Gen 1 headlight motors
Gen 1 headlight motors are the first-generation pop-up headlight motors used in the Gen 1 headlight system on 1984, 1985, and 1986 Pontiac Fiero models.
The Gen 1 motors are different from the later Gen 2 headlight motors used on 1987 and 1988 Fieros.
Overview
The Gen 1 headlight motors raise and lower the Fiero's pop-up headlight doors. They are part of a relay-based headlight system used before the 1987-1988 headlight control module system.
Gen 1 motors contain internal switching and mechanical parts that are important to correct operation. Age-related motor, contact, gear, wiring, and relay problems are common.
Applies to
Gen 1 headlight motors apply to:
Later Fieros use Gen 2 headlight motors unless the car has been modified.
Major components
A Gen 1 headlight motor assembly includes:
- Electric motor
- Gear housing
- Internal gear
- Limit-switch mechanism
- Internal contacts
- Output shaft
- Manual adjustment knob
- Electrical connector
- Mounting points
- Linkage connection
Common symptoms
Common Gen 1 headlight motor symptoms include:
- Motor runs but the headlight door does not move
- Headlight door does not open
- Headlight door does not close
- Headlight door moves slowly
- Headlight door stops partway
- Motor keeps running
- Clicking or relay noise
- Grinding or rattling noises
- Intermittent operation
Common failures
Common failures include:
- Worn internal gear
- Worn internal contacts
- Failed or misadjusted limit-switch mechanism
- Poor connector contact
- Failed relays
- Failed Headlight motor isolation relay
- Damaged wiring
- Binding headlight door linkage
- Mechanical obstruction
- Weak battery voltage
Internal contacts and limit switching
The Gen 1 motor system depends on internal motor switching to stop motor operation at the end of travel. Dirty, worn, damaged, or misadjusted internal contacts can cause incorrect operation.
Symptoms may include a motor that does not stop, does not start, runs intermittently, or behaves differently in the up and down directions.
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis should first determine whether the problem is mechanical, motor-related, relay-related, or wiring-related.
Basic checks include:
- Confirm the car uses the Gen 1 system.
- Check whether the problem affects one side or both sides.
- Check for mechanical binding in the headlight door and linkage.
- Check the motor connector.
- Check the relevant relays.
- Check power and ground at the motor.
- Inspect internal motor contacts and mechanical parts if needed.
Repair and rebuilding
Many Gen 1 headlight motor problems can be repaired by rebuilding the motor, cleaning or repairing internal contacts, replacing worn parts, inspecting the gear, and verifying that the linkage moves freely.
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Relay system
The Gen 1 motors work with a relay-based control system.
Relay or wiring faults can imitate motor failure, so the relays should be considered during diagnosis.
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Gen 2 comparison
Gen 1 motors are not the same as Gen 2 motors.
The 1984-1986 Gen 1 system uses early motors and relays. The 1987-1988 Gen 2 system uses later motors and the Headlight control module.
Related topics:
Notes
Always identify the headlight system before ordering parts or following a repair guide. Some earlier Fieros may have been converted from Gen 1 to Gen 2.
If a Gen 1 motor keeps running or behaves intermittently, internal contacts, relay operation, wiring, and mechanical binding should all be checked.