jmayes6

When I turn the lights on and off with the motor running they work fine.
That is the lift motor rotates one way then the other raising and lowering
the headlights.

However when I shut the engine off, leave the headlights on, the key in
the run position, the motor rotates continuously in an counter clockwise
circle. (damaged the air conditionng condensor).

Also when I leave the lights on, shut the engine off it rotates down in counter
clockwise hitting the air conditioning condensor.

Any help would be appreciated.

StratfordShark

I had problem with my motor where it rotated in 'wrong' direction when lowering lights and damaged the aircon rad.

I thought motor must be faulty. Replaced the motor (from car being broken) and never had another problem (but had to replace aircon rad too - at least the aircon rad protected the coolant rad from damage!)

Alan

Maybe you could rephrase exactly what is going on - you just confused me.

You talk about shutting off the engine but leaving the key in run - what do you mean...?

You talk about headlights on but its not clear if you mean the switch is on or the headlights are actually on...

Whats is different between the motor operation between the running case and the failing non-running case? just that the mnotor keep going beyond a half rotation? sounds like in one case it does this but in another not....

It all too confusing...

I know its hard to explain - but you'll have to do it precisely to get an answer.

Alan

jmayes6

What it does precisely is :

When engine running, headlight lift motor works properly: that is; when lights are turned off it
lowers headlights, when lights are turned on it lifts headlights.

However with lights on (light switch turned on) and key (ignition switch) is rotated to run position without starting engine
headlight lift motor rotates continuously in a counter clockwise direction continuously lifting and lowering
lights.

When light switch is turned of it stops, Conversely when ignition switch is turned to off position it stops.

I don't understand why this occurs with the engine stopped and why it works fine with the engine running as the ignition switch is in the same position (returns to run position after starter is engaged by rotating the key engage the starter and then releasing it once the engine starts).

Any help is appreciated

kraabel

Check to make sure all the right relays are in the right slots and the slots that are supposed to be empty are empty. I had a similar issue and it turned out that the PO had swapped some relays around and had something in the spot for the daytime running lights that was causing some strange things with my lights. I pulled it and they worked beautifully.

The other issue might be the switch itself. Buy a used one and pop it in. It's faster than swapping the motor out, that's for sure. If it's not it, sell it on eBay.

jmayes6

You're right.

It's the running light relay. I understand this relay (Daytime Running Light) is not used on American cars and was for Canada.

However, wiring is there in the relay block for it. (You can take a flashlight and see copper connectors in the spade slots) Normally in spots where
relays don't go there's no wiring.

But if my understanding is right there shouln't be a relay in III (Daytime Running Light) for American
Cars or at least 1990 models.

Please advise if my perception is wrong about the relay.

jmayes6

I meant shouldnot not "shouln't"

Thanks for the help!

Alan

For a USA car you should not have a running light relay installed there - if you did have one it needs to be a special type - not a standard '53 (SPST type) or it will cause problems.

Alan

jmayes6

Thanks for all your help!!!

Alan

So did that fix it ? you had an extra relay to remove...?

jmayes6

Yes, removing the relay fixed the problem. However, I went further and put in a relay I got from Porsche which is used if you want runnng lights. I believe it is an Audi part number 431-951-253-G (my car is a 1990 S4 automatic and wired for running lights [don't know if other american 928's are, but maybe all are]) and the running lights worked without causing the Highlight Motor Lift Motor Problem.

Obviously, putting a relay or the wrong relay in this slot will cause a problem with the headlight lift motor
possibly damaging the air conditioner condensor--be careful.

jmayes6

Correction to my last comment--it should say "Putting the wrong relay in this slot will cause..." It it's the
right relay it shouldn't cause a problem. Just be careful.

S4ordie

So did we determine if all S4/newer 928's have the daytime running lights capability if the right relay in the right place is used? Or, were Canadian/ROW cars wired differently?

If all cars are the same, I'd like to know which relay and location so I can activate that option. I travel to Canada on occasion and must say the DRL mandate really makes a positive difference in seeing other cars. Good safety option, especially if traveling at high rate of speed.

Alan

'90 & up have this feature - same relay.

All it does is run the fogs (only) automatically whenever the engine is actually running (except with high beams in USA models).

Alan