Headlight noise

[JayFormulaMuff]

Hey guys, i have a 2000 formula, ive had it for about 4 months now and last night when i turned the headlights off, they made a horrid noise that lasts for about 10-15 seconds, any idea what it could be? replace the headlight motors? Thanks

[0rion]

do a search for headlight gears. There are several threads on the topic.

[gnomee]

Yeah you can do a search for more info.

Basically your motor gear is stripped. You can remove the arm from the motor and spin the motor 160 degrees then reattach and use it some more.

The motor only uses half the gear to move the light up and down so when one side strips you can use the other side. My tried and true way of keeping this from happening is following these rules.

1. Don't turn your headlights on while your driving down the highway if you can help it. I always turn mine on while stopped or going as slow as possible if I get stuck at dusk when i'm not paying attention

2. You know how you jump in your car sometimes and turn the headlights on and then go "Oh crap its not dark" and turn them off again.. Don't do that. Wait for them to come all the way up and stop then turn them off.

I have a 98 forumla with 176,000 miles with original headlight motors. I attribut it to following these simple rules. Yes i'm anal, but hey I have not had to replace my headlight motors :)