DeTomaso Mailing List: April 99, Message #173

Charlie,
#1 - Headlight switch failing
#2 - Headlight motor failing
#3 - Limit switches out of adjustment or failing

I'd start with the switches, which are on the left side in back of the
radiator surrounding the headlight cross bar.  If the one doesn't switch
off, the other can't switch on to reverse directions.  Leave the ignition
on and headlights on, click the switches, and the operation will become
pretty clear.
After I replaced one of them, the problem came back.  Turned out the
motor had a dead spot in the windings, probably from staying on and bound
when the switch didn't shut off.  Only if it stopped at the particular
spot did it not restart.  New motor was $250+/-, so I bought one from
Grainger for $19.  Been working for two years.
Finally, my headlight switch became undependable.  As you say, sometimes
the headlight just didn't go up until you played with it.  Mine always
went down, sometimes at high speed on a dark road.  Replaced it with a
new one.
No problems anymore for the past 8,000 miles.
George
On Sun, 25 Apr 1999 07:50:38 -0400 "Charlie Mccall"
<Charlie.Mccall@haworthinc.com> writes:
>What is this a symptom of? The last two nights I have driven my car,
>when I have arrived at my destination, I turn off my headlights and
>they stay raised. The first time I got annoyed, came out an hour later
>and as soon as I put my key in and turned it, my headlights lowered.
>The second time, I flipped the switch to turn off my lights, they 
>stayed up. I tried again after driving for another 3 minutes, and they
>went down as advertised. I'm going to keep monitoring it, but is 
>this the sign of a lightswitch getting ready to retire? Any
>guesses?
>
>Charlie McCall
>1972 Pre-L
>#3847
>Self-appointed DeTomaso Ambassador to France
>
>
>

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