Problem on 2008 Mazda CX9, Grand Touring, but I suspect the setup may be the same on many Mazdas. I discovered a noise coming from a part attached to the headlight assembly, directly behind the Hi Beam bulb. It makes the noise all the time, whenever the headlights, lowball or high beam, are On. So it doesn't matter if the engine is Off, as long as the lights are still On, the noise is heard, but when the light go out, the noise stops.
This part is about 1 1/2 inches square with about a 1/4 inch horn style opening, as though to let in air. It has a three wire connector attached and when I try to remove this part from the headlight assembly by twisting it , I can see the headlight reflector move, as though it's attached. I don't want to twist it further or try to remove it- even though it seems it will- without knowing more about what it is and if it can be removed easily. This part is on both sides and the one attached to the passenger side headlight assembly, makes a very fast clicking or humming noise- like a small electric motor, where the fins are going bad, but maybe it's a relay thats just opening and closing fast, not sure. I seen the part comes with a whole headlight assembly, if you want to spend $800 to $1000, but I am hoping this can be replaced itself. But first I have to find out exactly what it is and what it's used for and if it can be replaced. Any ideas?
This part is about 1 1/2 inches square with about a 1/4 inch horn style opening, as though to let in air. It has a three wire connector attached and when I try to remove this part from the headlight assembly by twisting it , I can see the headlight reflector move, as though it's attached. I don't want to twist it further or try to remove it- even though it seems it will- without knowing more about what it is and if it can be removed easily. This part is on both sides and the one attached to the passenger side headlight assembly, makes a very fast clicking or humming noise- like a small electric motor, where the fins are going bad, but maybe it's a relay thats just opening and closing fast, not sure. I seen the part comes with a whole headlight assembly, if you want to spend $800 to $1000, but I am hoping this can be replaced itself. But first I have to find out exactly what it is and what it's used for and if it can be replaced. Any ideas?