it though. If I turn the headlights all the way on, then turn them off and back on very quickly they will pop up every time.

[bah]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

oh wow, i feel stupid again, you ARE from canada, why do you canadians get the auto light sensors eh?

[99FirebirdSPL]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

I'll keep you guys posted as I learn more about the porblem.
On as side note I"M drunk as FIUCKKKKK
.....adn I had a lot of fun tonight on my buddys 2001 SS camaro he has fun peelin out sidewayss

[99FirebirdSPL]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

and also my's 97 maro had auto lights, buty my birdie dose not

[D_Fisher]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

Could just be your headlight motor gears wearing out.
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/headlightfix/

[flyfrito_SS]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

My 98 Camaro has auto lights, I think it might have been an option.....

[bah]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

My 98 Camaro has auto lights, I think it might have been an option.....

idk, in my 98 it says auto lights (olny for canadian vehicles). they may have put them in newer ones, but i wish i had them, i love them on my dad's truck and my mom's gp

[Scarano]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

Well, its funny... I have another Pontiac which is older and it has daytime running lamps (ie. no sensor). Why is it that the 97 Firebird has a sensor. Don't know.

[crushedout]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

was this problem both lights or just one. This is pretty close to what mine started out doing and it was just one. Did you get it fixed?

[CDNFB]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

I had a problem like that as well. Sometimes wouldn't go up, Sometimes wouldn't go down. Very anoying!

I found that the drive arm that is attached to the motor assembly output shaft was loose. The drive arm (when it rotates to put the highlight up or down) comes really close to the headlight motor mount fasteners. When the arm is loose like that it can contact the fasteners and won't rotate. All I had to do was to tighten the nut on the output shaft and that tightened up the drive arm. Headlights have worked great ever since.

DZ

[Rising_Phoenix]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

I just recently installed a brass gear instead of the plastic gear in my headlight motor and now everything works. I believe what your problem is in the motor itself and not the switch. I would first go with the motor and then go from there.

[crushedout]

Re: Lights not coming up?!?

I replaced my motor and it did not work. I then took my original motor and plugged it into the other side and it worked fine.