Chrysler Repair: 91 Lebaron headlight covers dont move, reduction gears, mechanical connection

Question
I had to have my Lebaron jump started. the headlight covers have always opened but after starting they would not open. As I was in the middle of nowhere and getting dark, I had no choice but to manually pop them open. What problems has this caused and what needs to be done to fix them?

Answer
Hi Kenn,
Probably the reduction gears that connect the motor to the rod that operates the door are stripped. If you don't hear the motor run when you turn on or off the headlamps, then it is likely an electrical issue. But if you hear it run and nonetheless the door don't move, then you could try operating the motor by hand. Note there is flap on the panel just in front of the radiator top edge which covers an opening. If you reach down thru the opening you will feel a knob (covered with a rubber boot) which when rotated one way or the other would turn the gears just as the motor does when powered. See if the mechanical connection is still there or not. If not, then listen for whether the motor operates when you turn the headlamps on or off. If not then there is an issue with the power supply to the motor that involves a fuse (#57 in the power distribution center under the hood) and three relays in that same center, and the body computer. So we can trouble shoot that system if the mechanical is not the issue.
Let me know what you learn.
Roland
P.S. If it is any consolation my gears on the '89 Coupe I own just wore out. A new motor/gear drive assembly is $130 from the dealer but I found a used one from an '87 that seems to be good. These units have a finite life so you may have not lost too much of the remaining life of your unit.