Free GM pop up headlight fix

When I turned off the headlights on my car last night, I was greeted by the lovely sounds of grinding gears from the headlamp motor.

Berkley.

Time for a GRM fix. Its too cold and expensive to buy and install new parts.

This doesn't work on all models, but it fixed my 2000 Firebird. Works on Fieros too IIRC.

Raise headlamp manually

Remove actuator arm from shaft

manually spin motor untill shaft turns 180 degrees

put arm back on

manually turn motor untill lamp is down

cycle lamps to ensure proper operation.

There are 2 gears inside, 1 large plastic gear that the actuator arm hooks to, and a small worm gear on the motor. Over time the plastic gear wears out, but only on one side. It only moves 180 degrees to open/close the lights. This process spins the gear around and now you are using the unworn side!

C4 Corvettes and 3rd gen Firebirds require removing and taking the motors apart. They don't tend to wear out gears, but there are little plastic 'pucks' inside that degrade and crumble. They can be replaced with nylon rod for pennies and put back together.

Always allow pop-ups!

There was a guy down in Tampa who used to sell replacement gears machined out of brass. $75 for the pair but they would likely wear down the worm gear they meshed with. Sold the 97 Formula I had with those gears in the motors. I really miss that car

the easiest and best solution is to not get a car that goes into "fugly mode" when you turn the headlights on..

In reply to novaderrik:

Hey now! Every car I've ever owned has been in fugly mode!

You could do like the jdm "bros" and disconnect the wiring to the motors, manually raise the lights only "halfway" up, and look like a gangsta from circa 2003 with your mad tyte jeans hipster firebird.

Brilliant! And I love pop ups. Coolest part about my '88 Accord.

I love pop up lights

So do other people.