Wedge headlight (help)

[Phil Durn]

Hi all, I am getting my 1988 350i back on the road. The offside headlamp pod stays in the up position and does not lower when the lights are turned off. The nearside one operates correctly, any ideas.

Cheers for any assistance.

[Geoff38]

headlight operation explained here...

http://www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk/maint_headlight.htm...

hope this helps....

[mrzigazaga]

Also check the connections as they can corrode..I think essentially the power is fed from the O/S to the N/S..Pop the bonnet and turn on the headlights then see if you can follow the loom from each headlight..Give it a little wiggle then turn off..Wiggle them agaim to see if the pod lowers..If not then loosen the live terminal on the battery..turn lights on so the pods are up..Disconnect the live terminal..Pop the lenses out via the poppers on the rear of the head light lenses..Put a cloth round the stem of a screw driver as not to damage the paint on the pod and gently lever out/pop out the lens, You should have three pop type retainers on each lens..Disconnect the plug and remove the cicular holding plate for the headlight and you should be able to access the wiring/plugs to the pod motors..Pull apart and clean/check for corrosion if good put back and test..Make sure you put the plate & lenses back in before testing...Ziga


PS: Just make 100% sure that you have the battery live terminal disconnected all the time you are working with your hands inside the pod opening..If it closes with your arm in there you could lose it...

Edited by mrzigazaga on Friday 10th August 18:31

[Phil Durn]

Many thanks. I'll give it a go.

Cheers, Phil

[RCK974X]

There's a few threads on the infamous pod problems...

I would agree - check all the connectors first, then earth returns, then fuses, then diodes, then relays....

Zig, I don't think you would lose your arm, they are only windscreen wiper motors after all, but I reckon you would get a nasty bruise and the neighbours would probably be asking why the air is suddenly blue...

Hopefully the fuse would blow (assuming you haven't replaced it with a huge great piece of wire...
(seen that a few times !!)

Edited by RCK974X on Saturday 11th August 06:00

[mrzigazaga]

RCK974X said:

Zig, I don't think you would lose your arm, they are only windscreen wiper motors after all, but I reckon you would get a nasty bruise and the neighbours would probably be asking why the air is suddenly blue...

I know but fear is a good thing sometimes..It stops you getting unnecesscary cuts & bruises..The air around my car is always blue when im working on it...

[wooly350i]

And besides,if the bloody thing close on ya arm whilst you are under there and everyone's gawn ayt,it would be a lonely old place!