Headlight motor parts
Headlight motor parts is an overview of parts used to repair, rebuild, replace, or service the pop-up headlight motors on the Pontiac Fiero.
The Fiero used two different headlight motor systems. Parts differ between the 1984-1986 Gen 1 headlight system and the 1987-1988 Gen 2 headlight system.
Overview
Headlight motor parts may include gears, bushings, internal contacts, relays, wiring connectors, control modules, linkages, mounting hardware, and complete motor assemblies.
Because the Gen 1 and Gen 2 systems are different, parts should always be matched to the correct system before ordering or installing anything.
Gen 1 parts
The 1984-1986 Gen 1 system uses early-style motors and relays.
Common Gen 1-related parts include:
- Gen 1 headlight motors
- Headlight relays
- Headlight motor isolation relay
- Gen 1 headlight motor gear
- Gen 1 headlight motor contacts
- Headlight linkage
- Headlight wiring
- Headlight switch
Gen 2 parts
The 1987-1988 Gen 2 system uses later-style motors and a headlight control module.
Common Gen 2-related parts include:
- Gen 2 headlight motors
- Headlight control module
- Gen 2 headlight motor gear
- Gen 2 headlight motor bushings
- Headlight linkage
- Headlight wiring
- Headlight switch
Repair parts
Common repair parts include:
- Replacement motor gears
- Replacement bushings
- Contact repair parts
- Motor rebuild kits
- Used motor assemblies
- Rebuilt motor assemblies
- Replacement connectors
- Mounting hardware
Complete motor assemblies
Complete headlight motor assemblies may be replaced with used, rebuilt, reproduction, or aftermarket units, depending on availability.
When replacing a complete motor assembly, verify:
- System generation
- Side of the car
- Connector type
- Mounting points
- Linkage compatibility
- Condition of the door mechanism
Control parts
Headlight motor operation also depends on the control system.
Gen 1 control parts include relays and the isolation relay.
Gen 2 control parts include the headlight control module.
Related topics:
Interchange
Some headlight motor parts may interchange with other GM vehicles, especially for the Gen 2 system, but interchange should be verified before use.
Parts may differ by motor generation, vehicle application, side, connector, gear design, and internal construction.
Related topics:
Common mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Ordering Gen 1 parts for a Gen 2 system
- Ordering Gen 2 parts for a Gen 1 system
- Assuming the car still has its original system
- Replacing the motor without checking linkage binding
- Replacing the control module when the motor bushings have failed
- Replacing relays when the motor itself is damaged
- Reusing damaged connectors or corroded wiring
Notes
Before buying parts, identify the headlight system installed on the car.
A 1984-1986 Fiero normally uses the Gen 1 system. A 1987-1988 Fiero normally uses the Gen 2 system. Some earlier cars may have been converted to Gen 2.