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Firebird headlight motors? by p8ntman442
Started on: 04-30-2004 02:48 PM
Replies: 12
Last post by: bnmoats on 05-01-2004 11:27 PM
p8ntman442
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Report this Post04-30-2004 02:48 PM Click Here to See the Profile for p8ntman442Click Here to visit p8ntman442's HomePageSend a Private Message to p8ntman442Direct Link to This Post
I got a set for free and they will turn in both directions but they never stop turning, anyone ever get them to work right. they appear to be the same motor as the 86 se's but the wire connectors are different, The colors are the same so I just spliced them, they just spin and spin and spin some more really fast, so I have no idea what is up. Thanks in advance.
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hajii
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Report this Post04-30-2004 04:17 PM Click Here to See the Profile for hajiiSend a Private Message to hajiiDirect Link to This Post
you may need to rebuild them...
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theogre
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Report this Post04-30-2004 06:56 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreDirect Link to This Post
No may about it... spinning means teardown and repair.

I strongly recomend anyone with dead first gen HL door motors convert to the Gen 2 system instead of fighting with the old system. Far better system. There are notes in my cave about the Gen 2 system. (There are notes on other site if your really want to fuss with the old system.)

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The only thing George Orwell got wrong was the year.

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top of every forum page...)

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p8ntman442
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Report this Post05-01-2004 10:06 AM Click Here to See the Profile for p8ntman442Click Here to visit p8ntman442's HomePageSend a Private Message to p8ntman442Direct Link to This Post
Well I cant even get the old ones to turn, so these freebies seem like there in better shape. I have torn one apart and put new brushe on the contacts to the shaft, but never got it to work properly. What do you guys do when you rebuild a headlight motor? When I get money (poor college kid) I will upgrade the lights as ogre suggests.
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GTDude
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Report this Post05-01-2004 10:21 AM Click Here to See the Profile for GTDudeDirect Link to This Post
theogre is right........the first generation lights suck big time. The 87 up are almost trouble free compared to the old system which seems in need of constant repair. Good luck.

Phil

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86 GT TTops, 3.4 Auto.....bought from Doug of Fiero Warehouse

GM auto tech for 27 years. Specializing in electrical and computer problems. I will never be able to return as an auto tech again. I get EXTREME satisfaction helping others and will go to Extreme levels to help you if you need help. I have LOTS of free time on my hands. This forum and the help I give, allow me to have a purposeful life. Bring on the problems......LOL.

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Lucius Silanus
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Report this Post05-01-2004 10:58 AM Click Here to See the Profile for Lucius SilanusClick Here to visit Lucius Silanus's HomePageDirect Link to This Post
buddycraigg did a wonderful job on a walkthrough that should help: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/045256.html

I am having the same problem with one of my motors and plan on replacing the internals with rodney brass gears and his new bushings. Give that a look through and see if it helps.

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- Lucius Silanus

http://geocities.com/jupiterlucatious/baby.html

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theogre
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Report this Post05-01-2004 11:54 AM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreDirect Link to This Post
There are several sources for the Gen 2 upgrade parts. Later Firebird/TA, Sunbird with the half door, many GM built car with doors 87 or later should be looked at. (Maybe not the imports sold under a GM badge.)

The upgrade parts from a salvage yard are probably going to cost less than rebuilding the old system even if the Gen 2 motors need some work.

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Dropzone
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Report this Post05-01-2004 12:32 PM Click Here to See the Profile for DropzoneSend a Private Message to DropzoneDirect Link to This Post
Mmm, are the '87 - '92 Firebird headlight motors compatible with our cars? Can they be used on '87 - '88 Fieros? I'm thinking they can since I'm running a '90 Firebird headlight module in my '88 GT...

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-jason
'87SE
'88GT (5spd)
'90GTZ

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GT86
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Report this Post05-01-2004 03:22 PM Click Here to See the Profile for GT86Send a Private Message to GT86Direct Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by theogre:

The upgrade parts from a salvage yard are probably going to cost less than rebuilding the old system even if the Gen 2 motors need some work.

Switching to Gen 2 was pretty cheap for me. I got the wiring harness, control module, and motors from a junked 88 coupe (low-mileage but hit hard in the back). The parts cost less than $30 all together. So much smoother and quieter than my old motors.

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fierobrian
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Report this Post05-01-2004 04:43 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierobrianSend a Private Message to fierobrianDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by GT86:


Switching to Gen 2 was pretty cheap for me. I got the wiring harness, control module, and motors from a junked 88 coupe (low-mileage but hit hard in the back). The parts cost less than $30 all together. So much smoother and quieter than my old motors.

it cost me 55.00 for ever thing but that is with a 30 day warrenty and i got to take 1 motor that need work and swap it for a good one.i love the sencond set up , and the guy at www.fieros-headlights.com will buy your old motors for 15.00 each with out buying new motors, i think email him and he will tell you

[This message has been edited by fierobrian (edited 05-01-2004).]

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Dropzone
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Report this Post05-01-2004 08:01 PM Click Here to See the Profile for DropzoneSend a Private Message to DropzoneDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Dropzone:

Mmm, are the '87 - '92 Firebird headlight motors compatible with our cars? Can they be used on '87 - '88 Fieros? I'm thinking they can since I'm running a '90 Firebird headlight module in my '88 GT...

Nevermind! Found the answer to my own question.... If anyone is ever in the junkyard, you can grab the headlight motors from the '87 - '92 Firebirds. Same p/n. Just another item I pick up from the all-you-can-carry $40 sale....

------------------
-jason
'87SE
'88GT (5spd)
'90GTZ

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Max The Chainsaw
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Report this Post05-01-2004 11:18 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Max The ChainsawClick Here to visit Max The Chainsaw's HomePageSend a Private Message to Max The ChainsawDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Dropzone:

Mmm, are the '87 - '92 Firebird headlight motors compatible with our cars? Can they be used on '87 - '88 Fieros? I'm thinking they can since I'm running a '90 Firebird headlight module in my '88 GT...


The 87 - 92 Firebird motors will bolt up and work fine, only thing to remember is to use the left firebird motor on the right side of the fiero and vice versa. The modules from Firebird, Sunbird, and I think Corvette of the same years will work.

If I remember correctly, the Sunbird motors have a different mounting bolt pattern than the Firebird/Fiero. Seems the bolts were much closer toghther on the Sunbird.

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bnmoats
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Report this Post05-01-2004 11:27 PM Click Here to See the Profile for bnmoatsSend a Private Message to bnmoatsDirect Link to This Post
Don't forget to get the harness and the module to go with the new motors. Let me know if you need a hand. I found an 85 that had been converted so I pulled the whole mess to convert the wife's 86.
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