retractable light motor problems :(

my dad has a 1995 trans am that is in relatively good condition

cept wen the lights go down they seem to go all the way down and want to go more, so they make an ugly grinding/ buzzing sound

i am pro at wiring and computers thats why im asking inplace of my pops

this car means alot to him, he had a 1986 also (i think) and this new car is really important and id hate for the motors to crap out and having to pry the lids open permanently

thanks for the help

Sacha De Sousa

Sounds to me like one of your gears in the motor is stripped. Check out this auction http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7952537922&category=33710 , Always a good idea to replace them with brass gears anyway. Good luck

John

well i think that the gears are alright, i think its some kind of sensor problem because the lids go up with no problem at the same time and close swiftly at the same time, but they close completely and then start to grind

is there some kind of opened/closed sensor that detects if the lids are infact opened or closed?

it seems to me that the car doesnt think that they are closed all the way and tries to force them down further

well u guys are the pros im a noob so dont think im trying to prove ya wrong :)

The reason its grinding after its closed isn't because of a sensor that is off its because the gears on the down side are striped and instead of locking the motor up and shutting itself off like happens when the teeth meet the bottom position its not getting stopped cause the teeth aren't complete and the motor is overpowering whats left of them and causing a grinding sounds. Happens all the time.

John

If you position the headlights in the up position and pull the relays they will stay in the up position until you can get it fixed.

okay

you guys seem to be very knowledgeable in the subject so how easy

or possiable is it to replace the auto transmission with a 6speed manual?

i know wut ur gonna say, but he got it at a repo depot and was gonna switch it out but kept putting it off

also is there any easy preformance mods i can do with relatively cheap products?

its the 5.7L but doesnt have the power that im used to in other 5L cars... maybe i need a tuneup :( havnt gotten one in the longest time

thanks alot

its a lot of work switching a auto with a std.You almost have to have a complete parts car to start with. Part for part,the conversion will eat you alive,if your on any kind of budget.since the car is an auto,your looking at having to hang a clutch pedal inside the car,and much more

formula might know of some conversion kits or old threads you can look at i havent been on the forum long,im sure hes seen this thread before or one similar.Everybody knows the firebird headlight thread is here to stay

Not worth doing the conversion if you ask me. Tune your car up and if you are that into having a manual. Trade her in for one, just my :2cents:.

Here is a list of instructions for the third Gen though if you want a idea of what is involved. http://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/tech/manualswap.shtml

Listen!!! Before you spend a dime there is a FREE FIX for this!!!!!

Simply remove the cover of the motor. Inside you will notice that the large white gear inside is 360 degrees around. The motor only uses half of this gear. Simply disconnect the armature for the for the light assembly. Rotate the nub that the armature was connected to on t the motor 180 degrees and reassemble . No more grinding and it works flawlessly.

You can send me a check with all the money you just saved and Ill be able to replace my 96 Formula bumper cover.

Good luck.