About Used Headlight Motors
On vehicles with hidden or leveling headlights, the headlight motor raises the lights or adjusts their aim, and a failed motor leaves a light stuck down or misaimed. A used motor is a budget fix for these systems.
What a Headlight Motor Does
The headlight motor either raises and lowers pop-up (hidden) headlights, or, on many modern vehicles, adjusts the aim of the headlights to keep them level as the vehicle loads and moves. It positions the light correctly so your beams point where they should.
Signs Your Headlight Motor Is Failing
- A pop-up headlight stuck up or down, or one that lags the other
- Headlights that no longer self-level, on leveling systems
- Grinding or clicking from the motor
- A leveling fault or warning on equipped vehicles
What to Check When Buying a Used Headlight Motor
- Test the motor's movement with power if you can
- Check the gears for wear or stripping
- Confirm it is the correct type: pop-up lift versus leveling
- Match the exact motor and side for your vehicle
Common Applications
Pop-up headlight motors are found on many older sports and performance cars, while headlight leveling motors are common on modern vehicles with HID or LED lights. Worn gears and failed motors are the usual issues.
Related Parts
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a headlight motor do?
It either raises and lowers pop-up headlights on cars that hide them, or adjusts the headlight aim to keep the beams level as the vehicle's load changes. Either way it positions the light correctly.
Why is one pop-up headlight stuck?
The motor for that light has likely failed or its gears have stripped, leaving it stuck up or down while the other still works. A used motor for that side restores it.
Do modern cars have headlight motors?
Many do, for automatic leveling, especially with HID or LED headlights. If your car self-levels its lights, it has leveling motors that can fail.
Are headlight motors interchangeable?
Only the correct motor and type for your vehicle will fit and work. Match pop-up versus leveling, the side, and your exact model.
