norco_kid

I got an 88 firebird this winter and the guy told me that the pop up lights worked but that he removed the fuse because if they went down in the winter they would freeze down. Anyways now that its warm im trying to get them to work and i dont know how. the motors work when attatched directly to a battery. its the first firebird i have so i dont even know how to turn the lights up even if everything is working properly (do they just go up when you turn the lights on?) anyways I checked all the fuses in the fusebox under the dash and everyhthing seems good.. Can anyone help out?

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Yes they should just go up when you turn on the headlights and down when you turn them off. You should invest in a 88 Firebird Service Manual. They are available new from www.helminc.com. or used on eBay. Section 8A-102-0 through -2 are the pages you'll need to reference to diagnose the problem.

Lon

norco_kid

well I have the clymers manual and i just ordered a haynes from my auto store. but in the meantime, can't you just tell me where the fuses/relays are for them?

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

The relay box is on the driver's side, on the firewall, 2 large plugs...

The one box, contains 2 individual relays, so that a failure of one side, and the other keeps working.

There is a black, manual **** to raise the headlights, in case of relay failure, just to the inside of the headlight with the hood up. I believe Lon sells rebuilt relay control boxes, if yours is burned out.

Do the lights turn on, but they don't pop up? I'm betting that is the case. The turn on of the lights, is not dependent on the motors, so they will turn on, even if they won't pop up.

I believe the seller knew his were out, and lied about the fuse. If that was true, putting the fuse in, would have solved the problem.

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

The "relay" Stephen mentions is more than just a relay. It is called a Headlight Control Module. The module is located on the firewall in a bracket between the brake master cylinder and the windshield wiper motor. It is black and has the word "GUIDE" molded into the plastic case. There are a couple of pages in the Firebird Service manual I've already mentioned that lists the wiring diagram (showing such things as the fuseable links, color coding and pinouts of the wiring) of the entire headlight motor circuit and a diagnostic guide to follow detailing the correct operation of the motors and possible things to look to if things aren't working properly. Trust me it's WAY too much for me to try and type out and post on this thread. I can't stress enough that everyone should invest in the Service Manual for their model and year of F-body. There is a reason why it weighs on average a full 5 lbs and contains as many pages as it does. If you plan on keeping your car and saving money by working on it yourself, you REALLY need to buy one. It will more than pay for itself the first time you have to do a repair. Stepping down off the soap box.

Lon

Stephen

iTrader: (12)

I managed to get one for my 87, and it is packed full of good info. And yes, 2" thick and 5lbs is about right!

norco_kid

Alright, thanks a lot for the help guys! I found the control box and opened it up. It did look like it had some overheating damage, but nothing too severe. what I did notice was there were 2 thin metal wires (they almost looked like solder) and one of them was disconnected. It looks like those wires were some sort of fuse or something, because it looks like it was made to melt if the current got too high. Anyways, I hard wired the broken one with a solid wire and left the other one since it was fine. Popped it in and one of my lights now works! they both turn on, but only one pops up/down. So now how should I go about this? Do you think i need a new control module? If so how much will it cost and where should I get one? Or is it maybe the wiring that goes from the motor itself to the control box (i know the motor works). Thanks! Adam

norco_kid

About this service manual, which is the exact one you reccomend and where can I get it? Or is there any place to download it in pdf? I know i did that for my eagle talon I tried the helm site but i didnt really get anywhere

lonsal

iTrader: (2)

Re-read my first post. In it I inlcuded a link to the site that sells the manual you need to get. I sell the module you need on my web site. Just click on the banner ad for TDS (Top-Down Solutions), it is under the "Electrical " category. Remember there are two modules. You need the module for 1987-89.--->

Lon Salgren
Top-Down Solutions