[MSCW list] 1988 Headlight Issue

[SCOTT ZETTERSTROM]

Terri,
The wiring for the headlight retractor does come directly off the battery. (It actually runs through a fusable link before it feeds both lights.) So if one is operating the other has power, unless you have a wiring issue.   If the motor is running when the car is off it is trying to move itself to it's parked position. It sounds like you have a broken linkage.  Unfortunately, without looking at it I can't give you a great way to disable it short of pulling the wiring connector off the light.  It has been a while since I have worked on an RX-7 but as I recall these are similar to the Miata. There is a manual operator on the motor that allows you to raise and lower the light. The motor has a verticle stalk with a rubber cap on it. If you remove the cap you can access the knob that allows you to turn down the light. Depending upon where your linkage is broken you may be able to turn down the light and reach the park position so that the motor will stop running. I hope this helps. Feel free to call if you have any problems or questions.
Scott ZetterstromSportscar Shop, Inc.703-433-1444www.sportscarshopinc.com
 > This morning my husband heard a noise coming from the headlight door area on
> his way to work when he walked thru the garage. He called me several hours
> later and asked if I heard it. Answer .NO. I went out and no noise and
> battery DEAD.  The darn headlight door motor must have been trying to close
> the door with the car turned OFF? Running off the battery? I did not hear
> that noise when I was fooling with the headlight switch and the open/close
> switch that operates the doors without turning on the lights.
> 
> Question #1.Is there a fuse for headlight motor or one for each one?
> Nothing looks remotely like it on the under dash fuse box diagram. There is
> a 30 amp fuse in the engine compartment that says 'retractor' but if it were
> blown wouldn't it affect both headlight doors? When we charge the battery
> the same thing is likely to happen. ARGHHH!. 
> 
> Question #2.is there a way to manually close the darn thing for the time
> being and I won't drive at night??? Don't want to push on the door too much.
> 
> 
>  I called Malloy but of course they want it brought in. Gee..no surprise
> there. Tried to explain that I have bought 4 RXs from them under different
> dealerships and I always bring the car to them for major things so can't he
> give me a little advice/help please.  He said check the fuses under dash and
> in engine compartment. I asked if there was a way to close the door manually
> and he said they would have to look at it..grrr. He then said it is an old
> car and could be electrical, etc,etc. I told him the car may be old in years
> but  is in PERFECT condition and has 130K on it. He has no idea how cherry
> this car is.
> 
> I AM SO FRUSTRATED. I just want to disable the (*^&*)T*^&* thing at this
> point.
> 
> HELP
> Terri
> 
>  
> 
> Original post: 
> 
>  My right headlight is stuck in the up position.  Happened this morning in
> the fog when I had to turn them on. This happened once before  about a year
> ago and the next time I used them all was well but not so this time. Is
> there anything I can do to check before I am forced to take her in? Of
> course I am terrified at the prospect of it being the motor.
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Terri
> 
> 1988 Red Vert in cherry condition
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