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> HEDALIGHT Disperate faulty, Unexpected fault
searunner
post Jan 4 2026, 12:23 PM
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yesterday coming into my garage, I hear one ritming song- under the cover of my 914 2.0 1974, one strange movement, the LEFT Headlamp go UP and DOWN
The RIGHT Headlamp stays in the closed position.
Normally, I detach the battery of the car when in the garage, but I forgot this time.
The car was without a KEY IN - the Light switch was off -
The last trip with the car ALL was regular, and the headlamp was in working condition.

I can STOP the movement, detaching the battery- but this NO was the solution,
Then I searched for a better solution.
Extract completely the Light switch -(with the BATTERY connected and KEY ON) I have the two headlamps is up and in stable condition - also when I START the engine and move the car, and make a long trip

But if I return the light switch to the POSITION light, the LEFT Headlight return to UP_DOWN movement.

Is clear that I have one short- Or one Relay issue - BUT 914 was full of relays
Can someone help me, to return to a normal 914 ??
I am not a native English so overlook my errors
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TheCabinetmaker
post Jan 4 2026, 04:17 PM
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I've had this exact problem. Mine happened in a hard rainstorm. Once it dried it was fine, but, it happened again a few years later when it was not raining. It was a corroded pin on the round relay at the headlight from the past rainstorm
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emerygt350
post Jan 4 2026, 07:26 PM
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You mean the relays in the frunk? What a crazy issue.
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ejm
post Jan 5 2026, 10:23 AM
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Inside the headlight motors are switches that stop them in the correct up or down position.

Swap the relays that are below the motors. If the trouble moves to the other side it is a relay problem. The switches in the motors can be cleaned and adjusted.
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emerygt350
post Jan 5 2026, 11:36 AM
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You can find these relays under the protective plastic cover in the frunk. They just pull out easily.
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Maltese Falcon
post Jan 5 2026, 06:03 PM
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QUOTE(ejm @ Jan 5 2026, 08:23 AM) *

Inside the headlight motors are switches that stop them in the correct up or down position.

Swap the relays that are below the motors. If the trouble moves to the other side it is a relay problem. The switches in the motors can be cleaned and adjusted.


Good point ! I have cleaned these (internal discs and 'Stylus style) switches inside the headlight motor housings. These can also easily short out/ or conduct erratically >> by deposits of lube grease that drops out of the small gears in there on to the disc's. Weird... but not 'Pasta my trouble shooting capabilities ¡
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/marty914.jpg)
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searunner
post Jan 7 2026, 01:02 PM
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Good point ! I have cleaned these (internal discs and 'Stylus style) switches inside the headlight motor housings. These can also easily short out/ or conduct erratically >> by deposits of lube grease that drops out of the small gears in there on to the disc's. Weird... but not 'Pasta my trouble shooting capabilities ¡
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/marty914.jpg)
[/quote]
I thank all for the suggestions.
I have one RED -Relay normally dedicated to the electrical pump- substituted for the oldest black BUT UP & DOWN continue-
I have in my second garage, 3 new BLACK relays,
but the weather is very bad, stormy and snowy. I try a substitution as soon as possible- I will inform you if the problem is solved
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emerygt350
post Jan 7 2026, 02:00 PM
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[quote name='searunner' date='Jan 7 2026, 02:02 PM' post='3239870']
Good point ! I have cleaned these (internal discs and 'Stylus style) switches inside the headlight motor housings. These can also easily short out/ or conduct erratically >> by deposits of lube grease that drops out of the small gears in there on to the disc's. Weird... but not 'Pasta my trouble shooting capabilities ¡
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/marty914.jpg)
[/quote]
I thank all for the suggestions.
I have one RED -Relay normally dedicated to the electrical pump- substituted for the oldest black BUT UP & DOWN continue-
I have in my second garage, 3 new BLACK relays,
but the weather is very bad, stormy and snowy. I try a substitution as soon as possible- I will inform you if the problem is solved
[/quote]
These are the relays in the frunk next to the headlight motors? Just swap them side to side.
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930cabman
post Jan 7 2026, 02:07 PM
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(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) Gremlins (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)
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