Gen 1 headlight system
Gen 1 headlight system is the first-generation pop-up headlight system used on the Pontiac Fiero.
The Gen 1 system was used on 1984, 1985, and 1986 Fieros. It uses early-style headlight motors and a relay-based control system.
Overview
All Fieros use retractable headlight doors, but the 1984-1986 cars use a different system from the later 1987-1988 cars.
The Gen 1 system uses separate relays and early-style motors. This differs from the Gen 2 headlight system, which uses later motors and a central Headlight control module.
Applies to
The Gen 1 headlight system applies to:
Later Fieros use the Gen 2 headlight system unless the car has been modified.
Major components
The Gen 1 headlight system includes:
- Gen 1 headlight motors
- Headlight relays
- Headlight motor isolation relay
- Headlight switch
- Headlight doors
- Headlight linkage
- Headlight wiring
- Fuses and relays
- Grounds
How the system works
When the headlight switch is operated, the relay system controls power to the headlight motors.
The Gen 1 system uses a different motor and control design from the 1987-1988 Gen 2 system. The motors contain internal switching and mechanical parts that are important to correct operation.
Common symptoms
Common Gen 1 headlight problems include:
- One headlight door does not open
- One headlight door does not close
- Both headlight doors do not move
- Motor runs but door does not move
- Motor keeps running
- Door moves slowly
- Door stops partway
- Clicking or relay noise
- Intermittent operation
Common causes
Common causes include:
- Worn motor gears
- Worn internal motor contacts
- Failed relays
- Failed isolation relay
- Bad grounds
- Damaged wiring
- Poor connectors
- Binding headlight door mechanism
- Weak battery voltage
- Previous-owner wiring changes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis should start by identifying whether the problem affects one side or both sides.
If only one headlight door has a problem, the fault may be in that motor, its relay, wiring, connector, or mechanical assembly.
If both headlight doors have a problem, the fault may be in the headlight switch, isolation relay, power supply, ground, fuse, or shared wiring.
Basic checks include:
- Confirm the car uses the Gen 1 system.
- Check battery voltage.
- Check fuses and power supply.
- Inspect grounds and connectors.
- Check for mechanical binding.
- Determine whether one or both motors are affected.
- Inspect or test the relays.
- Inspect the motor internals if power and ground are present.
Motor repair
Many Gen 1 motor problems are caused by worn internal parts, worn gears, damaged contacts, or mechanical failure inside the motor assembly.
Related topics:
- Gen 1 headlight motors
- Headlight motor repair
- Headlight motor rebuild
- Headlight motor parts
- Headlight door binding
Relays
The Gen 1 system uses relays as part of the motor control system. Relay failure, poor connections, or wiring problems can cause one or both headlights to fail.
Related topics:
Gen 1 and Gen 2 differences
The Gen 1 and Gen 2 systems are not the same.
The 1984-1986 Gen 1 system uses early motors and relays. The 1987-1988 Gen 2 system uses later motors and a control module.
Parts, wiring, diagnostics, and common failures differ between the two systems.
Related topics:
- Gen 2 headlight system
- Gen 1 headlight motors
- Gen 2 headlight motors
- Headlight relays
- Headlight control module
Conversions
Some earlier Fieros have been converted from the Gen 1 system to the Gen 2 system. This may be done to improve reliability, simplify diagnostics, or use later parts.
A conversion may involve motors, wiring, module mounting, connectors, and related hardware.
Related topics:
Notes
The Gen 1 system can work reliably when the motors, relays, wiring, grounds, and linkages are in good condition. Many problems are age-related rather than caused by the basic concept of the system.
Always confirm which system is installed before following a diagnostic or repair procedure.