Headlight Pod stays up

[russell.berry@ve]

The left headlight pod on my '84 TE pops up brilliantly but will not retract when the lights are shut. Since the right pod operates properly, I have switched the left & right relays with no change in result so it appears that the relays are OK. If I crank the pod down about half way and switch the lights on, the pod cycles to the down position and then back up, therefore, it also appears that the motor is OK. Any ideas on what to check next?
Thanks
Russ

[hilly]

Inside the motor casing is a round gear attached to the pod arm which is driven by the motor. On one side of this gear are some contacts which operate when the motor is in the up or down position. These can fracture over time so it may be worth taking the motor assembly apart to check if this has happened.

There are also some doides fitted within the motor to stop current flow in the wrong direction when in certain positions, so it is possible that one of these has died. These can be checked with a meter if susspect.

Check the contacts first as these are the most likely problem.

Andy
1981 S3

>> Edited by hilly on Thursday 20th May 16:30

[russell.berry@ve]

Thanks Andy, I'll have a go at the thing tonight.
Russ

[russell.berry@ve]

You nailed it Andy! Pulled the motor assembly, popped it open and found that one side of the contact was indeed filthy, but even worse, the resistor or capacitor that was connected to that contact was blown and the wire broken (assume this happened when my drain got blocked up and filled the cavity with water). The other contact appears to have the same component which is black with a silver band on one end (including some very small numbers in the silver band). Does anybody know what this component is and/or what rating?
Thanks
Russ

[wedg1e]

russell.berry@ve said:

You nailed it Andy! Pulled the motor assembly, popped it open and found that one side of the contact was indeed filthy, but even worse, the resistor or capacitor that was connected to that contact was blown and the wire broken (assume this happened when my drain got blocked up and filled the cavity with water). The other contact appears to have the same component which is black with a silver band on one end (including some very small numbers in the silver band). Does anybody know what this component is and/or what rating? Thanks Russ

Yup, it's s diode. Specifically, something from the "1N4000" series. A 1N4001 would do it, but if you want a bit more 'spike' protection, go for 4004 upwards. You may as well replace them both while you're at it, they only cost pennies. Or cents, if you're 'over there'....

Ian

[russell.berry@ve]

Thanks Ian, its cents this side (near Washington DC). Changing both is a good suggestion and should be easly done when I have the whole thing dismantled to clean up the contacts.
Thanks Again!
Russ

[hilly]

Good stuff Russ

Glad to be of assistance.

Andy