Joepro

My lights will not go up when the switch is turned (either one) but will go down with the switches after cranked up. Does this sound like a relay problem? Also, one of the switches has to be turned one to crank them up, or the motors do a cycle of up then down. Any ideas? Thanks

NZConvertible

There's no external relay for the headlight retractors, they're built into the motors. It sounds like a problem in the main headlight switch.

The headlights are driven up and down like a piston in a piston engine. The motor only turns one way, half a turn to raise them and another half turn to lower them.

HAILERS

((((((((((((There's no external relay for the headlight retractors, they're built into the motors. It sounds like a problem in the main headlight switch.)))))))))))))))

Sorry to disappoint you.....but the early series four did/do have headlight retractor relays. I can give you part numbers OR you can look at the fische at http://www.mazdaformance.com/rx7parts.htm

I believe I even posted a jpg of one recently. They are located on the bulkhead that the headlight assy's attach to. The rear of that bulkhead.

So the problem could be relay related on a 86-88 model......but it's not realistic to think that both went kaput at the same time. I'll let someone else figure that problem out.

HAILERS

They look like this jpg.....

HAILERS

Or here's one I got from a wrecking yard. It looked pristine....until I took it apart and it is/was a rust bucket. I've cleaned some of the superficial rust off and have never tried it out on the car. Looks too risky.

Part number: 51 931 MOTOR (R) FB01-51-66X W/RELAY

Part number: 51 931Z MOTOR (L) FB01-51-57X W/RELAY

Please take note of the reference to...........W/RELAY

HAILERS

Some cars have the external relay. To find it is easy. Follow the retractor motors harness from the motor to its other end. On the other end should be a branch that attaches to....the relay. Much like the ones in the jpgs, except expect to find the relay in a rubber boot/bracket that is held to the bulkhead with a single 10mm wrench size bolt.

Joepro

Heres what I found....I got together with my buddy, who has an 86. We located the relays for his lights.(the retractors) But mine indeed does not have them, at least where his are. I think i will have him pull his switch and we will try that. Thank guys!

HAILERS

Do you know there is a switch, just above your headlight switch, that will make the headlights go up and down???? It makes them go up or down and the lights will not come on when using this switch. Does this switch do anything when you turn it one way then the other?????

I had not used this switch on my car for I suspect over a year. I just use it to make the lights go up then down. I noticed there was a lag of over two seconds prior to the headlight assy's coming up. Give it a try.

Joepro

This is what I was referring to by either one, I was talking about the second switch. It does the same as the headlight switch, will make the lights go down, but not up.

HAILERS

It's a moot point now, but I just saw a picture with the location of the left headlight retractor relay. Here it is......

Joepro

Are the switches diffrent from the models that have the realys? If not I will switch out the switches (tounge twister) while my buddy continues installing his bushing kit tomorrow.

NZConvertible

Trust you to prove me wrong. Dunno when this changed, but 88's definitely don't have one.

Amur_

Another possible explanation...


The motors for the headlights are grounded to themselves. That ground does deteriorate over time, which results in finicky behaviour (and later no behaviour at all ) from the headlights.

You have to remove each motor to get at its ground wire. It's easy to find and a few swipes with sandpaper (or a few seconds with a drimmel and a wire brush attachment) and it'll be as good as new.

Joepro

they both have the same ground? Im not sure what your getting at. if they each have their own induvidual ground, why would both stop working. However, there is power to take the lights down.....I dunno. I worked with power and ground alot, but mostly through stereos and gauge installations. It might almost be time to made that dreaded trip to you know where...gulp (mazda dealer) I will see after I switc hthe switches tomorrow.

HAILERS

I don't know for sure.....but I bet the switches are the same.

I'd pull the plug off the relay. See if you have 12v on the White/Green wire.

Then see if you have 12v on the Red/Yellow wire when the switch is to DOWN

Then see if you have 12v on the Red/Blue wire when the switch is to UP

JPG ATTACHED:

HAILERS

Jpg Attached:

Amur_

No. Each individual unit has a black wire that comes out of the casing and is then bolted to the casing. This is the ground wire.




I dunno, either. Electricity is stupid. But it *is* a possible explanation, it is an easy fix and you don't have to buy anything to accomplish that fix. You just need elbow grease...

HAILERS

Hmmm.......if you look at the jpg I attached you'll see the ground is at Ground Point (5).

That ground point is located under the Trail Coil Assy. It's a four or six prong grounding block. It seems to me since the retractor works in one direction that that ground must exist or be good.

When I had trouble with my right headlight assy, I took a dremel motor and took the black cover off the relay to expose its innards. Then with my finger pressed the contacts together and when I did the light went down. Careful cleaning and a little bending of the contact resulted in a functional headlght retractor assy. I noticed the contact is pitted and this thing won't last more than another ten years......but by that time I'll be driving a hydrogen powered vehicle and won't much care. HINT....buy stock in BALLARD now, not later.