Paging c4c5specialist.....headlight actuator problem

[97moneypit]

After a lot of intermittant openings over the last couple of months the driver side actuator went out tonight. At least that's what I think it is.
I replaced my battery yesterday. Today I could not get the driver's side headlight door to open except once. The right side works fine.
So just a little while ago I try to manually open the door by turning the knob at the back of the assembly. It seemed to not work and started slipping like there were stripped gears inside.
So for grins I turned the light switch on and the door popped right open. I thought great...then I turned the lights off and now when it closes I get the loud gear stripping sound and notice that the knob is spinning. THen about 5 secs later it stops.

Is this something that only a dealers mechanic can fix. Is it possible that I could replace what's needed? And if I have to take it in to the dealer, what cost can I be expecting?

 

[DRTH VTR]

healight actuator

That same thing happened to me. I had to replace the acuator/motor. It was a little tricky, but can be done by the shadetree mechanic. Apparently this is a common repair.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
Drth is absolutely correct here.
All you need, is a 10mm socket, and a 10mm wrench. It is helpful to have another person there to hold the lamp up, while you change it out.
You dont need a lift, and it should take about a 1/2 hour.
If you need a diagram, let us know.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[97moneypit]

HI there,
Drth is absolutely correct here.
All you need, is a 10mm socket, and a 10mm wrench. It is helpful to have another person there to hold the lamp up, while you change it out.
You dont need a lift, and it should take about a 1/2 hour.
If you need a diagram, let us know.
Allthebest, c4c5

A diagram would be very helpful. I want to be sure I understand how this assembly works.

Thanks

 

[c4c5specialist]

Here you go, c4c5

 

[97moneypit]

Thanks c4c5. Looks like an easy job.