'88 RX7 headlights wont close or open properly!

[jono20]

The headlights on my 1988 rx 7 have some problems... when closed, the right headlight is only 90% or so closed, a good half inch of it isnt closing flush with the hood. Same with when it opens up to turn on, it will only open to 85% height.

The weird thing is, the right headlamp DOES close and open properly momentarily, THEN moves backward and into its funny position.\
(ie.. when closing, it will close all the way, then open back up a little bit, and when opening, it will open all the way to the correct position, and then close 15% of the way.

Help!

 

[GHOSTWHISPER]

My old FD did this for awhile. It is either the wiring, or the actuator, that pushes up went bad. I am sorry it is not really a acuator, but a small motor. Take the system apart, and switch the sides, so you can narrow the problem down. My answer to my problem was I just bought projectors.

 

[jono20]

is it very hard to disassemble the headlight assembly? if it is one of the mototrs couldnt I just grab a new one froma junk yarD?

 

[GHOSTWHISPER]

yes that would fix it, but you have to know first it is the motor. But most likely it is.

 

[jono20]

yes that would fix it, but you have to know first it is the motor. But most likely it is.

its weird... its almost like theres somethign stopping it from staying all the way open. Like I said, the light opens flawlessly to the correct position first, and then after it is completely open the little motor brings it down 3/4 of an inch. same with when its closing, it closes all the way so it is flush with the hood, and then it opens back up a little bit. odd..

 

[xelderx]

Sounds like it is out of adjustment??? I have an '86 RX-7 that I just pulled the headlights out of. I haven't looked at them to see if what you are saying can be adjusted out. It sounds to me like the motors and switches are all working correctly, but the arm that the motor attaches to is not right and it's rotating past the limit and then pulling the headlights the other way before the switch tells the motor to stop.

 

[jono20]

I figured it out earlier this morning, you're absolutely right xelderx

I spent like 2 and a half hours under my car adjusting it, but thats what I needed. I jsut removed the bolt holding the arm, adjusted the arm so it matched the position of the working light, and bolted it back on. Worked like a charm!

Thanks everyone