Constrictor
02-23-2004, 05:59 PM
One of the most commonly asked questions I see about the Pontiac (Formula/Firebird/Trans AM/WS6) F-bodies is in regards to the lights. Whether its a problem with the headlights, or a question about upgrading, I thought it would be nice to have a single sticky where all questions are answered. So here goes:
Q: One of my Pontiac headlights stopped coming up, or only comes up every once in a while, or comes up very slowly, what is wrong?
A: Your headlight motor is going out. Time to replace it. Unfortunately, this can cost between $250 - $300 at a dealer to do.
Q: When I turn off my headlights or arm my alarm, one or both of my headlights makes a horrific grinding noise for about 5 seconds after going down. Other than this, the motors function normally.
A: Inside of your headlight motor is a plastic gear that the motor uses to rotate the light up and down with. This gear is stripped. There are three alternatives to fixing this:
1. Replace the whole motor - this is the most expensive way, as dealers can charge between $250 - $300 if you have them do it.
2. You can buy an aftermarket replacement gear made out of brass and replace the plastic one. The gears are available through this link along with instructions on how to install them:
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/headlightfix/index.htm
3. You can actually remove the plastic gear and flip it around 180 degrees since the motors only actually use half of the teeth on the gear. This wont "fix" the problem, it will only extend the amount of time to where the gear will need to be replaced. The instructions on how to do this are available here:
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/headlightfix/index.htm#FreeGuide
4. The other cheap fix - wire up a switch to control the headlight motor. If your gears are stripped and making a griding noise, you can use a switch to control the motor so it's only ON when the headlight is actually being raised or lowered....
http://www.ls2.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=7797471#post7797471
Q: What headlight upgrades are available for my Pontiac F-body?
A: Unfortunately, even through the 2002 model year, Pontiac continued to use sealed beam headlights in their F-bodies, which makes upgrade selection very slim. The only way you can install brighter or different color bulbs is to first buy a Sealed Bean Conversion Kit. There are two companies that sell them, but I am told theyre actually the same kit. The two places you can get them from are:
http://www.eurolights.com
http://www.autooptiks.com
Once you have the sealed beam housings installed, you can install any capsule or HID light that comes in size H7.
Instructions on how to install these kits with pictures are available at:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/headlight.htm
Q: What foglight upgrades are available for my Trans Am?
A: The foglights that come with all F-bodies are pretty low powered, so many people choose to install brighter bulbs in their place. This serves are a temporary solution as, after time, the cheap plastic GM housings will begin to melt as a result of increased heat due to the higher wattage bulbs.
The only way to safely upgrade the lights is with aftermarket lights. There are many lights available by companies such as PIAA, Hella, and Catz that will work, however two that I have found that are inexpensive and very simple to install are made by Blazertech or Cyberwhite. Both bulbs are almost identical and are actually made by the same company. The Cyberwhites are available at your local WalMart for around $40. Pictures of the lights and an install guide is available here:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/foglight.htm
Note, these instructions are specific to the Trans Am. I am told they will work on Formula/Firebirds, however they require modification, which is not covered in the install guide.
Q: I saw a Pontiac with sequential tailights. Where do I get the kit and how do I install it?
A: There are actually many different kits available that work, however one that I have personal experience is the one sold by BFranker. A kit is available with instructions and pictures at:
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/fbody/sequentialTA.htm
Another kit I have heard of, but have no experience with is available here:
http://www.blinkblink.com/
Q: At night, sometimes I see my headlights go dim for a second and then return back to normal. There doesn't appear to be any pattern for this, but it happens several times at night. What is the problem?
A: There is nothing wrong with your car. This is a result of the AIR pump cylcling on and off. The AIR pump is an emissions control device and when it kicks on, it puts a momentary load on your electrical system. This is perfectly normal and there is nothing to worry about.
Q: One of my Pontiac headlights stopped coming up, or only comes up every once in a while, or comes up very slowly, what is wrong?
A: Your headlight motor is going out. Time to replace it. Unfortunately, this can cost between $250 - $300 at a dealer to do.
Q: When I turn off my headlights or arm my alarm, one or both of my headlights makes a horrific grinding noise for about 5 seconds after going down. Other than this, the motors function normally.
A: Inside of your headlight motor is a plastic gear that the motor uses to rotate the light up and down with. This gear is stripped. There are three alternatives to fixing this:
1. Replace the whole motor - this is the most expensive way, as dealers can charge between $250 - $300 if you have them do it.
2. You can buy an aftermarket replacement gear made out of brass and replace the plastic one. The gears are available through this link along with instructions on how to install them:
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/headlightfix/index.htm
3. You can actually remove the plastic gear and flip it around 180 degrees since the motors only actually use half of the teeth on the gear. This wont "fix" the problem, it will only extend the amount of time to where the gear will need to be replaced. The instructions on how to do this are available here:
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/headlightfix/index.htm#FreeGuide
4. The other cheap fix - wire up a switch to control the headlight motor. If your gears are stripped and making a griding noise, you can use a switch to control the motor so it's only ON when the headlight is actually being raised or lowered....
http://www.ls2.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=7797471#post7797471
Q: What headlight upgrades are available for my Pontiac F-body?
A: Unfortunately, even through the 2002 model year, Pontiac continued to use sealed beam headlights in their F-bodies, which makes upgrade selection very slim. The only way you can install brighter or different color bulbs is to first buy a Sealed Bean Conversion Kit. There are two companies that sell them, but I am told theyre actually the same kit. The two places you can get them from are:
http://www.eurolights.com
http://www.autooptiks.com
Once you have the sealed beam housings installed, you can install any capsule or HID light that comes in size H7.
Instructions on how to install these kits with pictures are available at:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/headlight.htm
Q: What foglight upgrades are available for my Trans Am?
A: The foglights that come with all F-bodies are pretty low powered, so many people choose to install brighter bulbs in their place. This serves are a temporary solution as, after time, the cheap plastic GM housings will begin to melt as a result of increased heat due to the higher wattage bulbs.
The only way to safely upgrade the lights is with aftermarket lights. There are many lights available by companies such as PIAA, Hella, and Catz that will work, however two that I have found that are inexpensive and very simple to install are made by Blazertech or Cyberwhite. Both bulbs are almost identical and are actually made by the same company. The Cyberwhites are available at your local WalMart for around $40. Pictures of the lights and an install guide is available here:
http://www.metalreviewcentre.com/foglight.htm
Note, these instructions are specific to the Trans Am. I am told they will work on Formula/Firebirds, however they require modification, which is not covered in the install guide.
Q: I saw a Pontiac with sequential tailights. Where do I get the kit and how do I install it?
A: There are actually many different kits available that work, however one that I have personal experience is the one sold by BFranker. A kit is available with instructions and pictures at:
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/fbody/sequentialTA.htm
Another kit I have heard of, but have no experience with is available here:
http://www.blinkblink.com/
Q: At night, sometimes I see my headlights go dim for a second and then return back to normal. There doesn't appear to be any pattern for this, but it happens several times at night. What is the problem?
A: There is nothing wrong with your car. This is a result of the AIR pump cylcling on and off. The AIR pump is an emissions control device and when it kicks on, it puts a momentary load on your electrical system. This is perfectly normal and there is nothing to worry about.