Retractable headlight won't open

Right retractable headlight won't open. Live in the Northeast and the car has been out playing in heavy rain in recent days. What is my progression order for troubleshooting? These come to mind:

1) Look for obstructions preventing headlight from opening (sticks, leaves) 2) Disconnect, then re-connect plug for that retractable motor (case of moisture, dirt). 3) Check fuse main box engine compartment. 4) Test retractable motor with jumpers from 12-vote battery. Replace if motor doesn't work.

What else?

Hugh C.

Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services

----------------------------------------------------------

formatting link

Reply to
HughChardon51
Loading thread data ...

Start with the easy stuff, see if the button on the dash will open them, if so, try the headlight switch again. It fixes mine every time so far.....

Reply to
XS11E

Tried that without luck. Right headlight doesn't open with the open switch or the light switch. Suspect bad (or wet) wiring or a bad motor.

Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services

----------------------------------------------------------

formatting link

Reply to
HughChardon51

That's likely, hope it's not too expensive to fix...

Reply to
XS11E

I suspect that the connector between the headlight motor wiring and the main wiring harness might be (1) wet or (2) damaged. There's a bunch of little copper "fingers" in there that can short out and/or bend right off quite easily. Unfortunately, you cannot buy just that connector - the dealer will only sell the entire motor assembly. If that connector's bad, you might be able to find one used. Depending on just where in the Northeast you are, you might check with Planet Miata to see if they have a used one.

formatting link
They've been able to find some parts for me at a *very* reduced price.

Check the headlight retractor fuse in the main fuse box.

Disconnect the wiring at the motor; connect a voltmeter (postive to the red/yellow wire terminal and negative to ground) and see if you have any battery voltage. If so, check for continuity between the black terminal and the body. If you've got continuity there, the motor is bad. I've got a spare retractor motor from a '90 but it's for the left side.

I may not have my '90 anymore, but I still have my Enthusiast's Manual!

Iva & Vixen

2004 Classic Red No more winkin' Miata
Reply to
Iva

I suspect that the connector between the headlight motor wiring and the main wiring harness might be (1) wet or (2) damaged. There's a bunch of little copper "fingers" in there that can short out and/or bend right off quite easily. Unfortunately, you cannot buy just that connector - the dealer will only sell the entire motor assembly. If that connector's bad, you might be able to find one used. Depending on just where in the Northeast you are, you might check with Planet Miata to see if they have a used one.

formatting link
They've been able to find some parts for me at a *very* reduced price.

Check the headlight retractor fuse in the main fuse box.

Disconnect the wiring at the motor; connect a voltmeter (postive to the red/yellow wire terminal and negative to ground) and see if you have any battery voltage. If so, check for continuity between the black terminal and the body. If you've got continuity there, the motor is bad. I've got a spare retractor motor from a '90 but it's for the left side.

I may not have my '90 anymore, but I still have my Enthusiast's Manual!

Iva & Vixen

2004 Classic Red No more winkin' Miata
Reply to
Iva

If the motor is bad, I do still have access to one for $10.00 plus shipping.

The motor alone is pretty lightweight so it should not be too expensive to ship it.

Pat

Reply to
pws

If the motor is bad, I do still have access to one for $10.00 plus shipping.

The motor alone is pretty lightweight so it should not be too expensive to ship it.

Pat

Reply to
pws

Have you tried it manually? Rotate the knob on top of the retractor with the lights on & off/switch on & off Ephar & Bambi

Reply to
Ephar

Thanks to everyone who chimed in. The fix turned out to be surprisingly simple. The nut on the rotator arm from the motor had worked loose. Snugging it up fixed the problem.

Hugh C.

Posted Via Usenet.com Premium Usenet Newsgroup Services

----------------------------------------------------------

formatting link

Reply to
HughChardon51

Thanks for the follow up, I'm glad the fix didn't require large amounts of money!

Reply to
XS11E

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.