C2 Headlight motor bind

[Richard E.]

My LH headlight mechanism will rotate only about 10 degrees toward close from the full open position. I notice when attempting to the rotate the manual wheel on the motor toward the "closed" direction there is extreme resistance as if something is binding. The RH motor works fine and the manual wheel spins freely on it. I noticed over time the LH light bucket operating slower that the RH but didn't think much of it. Does this sound like a gear failure or should I save up for a new motor? I know I need to remove the motor / gear box and inspect, I'm just wonder what I should expect to find. Thanks much for comments.

[Michael G.]

Re: C2 Headlight motor bind

My LH headlight mechanism will rotate only about 10 degrees toward close from the full open position. I notice when attempting to the rotate the manual wheel on the motor toward the "closed" direction there is extreme resistance as if something is binding. The RH motor works fine and the manual wheel spins freely on it. I noticed over time the LH light bucket operating slower that the RH but didn't think much of it. Does this sound like a gear failure or should I save up for a new motor? I know I need to remove the motor / gear box and inspect, I'm just wonder what I should expect to find. Thanks much for comments.

Richard,

Pulling and inspecting will be the first step in diagnosing your issue assuming there's no electrical issue to the operation of the motors?....as you only speak of manual operation. As long as you have electrical operation over the motors it pretty much focuses attention on the motor itself or the aluminum gear(s) which may have distorted through use. The motor itself may need a cleanup, brushes and lube. Depending on your level mechanical ability will be no big deal. Go slow, observe, be patient.

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2 Headlight motor bind

The pivot shafts and balls are probably all seized up.

[Bob R.]

Re: C2 Headlight motor bind

The gear that usually wears can be rotated and used again. When you remove it you may find that the teeth are chewed up on only one side of the gear. It only wears on half of the gear.

[Richard E.]

Re: C2 Headlight motor bind

Thank you for all the responses. I failed to mention that the bucket rotates only about 10 degrees downward using the dash switch so it seems the electrical circuit is working. Next step will be remove and inspect. Thanks again everyone.

[Michael G.]

Re: C2 Headlight motor bind

Thank you for all the responses. I failed to mention that the bucket rotates only about 10 degrees downward using the dash switch so it seems the electrical circuit is working. Next step will be remove and inspect. Thanks again everyone.

If you're going to make effort to pull the motors for inspection/repair would recommend replacement of the gears rather than reusing your current gears. Although it's possible to rotate your current gear and use the other side, eliminate all possible incumberences.