1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Headlight problem

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Old Feb 14, 2006 | 01:50 PM
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Headlight problem

Hello all, I'm not new new to this Forum, but I am new to finally making my first post. First off, I own a 1985 GSL-SE with the 13B motor and over 182,000 miles on it. A real fun car. ^^ Now, I bought this car last year back in March and I've always had this problem, just now getting around to asking to see if anyone has encountered this problem and if so, how it could be fixed.

My passenger side headlight does not stay flush with the rest of the car. I've messed with the manual adjustment to make it flush but once those headlights flip up, it goes back to original state. I've included a picture to show what I'm talking about. Is there something wrong with the linkage or a bushing to cause this and keep it from getting stuck back to normal? Any help would be great.
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Old Feb 14, 2006 | 09:29 PM
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I think it would be some sort of linkage problem. compair both linkages on the left and right head lights, see if there are any differences. If there are make the passneger side head light match the drivers side....
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Old Feb 14, 2006 | 09:41 PM
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you could have a bushing broke on the linkage between the motor and the headlight housing assembly it won't pull it shut if they are gone,or broke ..lube the linkage also ,it may help..
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Old Feb 14, 2006 | 10:10 PM
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i agree check the linkage, primarliy the one on motor. It is a compression fitting i belive so someone may have taken the light off for some reason or another and just didnt put it on the correct way.

An easy way would be if it actually shuts, like it looks like its shut but then goes to the park position, (the part way up)

here...does it acutally ever go flush ??
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Old Feb 15, 2006 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by zduford
i agree check the linkage, primarliy the one on motor. It is a compression fitting i belive so someone may have taken the light off for some reason or another and just didnt put it on the correct way.

An easy way would be if it actually shuts, like it looks like its shut but then goes to the park position, (the part way up)

here...does it acutally ever go flush ??
Hmm, well yes and no. I'll try my best to word it so as not to confuse you. ^^ Say the headlights are down, with the passenger side as it is right now. When I flip the switch, or turn the headlights on, the passenger side will dip down flush and then flip up with the other. Basically, the driver side will reach the "top" first before the passenger side. I hope that makes sense. If not, I can try my best to re-word it.
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Old Feb 15, 2006 | 03:07 PM
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There is a how to fix that problem in the Haynes shop manual for these cars. Aparently there is an ajustment *** or something. I am not refering to the manual ajustament. This is strictly for making the headlights flush with the boddy.
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Old Feb 15, 2006 | 04:18 PM
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Well, I'll be damned. I have a Haynes manual but never bothered to look through it, mostly because I found that the Haynes manual is horrible in giving ANY help on doing anything, and half of the stuff I'm curious about, the Haynes manual doesn't even cover it. But, thanks, I found the section on how to adjust it, this just might help. Thanks again.
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Old Feb 15, 2006 | 04:37 PM
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From: Smiths Falls.(near Ottawa!.Mapquest IT!)
Haynes manual..states do not use the adjustment **** with power to the retractor motors....page 273..and it is to manually operate the motors ..you say one is slower ..lube the linkage..you may have to take the upper headlight assembly off to get a good look at the motors..if you go the other way(get at it from under the car),be prepared ,you will snap bolts on the brake vents..just a heads-up..

Last edited by misterstyx69; Feb 15, 2006 at 04:42 PM.
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Old Feb 15, 2006 | 05:06 PM
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I never said it was slow. I said it reaches the fully raised position last because when they flip up, the passenger side dips down flush and then up. Now, when I have used the manual adjustment (with power to them because originally I found the Haynes manual for this vehicle horrible) and brought it flush, and then flip the switch, lo and behold, both flipped up at the same time.

But, thanks no-name, I'll give it a shot this weekend. Hopefully my replacement exterior door handle will come in by then so I can replace that at the same time.
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Old Feb 17, 2006 | 10:42 PM
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From: Inkerman, On, South of Ottawa, the 2nd coldest Capital in the World
if you go the other way(get at it from under the car),be prepared ,you will snap bolts on the brake vents..just a heads-up..
Replaced all mine and all the ones that attach the undertray with stainless steel bolts. I'll never have that problem again!
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