only the right side headlight works, but if i turn the little dial on the left headlight motor just a little bit, then press the button for the headlights, both work, they come up and down the same time, but if i try it again, only the right one pops up. is it a bad motor? relay? can it be fixed?

That would be the limit switch on that motor. Once the motor stops in the down or up position one limit switch opens and the opposite one closes.
Once your lights are down the limit switch that closes so that the motor will run in the open posisition is closing but is dirty and not making contact.
Remove the motor and take the small square cover off the side of the motor. You will see two limit switches. You need to clean them. Some very fine sand paper folded over rubbed between them gently should do it followed by some cleaner. Some stiff paper with alcohol works well.
buddycraigg's video series on rebuilding the headlight motors would be good for you to watch on youtube. It will show you the contacts and talk about cleaning them.
Here is #1 of 7 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lUT_c-0vuk

[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 10-02-2008).]