'84 hHeadlight Gear Problem

[J37]

I searched, but didn'r find a thread on this problem. I replaced the large nylon gear in my headlight. Two weeks later, the thing is stripped again! I didn't see bushings or a limit switch. What causes the motor to stop? The thing just stripped out going down the road. I'm at a loss as to where to go now. I'm afraid that just replacing the gear again won't solve the underlying problem. Advice?
Thanks

 

[Magmotor]

The "Headlight Control Unit" controls the motors on the headlight doors. They are called 'stepper motors' and are controlled by electronic input from the solid state chips inside the 'control unit' You may have a defective 'control unit'. It also may be binding up someplace when going down. Hope this helps a little...

 

[Eagle85C4]

No I don't think so....

There there are 2 sets of contacts at the end of the armature.
The armature is spring loaded, when it turns one way and the headlight bottoms out it causes the armature to slide forwards or backwards in it's slot hitting the contact causing the relay to remove power, then it slides back into the middle or neutral position. Kinda like limit switches. If you ever take one completely apart you pay the devil trying to get the spring and associated hardware back in place. I ruined mine, actually smoked it....so bought a new one and left it alone.

 

[Magmotor]

Just going by what my '89 Service Manual says...not the same on an '84-85 guess....figured they might be the same but....guess not

 

[Ken]

A lot of headlight problems lately, eh? Headlights don't rotate is another one.

 

[oldace84]

Vette Mag. had a complete article on repair of the headlights, in depth.
Forgot which issue, couple of months ago.
Check it out. Very detailed.
tony