Headlight actuator is driving me crazy!

[maxx]

OK, so my passenger headlight actuator does not work right. Raises the light fine, lowers it fine but it keeps running. So I got a used one. Does not work, but this one runs all the time in the upper or lower position. So I got another used one. Nope. It just does not work, I have to give it a quarter turn manually to do anything. Ok, you guessed it, I’m on my forth one. I’m not buying any more. This one I took apart. I don’t know how what to look for, this one looks fine to me. The plastic gear has two teeth chipped a bit, other than that is’ like new. My question: Can I test the actuator by just plugging it in, or do I have to mount it in place to test it. I know torque switch turns it off, but does the actuator arm have to hit the car frame in order for the switch to work? Someone please demystify this for me.

Thanks!
Marko

[FieroDough]

got to www.rodneydickman.com buy the metal gears, grease it and never worry about it again.

cheers!
Eric

[FieroBUZZ]

Here is an article on repair
http://www.fierosails.com/headlights.html
Mine did the same but swapping units cured it.  You may have a bad relay or just a run of really bad replacements.

The gear only runs up and down one side.  Flipping it may help out as that side is 'new'.  As Eric says, the metal gears will fix it right up.  

Also '80's Firebird motors work.  Use the pass motor on our dr side and vicey versey.  They are at most yards an pretty cheap.

[2ML67]

Got tired of mine so I updated to the 87/88 style they work a lot better and not that hard to change over to. Dan