Recent intermitant headlamp issue.

[davidf]

Well I rarely ever use my headlamps. I do though open them with the button to dry off the car after a wash. I noticed last week they would'nt close back with the button so I turned the headlamps on then off and they closed. Today I flashed with the bright lights so a car could cut in line and they did not go back down. After some PG13 curse words they popped back in placed. Any clues?
Thank you in advance.

 

[Old Guy]

If just one side was sticking up or down, I would suggest that the problem is the retractor motor cam switch or a remote chance that the retractor relay or cut relay for that side has an intermittent problem. Since I gather they are both sticking in the up position and since the problem is initiated by more than one switch (both the manual retractor switch and the headlight flasher), I am inclined to think that the problem is with the headlight retractor control unit or possibly a bad connection to the control unit.

The service manual sets out a test procedure for the control unit. However, carrying out the test procedure when it is in its intermittently working phase will probably give you a pass the test result. You will have to wait until next time it sticks and try the test. Unfortunately, my hazy recollection is that the control unit is jammed into one of those not fun to get to places!

Edit
Actually, not so hard to get at. Its mounted on the back bulkhead, not under the dash by the starter cut relay which is what I was thinking.

 

[mskrotzki]

Today I flashed with the bright lights so a car could cut in line and they did not go back down. After some PG13 curse words they popped back in placed. Any clues?

Try again without the curse words. Every time I use my headlight flashers the lights remain up for about 5 seconds and then retract. I guess that is so you can flash them again. I believe this is the way the flashers are supposed to work.

 

[davidf]

They stay up. It takes numerous trys to get them back down. Manually or with highbeam switch.

Try again without the curse words. Every time I use my headlight flashers the lights remain up for about 5 seconds and then retract. I guess that is so you can flash them again. I believe this is the way the flashers are supposed to work.