Headlights will not retract

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23 Aug 2024 15:19 #22724 by Gatornapper
Headlights will not retract was created by Gatornapper
1981 928 with my first problems in year 18 months.  Headlights will not retract.  I easily retracted them manually with little resistance. Hope this did no damage.

Now they will not open.  The lamps power on fine, they just do not open or retract.

Fuse 19 and all other fuses are good.

Relays XIX and XX are indicated to be retractable headlight relays.

Could they suddenly have gone bad?

Gonna pull them and test them.

TIA,

GN

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23 Aug 2024 20:38 #22725 by Gatornapper
Replied by Gatornapper on topic Headlights will not retract
Here's the relay.  I can test it if someone can tell me where to apply the 12v + and - to then test the contacts.  Looks like 12v must be applied at multiple points at same time. time.  I'm an EE but need to know feed points.  Anyone here know?

GN

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24 Aug 2024 17:55 #22726 by Gatornapper
Replied by Gatornapper on topic Headlights will not retract
FIXED!

Found this on Rennslist 928 Forum:

"One more thing, the knob on top of the headlight motor will enable you to manually raise/retract the headlights when the key is off or the lights are not on. Do not turn this clockwise. It normally only turns counter-clockwise, and if you turn it the other way, you could bend the metal contact springs the wrong way inside the motor contact disk and cause permanent damage to the unit.

Using this to manually raise and lower the headlights one time through the cycle will confirm that there's no binding.

You haven't mentioned whether this is a new problem or if it's been like this since you got the car. Any work done on the car that might have affected electrical things or mechanicals in the front of the car?"

Found the motor, pulled off rubber protective boot, turned knob several full turns counter-clockwise and watched both light move into their fully--retracted position where all contacts were made.

Lights immediately work fine.

Now on to next problem: no highbeams. Will do another thread.

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