Buy Pontiac Firebird Headlight Motors

The headlight motor-also called a headlamp motor, pop‑up headlight actuator, or flip‑up headlight drive-is a small 12‑volt gearmotor mounted behind each light pod. It turns a short crank arm that raises or lowers the light door every time you switch the headlights on or off. Third‑generation Firebirds (1982‑1992) use three‑wire motors, while fourth‑generation cars (1993‑2002) switched to two‑wire designs with an electronic controller  (Third Gen).

Power flows from the headlamp relay through a control module to the motor. Inside, a worm gear drives the large nylon output gear. A limit switch stops the motor exactly when the door is fully open or closed, preventing over‑travel  (Third Gen). Grease keeps the gears quiet; worn grease and time cause the plastic gear and three rubber bushings to crumble.

• Grinding or clicking after the light reaches the end of travel points to stripped nylon teeth  (firebirdclublatvia.lv).
• Light stuck partly open often means the internal bushings have disintegrated  (Third Gen).
• Both lights dead can be a blown 30‑amp circuit breaker or failed isolation relay on early cars  (firebirdnation.com).
• Intermittent movement may trace to corroded ground G108 on the radiator support, listed in the factory diagram  (Portal Diagnostov).

1. Check fuses and the under‑hood breaker first.
2. Listen while toggling the switch. Grinding means gear trouble; silence could be wiring.
3. Probe the motor connector for 12 V when the switch is on  (LS1Tech).
4. Jump‑wire the motor briefly; if it runs, suspect the control module.
5. Inspect bushings by removing the motor and looking for yellow dust.

• Bushing‑only kit-cheap, fixes minor slop.
• Metal (bronze) gear kit-replaces the weak nylon gear and lasts almost forever  (YouTube).
• Complete rebuilt motor-fast swap for severe wear.
  Many owners combine new bushings with a bronze gear for a one‑time fix  (YouTube).

Keep the headlamp doors clean so debris does not jam them. Once a year, lift the motor, wipe off old grease, and apply fresh high‑temp lithium grease to the gears  (Third Gen). Check battery voltage; weak voltage slows the motors and strains the plastic gear  (Third Gen).

• Third‑Gen (1982‑1992): Uses one style 3‑wire motor on both sides.
• Fourth‑Gen (1993‑1997): Left and right motors differ; common part numbers include 16516653 (LH) and 16516654 (RH)  (Third Gen).
• Fourth‑Gen (1998‑2002): Updated housing but interchangeable within these years  (YouTube).
  Early Firebirds with vacuum‑powered doors (1967‑1969) do not use electric motors  (Wikipedia).

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Remove two bolts on top and two underneath the headlamp bracket  (Third Gen).
3. Unplug the wiring and lift the motor free.
4. Swap or rebuild the gear as needed, following video guides  (YouTube).
5. Re‑install, aim the headlights, and cycle the doors five times to seat the bushings.

• LED headlight conversion reduces current draw, easing load on the motor.
• Solid‑state control module gives smoother motion and less relay chatter  (Curbside Classic).
• Bronze gears increase durability under frequent use  (YouTube).

Headlights must open and produce light on demand to pass state inspections in the U.S.  (NHTSA). Keep spare fuses in the glovebox. Never force a stuck door; you may bend the linkage and mis‑aim the beam, risking glare to oncoming traffic  (heacockclassic.com).

Pop‑up headlamps were a design icon of the 1960s-1990s, fading after new pedestrian‑safety rules in 2004  (Wikipedia). The Firebird was among the last American cars to carry them, ending production in 2002  (Wikipedia).

• Illustrated wiring diagrams for 1995 and 1998 models  (Portal Diagnostov)  (firebirdnation.com).
• Community repair threads on FirebirdNation and ThirdGen.org detail real‑world fixes and tips   (Third Gen).
• Step‑by‑step videos demonstrate gear swaps and full motor replacements  (YouTube)  (YouTube).

Q: Why does my headlight motor keep spinning after the door is open?
A: The nylon gear teeth are probably stripped, so the limit switch never sees resistance and the motor free‑spins  (firebirdclublatvia.lv).

Q: Can I drive if one motor fails?
A: Legally you need two working headlights; prop the door open and secure the lamp, but repair the motor as soon as possible for safety  (NHTSA).

Q: How long do replacement bronze gears last?
A: Bronze gears can outlive the car because metal teeth resist wear far better than plastic  (YouTube).

Q: Do I need to replace both motors at once?
A: Not always, but many owners do so the lights open at the same speed and to avoid a second teardown later  (Third Gen).

Q: My lights work, but they open slowly-why?
A: Check battery voltage and clean grounds; low voltage reduces motor speed  (Third Gen).

Q: Where is the control module located?
A: On fourth‑gen cars it hides inside the driver‑side fender behind the radiator support  (firebirdnation.com).

Q: Are there recalls for Firebird headlight motors?
A: No specific motor recall exists, but NHTSA lists related wiring and lighting bulletins; search your VIN to be sure  (NHTSA).

Q: What tools do I need for a gear swap?
A: 10 mm socket, flat screwdriver, grease, and a replacement gear kit  (YouTube).

Q: Will LED bulbs harm the motor?
A: No-LEDs use less current, easing electrical load and sometimes letting the doors move a bit faster  (Curbside Classic).

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