My pop-ups don't want to pop up so much, anymore, nor down, for that matter. when I turn them on, I've got to pull up on them for them to come up all the way and sometimes that doesn't even work. The same applies for putting them down. For the past few months they have consistently not been going even more than 30% up, and sometimes only one will do that. Basically, it's a crap shoot, sometimes they both will pop all the way up, other times one will go halfway the other goes none, the possibilities are endless.

I originally thought that their lack of cooperation might be related to the cold temperatures they were living in (the car sits in a parking lot in the UP of Michigan it gets cold and snowy). I first tried spraying a penetrating lube on all the joints I could see without having to taking the headlights all apart, apparently it doesn't/didn't work.

Now I'm curious if some relays could possibly be the culprit for this little gremlin, but I can't be certain. It seems too coincidental for both motors to go TU at the same time.

I also tried helping the lights up by cranking them up once they would stop, but the little crank thing would just spin right back.

I suppose I could just call it the "drunken stare" mod, but it doesn't seem like a good idea if I ever wanted to drive at night.

Anything you guys have to offer is good for me.

 

It sounds like you have NOT read the easy to download service manual on both checking voltage to the headlight motors, nor adjustment of the pop-up headlights. Give that a shot first. Adjustment is under the body electrical section I believe.

http://www.teamfc3s.org/main/factory_service_manual/

 

if the headlight motors are still ACTUALLY working I would start by lubing the **** out of every single fulcrum you can find on the headlight assembly and go from there...

 

And if you need some used ones that work great, contact me first.

 

Yeah, I looked there, in the FSM I downloaded a year ago (I always go there first). I don't have easy access to a multimeter, tools, or any place to work on the car.

Last time I worked on them, I guess maybe I didn't lube them up enough, it'll have to wait until I can get home now. I was hoping someone with experience with a problem such as this could help, not just tell me to look in the FSM.

I am pretty sure the motors are still in working order, because they do move, just they need to be coaxed. So my only real option at this point is more spray lube? Okay. I'll take it apart and grease it up in two weeks.

If anybody thinks it could be a bit more on the electrical side, let me know.

 

well if you don't have access to a multimeter or tools or even a place to work on the car you'd better HOPE its not an electrical problem or your pocket book is going to be getting a workout......

soudns to me though like they are just siezing up...but it could be an electrical issue though - but as I said - lube them up GOOD and go from there....especially since given your situation you really have no other options

 

Most owners work in their driveways or parking spaces. A simple let of ramps, portable jack, stands, and basic set of tools can do most repairs. Most auto parts stores (Autozone) sell multimeters on the cheap.

 

LUBE!!! My dearest friend. I hopefully can afford a can of something decent. Reccomendations?

 

I'm 5 hours from home, at college, any auto work (outside of filling tires and refilling oil) will result in immediate towing, a fine, and suspension of parking.

 

PB blaster

 

I have the exact same problem with mine... i think... i took the headlight assemblies off and the motors turn fine every time, but when the headlight assemblies are on, it does nothing half the time, then sometimes it moves. oh and sometimes only one comes up, but not the other. its cool. anyways, my plan was to just take apart the assemblies and clean and lube everything up nicely and see how it works.