This only happened for a few seconds when I turned the headlights on before, but today the left headlight kept going up and down for a few minutes after I closed it, even after I turned the car off. I was afraid it was going to drain the battery. It did stop (closed) eventually.

Has anyone seen this happen before? I did a search but most people have a problem with the light getting stuck or not working... the light does work on both sides and the FD is a base model '93 with no fog lamps.

Found this handy diagram in my search: https://www.rx7club.com/attachments/...hed-lights-jpg

 

Something happens like that with a security system fail. Should stop when you use your key in a door lock though. But maybe there is a short?

 

Yes, it could be a wiring problem. I'll test with a key in the lock.

But you'd think the other light would go up and down too if it was the security system. I'll check the fuse and retractor relay as well as the ground to the headlight:

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...r-fuse-631236/

 

IIRC, there's a limit switch that signals the headlight it is closed - IMO, that's likely the issue. Maybe it's mis-located or faulty.

 

Thanks! I'll look for the switch.

 

I recently noticed that my headlight harness has been chewing through the fiberglass bucket. The wire casing is starting to wear away as well.

Another time the lifting mechanism chopped my windshield washer fluid line. Took a while to figure out where the fluid leak was coming from.

 

Sounds like Mazda packed in a lot of stuff in that area. I'll check for any signs of wear or contact while I'm poking around in there.

 

The contact plate inside the headlight motor can be the issue as well. The before and after of my experience is above. If it doesn't see one of those contacts, it doesn't stop spinning.

Vince

 

Be careful taking the motor apart though. Not sure it is too easy to put back together.

 

It's literally 3 screws holding that contact plate on.....
There are no loose parts to fall off.

Vince

 

Thanks for the tip. That's a huge difference before and after the cleanup of the contact plate.

I'll start with the simplest checks and work my way in if necessary.

We had a large dump of snow this weekend so the car will be in storage for the rest of the season.

 

If you need a motor I have...$75 + shipping

 

Hmmm. Maybe it was when I removed just the black cover part?

 

Usual wheel well wire rub?