Headlamp Pod Problem

[ChrisN]

Hi All,

I'm a long time lurker on TLF and have just signed up.

I'm currently having a problem with the Headlamp Pods on my 98 Esprit V8. When you switch the Headlamps on, or use the Main Beam Flash, the Near Side Pod fails to lift (O/S works perfectly). I have checked the wiring which seems ok, i've tried putting 12v directly onto each motor and they work ok, and all the linkages are free and in excellent condition. This leads me to thinking there may be a fault with the Headlamp Motor Relay Control Module. Has anyone experienced a similar fault, or has any other suggestions as to what else could be the cause of my problem?

ChrisN  

 

[jonwat]

Check out this, if the problem is the gears there's a repair kit 

[JR]

I used the repair kit (in the above post) on my Stevens which had the same issue. It sorted the problem!

[Chillidoggy]

If it is the headlamp pod lift module, I'm pretty sure there's info somewhere whereby one was taken apart and fixed. Definitely worth a search.

[ChrisN]

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys. I'm not convinced that the plastic gears inside the motor are stripped though, as the motor worked fine when putting 12v directly to it. I'll remove the cover and check to be sure.

If its the Headlamp Motor Relay Control Module that's at fault, they appear to be difficult to obtain. 

Cheers

ChrisN  

 

[Escape]

Easiest way to check the gears, without removing anything, is to use the knob at the back to turn the motor. If the gears are stripped, you will feel the rotation is not smooth. But if the pods move with 12V directly applied, I agree it's probably the relay control module. Or possibly wiring, never discount a bad connection!

[ChrisN]

Hi All, I've tried turning the motor and the motion is smooth, so i guess I can rule out that the gears are stripped. Incidentally, for the last MOT, my friendly tester advised that as long as the beam is correct and the lights switch on and off, that would satisfy the test requirement. I was therefore able to present the car for Test with the Pods manually wound up and the Motors disconnected. Result! 

[ChrisN]

Hi All, thought I'd post a progress update on this. Having done a lot of googling, I had identified that the headlamp relay control module is common to certain models of Corvette, and trawling the bay of e, i'd come across a few pre-owned examples for sale at pretty high prices. Whilst i'd been deliberating what to do for a while, further searches identified someone in the USA who has recently  developed their own brand new module, in their own new OE spec outer casing. This was available at a more realistic price. Needless to say, I pulled the trigger!

I've installed the new control module today and the Headlights are now fully functioning again. Happy days!    

[Sam Grant]

Can you send a link to the new control module you found? Thanks and glad to hear your problem is solved! 

[DanR]

Yes, I'm interested in the alternative control module link also. Thanks.

[ChrisN]

Here you go guys. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404588225292