headlights

[phardin]

83 944
I had the headlight motor replaced, and the they work fine except they don't seem to fully open because they cast a beam only 10 feet in front of the car on the ground.
Could it be that the shop didn't do something right or do I just need to adjust the sealed beams?
Thanks, Paul

[pearldrum]

Turn the lights on to get the headlights up. (Then you may have to disconnect the battery, I'm not exactly sure if the motor will kick on again) but then turn the knob on the back of the motor to raise and lower the lights manually. If you turn the knob both ways the light should only go down. If it goes up anymore the motor is out of adjustment, if they will only move lower you just need to adjust the bulb.

[Brando]

Or you're part of the lazy-headlights club

[Cebu]

You must re-index the link on the splined headlight motor shaft. put the lights up remove the bolt that holds the link to the headlight motor shaft and slide the link off. Pull up on the headlight assembly and re-mount link on splined shaft. ( Disclaimer-be careful - not responsible for damage to headlight linkage assembly) Just my experience after replacing a complete front end assembly.

[phardin]

The adjustment knob on top of the headlight motor did lift the lights. However, one is "lazy". It sits a bit lower than the other one and it has some play in it. Could it be missing a part or does it need more adjustment?
Thanks for your help.
Paul
83-944

[SoCal Driver]

Each side has a hefty spring on it to force the assembly against an adjustable stop. Spring could be broken or the drive are bent. I would check that the piviots are not broken and are tight. Three bolts each IIRC.

[phardin]

I did turn the adjuster on top of the motor, but after the headlights are up and then are retracted, the headlights go back to the lower setting and I have to turn the knob again to get them to beam higher. They are not holding the setting.
What gives?
Thanks, Paul
83 944

[SoCal Driver]

There are electrical contact wipers under the round cover for the gear box on the motor. These could be crudded up. Have to remove the motor and take off the cover.

The large spur gear could have missing teeth. It's visable under the round cover.

[phardin]

Are you pretty darned sure it's the motor?
According to the shop that just charged me $250 to replace it, it's new, and it looks new. Hmmm...
Thanks for your help.
Paul
83 944

[SoCal Driver]

IF the headlight motor was properly replaced, the drive arm on the motor is in the correct location, the head lights should both elevate against the adjustable stops with the large springs compressed.

IF the head lights are not against the stops (as you imply) then either the motor is bad or the installation is bad.

IF you doubt the ability of the shop that replaced the motor then you have to figure this out yourself. Otherwise take the car back to them and have them fix what you paid them to fix.