how to: remove and install headlight motor

[charliekuney]

I'm mainly looking for detailed pictures for removing and installing the right side. I'm sick of having one light stuck up all the time. Can anyone help? I tried searching, but any link after the first page said "Oops! This link appears to be broken."

[mykwikcoupe]

I thought we talked about this already. Theres 3 10mm bolts that hold the motor to the fender and the bolt/screw head that hold the headlight arm to the motor. Undo them and itll pop right out. Its the side with the battery so working room isnt an issue.

[charliekuney]

We talked about removing them, but not actually how to do it. Does anything need to be unplugged? Should I take the bucket or light light out?

[car6289]

Retractor Motor Replacement (verbatim from 1989 Service Manual) (my two cents in brackets)

1. Remove the No. 6 (15A) and No. 7 (15A) fuses in the relay box. (Battery removal may grant you better access to right side thus fuses can be left in place)
2. Pry the retractor linkage off the motor arm. (ball and socket, retractor arm is socket;motor arm is ball)
3. Disconnect the 6-P connector.
4. Remove the 3 mount bolts and the retractor motor.

5. Install in the reverse order of removal, and:
- Make sure there is no interference between the wire harness and linkage.
- Coat the joints with grease and make sure the linkage moves smoothly.
- Adjust the retractor motor fore and aft until the headlight doors (bucket)
fit flush with the front fender when the headlights are closed.
(mount holes in motor bracket are slotted for aforementioned bucket adjustment)

In the time it took me to type this you could have replaced your retractor motor. Somewhere on the site is pdf version of service manual. My hard copy manual shows the left side and the detail is adequate but not that spectacular.

[charliekuney]

My computer has a problem with Adobe, so I haven't been able to open PDF files for months. No matter how many times I update, it still tells me to.

I'll go get the motor out now, but I'll have to pick up a new one later.

Also: where can I pick up new o-rings?

[Bluntman]

My computer has a problem with Adobe, so I haven't been able to open PDF files for months. No matter how many times I update, it still tells me to.

I'll go get the motor out now, but I'll have to pick up a new one later.

Also: where can I pick up new o-rings?

Harbor freight has standard and metric o ring assortments, they are nitrile rubber, which 50% of all o-rings are, and are good to have around. Or any NAPA you can match them up.I keep both standard and metric sizes.http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=91506

[charliekuney]

Which size does our car have?

[car6289]

My computer has a problem with Adobe, so I haven't been able to open PDF files for months. No matter how many times I update, it still tells me to.

I'll go get the motor out now, but I'll have to pick up a new one later.

Also: where can I pick up new o-rings?

Here is 89 service manual picture

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3240/motorm.jpg

[Bluntman]

Which size does our car have?

Metrics.http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91512

[charliekuney]

Here is 89 service manual picture

I feel stupid now. I just found my giant book with that exact picture in it.


Metrics.

10mm? 100mm? 1,000mm?

[Bluntman]

10mm? 100mm? 1,000mm?

There are various sizes of O-rings on vehicles. That is why it is nice to have an assortment handy. That way you can match them up with whatever you are working on.

[Bluntman]

I just did my distributor o-ring, and it was flat sided and had turned to hard plastic, it basically broke into pieces when I removed it with a o-ring pick. I was at Honda and they had it in stock, so I just got theres ( even though it is nitrile rubber just like the others). I got the oil filter base gasket also in stock ( not expensive at all). And painted the distributor while it was out.

[charliekuney]

Well, I'm not mechanically inclined, so I'm still working on getting the motor out. Pathetic, I know.

[Bluntman]

Well, I'm not mechanically inclined, so I'm still working on getting the motor out. Pathetic, I know.

No not pathetic. Everyone has to learn somewhere. You learn by asking, watching, and making mistakes. And also, patience is a virtue.:cheers:

[car6289]

Well, I'm not mechanically inclined, so I'm still working on getting the motor out. Pathetic, I know.

With practice pathetic can become proficient. Keep a supply of band-aids around while you practice.

[charliekuney]

I have gained patience, but I can't learn by watching. I have to do it to fully understand. Anyways, it's cold and raining, and the last time I tried helping in these conditions, I couldn't do anything. I'll just have to wait or try when my dad is helping me put my snow tires on... :(

[Civic Accord Honda]

word when i joined here i was afraid to change my spark plugs .... and a year later i was completely tearing down 2 3gees and building one of them .... and now i have the confidence to do anything to a automobile :)