Headlights won't close....

[sxxy1992]

Ok, guys, having done some homework on why my headlights won't close when the switch is turned off, I am requesting some help or direction to a thread that already explains it. I checked all the fuses under the dash, and the 4 relays under the hood that have to do with the headlight retractor mechanism. Boy, the ones under the air intake are bears to get to. Anyway, all seem to check out fine. Tested the relays on the battery and they appear to be fine. any more ideas?? Headlights work, but the other night they just decided not to close for the first time ever. and ever since.......thanks for some help.

[nissanconvert]

No to be an *** but did you accidentally hit the pop-up switch on the left of the dash above the cruise? Mine is finicky sometimes and only switches back down when the car is off, keys out and headlights off.

[ishkabibble]

Vert had too much coffee?

[sxxy1992]

Bingo!! You were exactly right! Evidently the button for the headlamp retractor (pop-up switch) just above the cruise control switch on the dash was pushed in. I pushed it again and the lights "went to sleep" just like they are supposed to do. An easy fix, just like the window "lock" button that keeps the passenger and 1/4 windows from operating if it is pushed in. What was Nissan thinking, I wonder sometimes. Thanks for the answer to a frustrating problem.

[wmdavis007]

I believe that is used so if you leave your car outside when it ices and snows it will not burn up your headlight motors trying to come up if they are frozen shut.

[DeXteR]

how long was this a problem?

don't feel bad, we all lose our minds once in a while. yesterday my wife and i were grocery shopping and i looked down the toilet paper, paper towel, etc isle for kleenex. i told my wife i couldn't find it. we went back and it was right in front of me.

moral of the story: don't look so hard that you overlook the obvious.

[94_240sx]

An easy fix, just like the window "lock" button that keeps the passenger and 1/4 windows from operating if it is pushed in.

No kidding. Once I freaked out cuz my windows didn't work and pulled over to the side. Yeah, it was a lock button.

[sxxy1992]

Normally, we don't realize something is obvious until after-the-fact. It was a problem until such time as I was showed the remedy. Then it ceased being a problem. Is there a "magic" button we have to look for for each thing that seems to go wrong on our cars? They do seem to have some quirky things about them don't they?? I have taken to writing down the remedies so I can remember them if they happen again as well as offer the remedy to others that may fall victim to some of our 240sx's 'quirks' I am just thankful that it wasn't anything as complicated and drawn out as some things I have seen on this forum; I depend on this thing for transportation. And thankful for someone that 'graciously' offered a resolution. Much better than taking it down to my local dealer or mechanic and having them spend the morning testing my strange little Japanese car's fuses, relays, wiring, etc. and then having them tell me that will be $100---just a button on the dash! I'd much rather find that out from 'friendlies' right here on my forum. I do wonder, however, if "known resolutions" can be categorized separately. I inputted "Headlights won't close" and got nothing from 'search' and then inputted "Headlights" and received 105 articles to choose from, most of which had absolutely nothing to do with my issue. Eventually, I was able to find out from one or two about checking the relays (actually, about "how" to check the relays...I did not know how to do that prior to someone revealing that in an article......sweet!) Quite the extreme I'd say. I'm not complaining as I did run onto other information that may be helpful down the road. The trail to victory ended on a good note. Thanks, NICO!
Modified by sxxy1992 at 10:17 AM 2/7/2007

[ishkabibble]

Didn't you read the instruction manual that came with your car?