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1998 Pontiac Trans Am headlights go crazy when un/lock usin

Tiny
98 TRANSAM GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 PONTIAC TRANS AM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 98,000 MILES
I'm having the same problem as the guy with the 2001 firebird. I use the remote to lock or unlock the car or after I turn the car off the headlights flip up and down turn on and off then start grinding a few seconds. The headlights still work properly other than that I tried to enter body control mode like described in the other guys question but really didn't work for me and didn't see where the other tests I could do was posted. Thank you
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Saturday, October 9th, 2010 AT 7:51 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi 98 transam guy,

Thank you for the donation.

Does the headlights lids open and closes correctly without any problem if the headlights are turned on or off?
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+4
Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 6:41 AM
Tiny
98 TRANSAM GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I put the key in the ignition and the alarm went off. While the car is on you can turn the headlights on and work fine but if you turn them to the parking lights setting they stay up with out being illuminated, and when you turn them all the way off while the car is running they go down normally with no grinding. When the car is off they do the same thing except for when you turn them off they go down then start grinding. They always grind after you turn the car off.
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Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 8:05 AM
Tiny
98 TRANSAM GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I made a small donation 36 hours ago and haven't recieved any help I would hardly call this a prompt response!
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-1
Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Sorry for the delay. This is not a problem that is often encountered and some research had to be done to look for a possible answer.

When parking lights are turned on, are the taillights working? Did you check the taillight fuse ( Fuse # 5, 20 A, instrument panel fuse box )?

Is vehicle equipped with daytime running lights?
Does both headlamp door motor grind or only one side is doing it?
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Monday, October 11th, 2010 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
98 TRANSAM GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
No it does not have daytime running lights unless you count the front parking lights I believe those stay on all the time. All fuses look in good working order. It seems as if just the left headlght is grinding. Yes the taillights work while the parking lights are on.
Thanks
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Monday, October 11th, 2010 AT 9:16 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
I believe the left headlamp door motor is the cause of the problem.

Disconnect the LH motor and test if the opening and closing of the doors still occurs for the RH. Repeat with disconnecting the RH.

The motor has some diodes inside the circuit board and if any is bad, it would cause the problem indicated.

As to the alarm going off when the ignition switch is turned on, it could be the secutiry system fault. Check the fuses with the aid of a test lamp. Visual inspection are not accurate.
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Monday, October 11th, 2010 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
98 TRANSAM GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I replaced the left headlight motor and all
my issues are resolved. I would have never gussed that the head light motor was bad since it still moved the head lights up and down

thank you
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Monday, October 11th, 2010 AT 12:21 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Glad to know you have fixed the problem.

Thank you for using 2carpros and have a nice day.
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Monday, October 11th, 2010 AT 12:28 PM

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