headlights doing random stuff..

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hcca
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headlights doing random stuff..

Post by hcca »

Well, i've finally got one of my Starions going (not the beast :)), just trying to fix a few bits and pieces up to get it through a roadworthy.

The headlights seem to have a problem - I don't know if it's common or not. I can switch them on, and -sometimes- they both pop up, but more often only the right one pops up. Then when I switch them off, they -sometimes- go down, but not always. Doesn't seem to be the relays as I can hear them clicking, and swapping them around doesn't make any difference. If the lights get to the stage where they're up but won't go down again, I walk away and leave it. Sometime during the night, they always seem to go down again...

Any ideas? I might have to try swapping the relay box over, but i'm not convinced that's the problem.
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Project2501
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Post by Project2501 »

maybe you should call an excorcist :p

have you checked that the motors are working fine? i.e. applying power to them individually..

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Post by Paradoxx »

How long has the car been standing?
It might be possible that the terminals have corroded or there is an earth problem. The servo motor senses the position of the lights and if they arent in the right place they will correct themselves as soon as a voltage is applied. If there is a dodgy connection they might be getting in intermittent signal. try the connections to the motors, the relays and also the dash.

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Post by ProZac »

I shall add a second opinion, even tho its exactly the same, sounds like a case of corroded terminals to me. They will cause many a gremlin.
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hcca
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Post by hcca »

I'll have a look at them and give them a good clean.. the car has been sitting for quite a while so that's highly likely.
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Post by StarionChef »

Yep, pull apart all the plug conectors in the headlight loom, and clean each terminal, major pain, but will most likely fix the problem.
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hcca
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Post by hcca »

I gave them a very quick clean today but didn't get much off. Anyway, it seemed to help a bit, but they've still got problems. Is there any chemicals that would help get that green/white corroded crap off?
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Post by decoy »

heard coke can eat through a fair bit... don't know of anything professional tho sorry. scrape with a screwdriver usually does it for me :P
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Post by Paradoxx »

CO contact cleaner
comes in a can (made by crc) and leaves no residue, designed for electronics. also doesnt conduct, but higly flammable :)

you may need to make new connections if they are that bad though

also check if there is anything hindering the lights and the actuator arms, one of my lights was getting stuck on my intercooler piping but would eventually fix itself with a slight bump.

Steve
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Post by SpidersWeb »

Yeah its the old dodgy wiring. Contacts mostly, they get a bit crap.

Mine does it every once and a while. Just decides to turn the lights off, but leave them up. Or sometimes just one light. Just some contact cleaning spray, and possibly scrub up each connector on the relays. If that doesn't work, check the dashboard switches, may be a bit worn.

I found with mine, it was the dashboard switches. If I hit it soft, there is a high chance of it happening. But if I hit the button quick and firm it always works perfect.
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Camotec
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Post by Camotec »

yeah i had the same issue as Spidersweb, my problem was the dash switches them selves i re-soldered the connections and all was good again now they work how they should :)

Anyone know why the wipers go once when starting the car?? weird issue but i know of other staz owners with the same issue. any help would be good :)
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Post by Paradoxx »

can't say i've heard of that one
i'm guessing its a dodgy connection in the steering column due to the proximity of the wiper control and the ignition barrell. if you take off the cover to the stering column and give the indicator/wiper/lights assembly (the round plastic thing around the steering column) a good clean it might fix the problem or help you locate a dodgy connection. might have to take off the steering wheel to do this.

Steve
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Post by ProZac »

turning on my high beams used to turn all my lights off completly, i bought a new wiper stake and its all good now.
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Post by logik »

i bet your spewing when they eventually go down, that they dont stop halfway down.

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Post by Camotec »

hehe D1 Starion, I might have to photochop a Dorifto Staz.
Saw a new 180sx in bathurst complete with stickers all over it. Might have to whoop it's ass to welcome it to the neighborhood. :)
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