Indecisive headlights fixed
10-04-2003 | 02:08 AM
#1
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Indecisive headlights fixed
It started with the left headlight not coming on because the left headlight fuse blew.
Then the headlights started not wanting to stay down when turned off. They would pop right back up, and down, until I shut off the car.
Finally, tonight, the headlights didn't want to stay up, or down!
Given the gradual symptoms, I guessed it was the headlight relay.
I rocked the headlight relay gently out of its socket and popped the cap off. (The headlight relay actually has 3 or 4 relays, some resistors, transistors, etc. inside. I assume the electronics are a timing circuit.)
I found quite a lot of crystalized circuit board crud between the traces. I scraped the crud off with my fingernail, then cleaned the circuit board and the relay contacts with electronic cleaner spray.
Put it back together and the headlights are back to normal! (Brighter too?)
Then the headlights started not wanting to stay down when turned off. They would pop right back up, and down, until I shut off the car.
Finally, tonight, the headlights didn't want to stay up, or down!
Given the gradual symptoms, I guessed it was the headlight relay.
I rocked the headlight relay gently out of its socket and popped the cap off. (The headlight relay actually has 3 or 4 relays, some resistors, transistors, etc. inside. I assume the electronics are a timing circuit.)
I found quite a lot of crystalized circuit board crud between the traces. I scraped the crud off with my fingernail, then cleaned the circuit board and the relay contacts with electronic cleaner spray.
Put it back together and the headlights are back to normal! (Brighter too?)
Last edited by PorKen; 10-05-2003 at 02:24 AM.
10-04-2003 | 05:06 AM
#2
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Midland, Texas
Glad I didnt throw away the old relay I'll clean it up tommorow and test - another spare part for my growing collection.
Thanks for the idea.
Merde,
Did Deb replace the Relay as well?
Thanks for the idea.
Merde,
Did Deb replace the Relay as well?
Last edited by John Struthers; 10-05-2003 at 08:26 AM.
10-05-2003 | 02:46 AM
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Not fixed!
I guess I was just lucky last night after cleaning the relay.
The headlight motor relay trips briefly, but not doesn't stop.
Gotta pull the motor and check the contacts I guess.
I guess I was just lucky last night after cleaning the relay.
The headlight motor relay trips briefly, but not doesn't stop.
Gotta pull the motor and check the contacts I guess.
10-05-2003 | 02:15 PM
#4
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Camarillo, CA, USA
PorKen,
If I forget to turn off the headlights before removing the key from the ignition, the headlights stay both up and on. The only way to turn them off is the re-insert the key in the ignition, but I can't get them both up and off.
Is this normal? If not, what causes this? Bad headlight relay?
If I forget to turn off the headlights before removing the key from the ignition, the headlights stay both up and on. The only way to turn them off is the re-insert the key in the ignition, but I can't get them both up and off.
Is this normal? If not, what causes this? Bad headlight relay?
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10-05-2003 | 06:17 PM
#8
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From: Midland, Texas
Deb,
You will probably will do the switch first ... due to disassembly but sure would be nice to know if the original problem was the relay. Hope the switch arrives soon.
Good time to trickle charge, are you putting a new exciter?
You will probably will do the switch first ... due to disassembly but sure would be nice to know if the original problem was the relay. Hope the switch arrives soon.
Good time to trickle charge, are you putting a new exciter?