Headlamp Lift not working.

For all those wiring gremlins we love, this is the place to discuss them.

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snafu
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Headlamp Lift not working.

Post by snafu »

Typical. Christmas party last night and when I went to put the headlamps on for the drive back home, only the drivers side pod lifted.

To avoid being stopped in the many roadblocks at this time of year, I remembered that I would be legal if I use the fog lights.

The headlamp itself operates, just the lift motor not getting any power.

Unfortunately I do not have a wiring diagram for my 89 SE so I don't know if each pod motor is fused or if it is just a wire come adrift, but I can't even see where the wiring is or even where the pod motor is hidden.

Does anyone have a wiring diagram and some ideas for me. Thanks.
1984 Lotus Esprit Turbos, Calypso Red (E.F.I.), 1989 Lotus Excel SE.

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barker_001
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Re: Headlamp Lift not working.

Post by barker_001 »

Under each front wing there is a large rubber bung, about 4-5 inches across. Pull the bung out and feel around, you will find another smaller rubber cover. Pull it off and it will reveal a knurled knob which is the end of the motor shaft. Turning it manually raises the pod, so at least you can use the headlight.

The smaller rubber cover contained some water on my car, which was possibly the cause of my non-raising pod. I found moving the pod slightly away from the endstop, then raising the pod electrically, cured my problem. I made a small hole in the rubber cover so no more water could build up in there. It has been fine now for several years (touch wood!)

Not sure if rain / water ingress is as prevalent in SA as here in Wales?.... :lol:
Bryan

1990 Excel SE

"Look, there's a Ferrari..."

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snafu
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Re: Headlamp Lift not working.

Post by snafu »

Thanks for that Bryan and thanks John for the circuit. I have just got to look for the OP wire if I can work out what colour OP is.

It is strange as the lift motor was working a week or so ago when it came up with the flasher, but yes it did rain, but only drizzle but as we drove back home, the heavens opened and it poured down.

The car is back in the garage under its dust cover awaiting my attention next week.

Thanks a span guys.
1984 Lotus Esprit Turbos, Calypso Red (E.F.I.), 1989 Lotus Excel SE.

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barker_001
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Re: Headlamp Lift not working.

Post by barker_001 »

OP = Orange with a purple tracer... :)
Bryan

1990 Excel SE

"Look, there's a Ferrari..."

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snafu
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Model: Excel SE
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Re: Headlamp Lift not working.

Post by snafu »

I found that the manual control accessed from beneath would not rotate. When voltage was applied to the motor I could hear the current or thermal cutout clicking. Sprayed the entire area with our WD 40 called Q20 and after a few minutes, the knob rotated. As soon as voltage was applied again - Viola, she worked fine. I must use the headlamp flashers a little more often to stop them seizing up again.
1984 Lotus Esprit Turbos, Calypso Red (E.F.I.), 1989 Lotus Excel SE.

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