Headlights

[ceris]

Hi all, I have a quick question about the headlights on my '89 944.
I just bought the car and without the owners manual, most of it is a
mystery.
The alarm is slightly bonkers, the last owner didnt have the key
lockpad, so I dont know exactly how it works. Anyhow, when you turn
the lights off, they flip up and down as if the alarm has gone off
and the only way to make them stop is to put a finger on the light
as it goes down and it wont come back up. I dont like doing this.
Not only is it a pain in the ass, but it is probably not very good
for the lights. Also, when the lights are on, they intially flip up
all the way, and then settle slightly lower, which impairs my
driving ability at night because the lights are not fully shining on
the road. Any advice on repairing this irritating problem would be
appreciated.

Thanks
Ceris

[Sabyre]

Sounds like a relay. The stock alarm on mine does not move the lights when it sounds.

[Tishabet]

Is it an 89 NA? Cuz they are the SHIZZ!

[Zero10]

It sounds like a sensor issue on the headlights.
If I recall correctly, there are 2 switches inside the headlight motor, so it knows when they are all the way up or down, they could be giving you trouble, perhaps the one that says they are all the way down isn't working.
If you turn the knob by hand, after a couple turns, the motor will take over. If the switch(es) aren't working properly, I suppose it could cause the motor to keep cycling the headlights.

It's kind of a guess, but perhaps I am on the right track.

I as well have the issue that my headlights come up then settle back down, and after posting a few times both here and on rennlist, nobody really knew why, so I just adjusted the lights themselves so they would light the road properly.

[SoCal Driver]

As was just noted there are contacts inside the motor reduction gearing that tell the relay on the motor when to stop/start. These can become corroded. A simple cleaning cures most. Also the relay on the motor can become corroded too.

Should be a rubber cover over the entire motor except for the manual knob and the electrical connector. The connector should have a water tight rubber boot that snaps over the motor. If these are missing or cracked then you must replace them. Especially in a wet climate like Oregon. Take care while turning the manual knob. The motor will cycle pinching fingers.

[lMason]

I think its the relay on the side of the motor, either take it apart and clean it or buy a new one.

Cheers
Lance

[fast924S]

I have a head light motor from a 85 944 if you want it let me know :-)