Headlight upgrades
Headlight upgrades are modifications intended to improve the lighting performance, reliability, appearance, or serviceability of the Pontiac Fiero headlight system.
All Fieros use pop-up headlight doors, but the factory systems differ between 1984-1986 and 1987-1988 cars. Upgrade choices should be based on the car's model year, headlight system generation, intended use, and wiring condition.
Overview
Headlight upgrades may involve improved lamps, LED conversions, relay changes, motor repairs, control-module upgrades, wiring improvements, or custom headlight assemblies.
Before modifying the system, the original headlight motors, grounds, wiring, switches, relays, control module, and mechanical linkage should be in good condition.
Lighting upgrades
Common lighting upgrades include:
- Halogen headlight upgrade
- LED headlight conversion
- H4 headlight conversion
- Headlight relay upgrade
- Headlight wiring upgrade
- Headlight aiming
Motor and control upgrades
The Fiero used two different headlight motor systems.
The 1984-1986 system uses the first-generation headlight motors and relays. The 1987-1988 system uses second-generation motors and a headlight control module.
Related topics:
- Gen 1 headlight system
- Gen 2 headlight system
- Gen 1 headlight motors
- Gen 2 headlight motors
- Headlight control module
- Headlight motor repair
- Headlight motor rebuild
LED conversions
LED headlight conversions can reduce current draw and improve light output when done properly, but quality varies widely. Beam pattern, glare, housing design, wiring, and legal requirements should be considered.
Related topics:
Low-profile and custom headlights
Some owners install low-profile or custom headlight assemblies to change the appearance of the car or improve aerodynamics.
Custom headlight conversions may require fabrication, wiring changes, bracket changes, and careful aiming.
Related topics:
Reliability upgrades
Many headlight problems are caused by worn original parts rather than poor design. Rebuilding the motors, cleaning connectors, repairing grounds, replacing worn gears or bushings, and correcting mechanical binding can restore normal operation.
Related topics:
- Headlight motor problems
- Headlight motor repair
- Ground problems
- Headlight door binding
- Headlight linkage
Safety and legality
Headlight upgrades should provide a safe beam pattern and avoid excessive glare for other drivers. Local lighting regulations may apply to lamp type, beam pattern, color, brightness, and headlight height.