Headlamp problem 1992

[Red VelVette]

I know that there have been numderous posts on headlamp issues but I could not find anything that seem to be exactly what I have been experiencing.

The lights seem to work fine for 5 or 6 times and then one of them sticks. Usually driver's side stuck open but has happened to both sides at different times and has been stuck down a time or two. A quick manual adjustment and they both work fine again for another 5-6 operations.

Is there something that can be done and is there more frequent problems to come? This is a 37K mile 1992 that I bought a couple of months ago from the original owner. It was rarely driven at night as he was older and couldn't see wll at night so they may not have been used much in the last 5 years.

 

[vee93]

Check and make sure the headlight bezel doors are aligned in their wells properly. Check and make sure the screws aren't coming loose. Maybe a manual adjustment using the knob on the assembly can lift the door to a better position. Lift the hood, work your headlights and watch where the headlight door comes to rest. They should be flush and tight against the adjustment screw at the top of the opening. Look at the manual adjuster as you manipulate the headlights on and off. Does it stop when the headlight reaches position or does it keep spinning? If so, it's time for replacement parts or a new hdlt. motor. Hope this helps.

 

[partspup]

I went and used some silcone spray lube and everything worked them several times so far mine seem to be working ok, plan on taking apart this winter for a project.

 

[Red VelVette]

Thanks for the detail. I have been out all day and have not checked yet as you described. I have noticed that when one is stuck, (usually up), the manual adjustment knob is tight to one direction and when spun in the other direction it manually closes but I can still spin the knob after it is flush with the hood. Is this the indicator of need for repair of the motor that you were speaking of?

 

[Red VelVette]

Partspup,

Was yours doing something similar? How and where did you apply the silicone spray?

 

[stearnman]

Reviving this thread for a possible answer. I'm having a similar issue. One won't pop up...manual adjuster knob is tight. Once I loosen it some and then turn on the lights again, it finally pops up.

 

[stearnman]

Ok, I think I found the problem with mine. The motor unit is held together by 2 small bolts. One of those belts is sheared off. When the torque of the headlight motor is finish retracting the headlight it creates a little "lift" where that bolt would be. That is why it won't pop up a second time. Now I am struggling with how to get the sheared bolt out. More than likely I'll be drilling it outand rethreading with a new bolt.

 

[Red VelVette]

Thanks for the follow up. I am going to really go through mine this weekend and I will let you know if anything stands out. Mine will still work several times before sticking up/down. Let me know how you get along with yours.