pop up headlights won't retract

[classicconnection]

I realize there are way too many safety circuity to make headlights pop up but... OK; I've changed out the Ret motor relay, the fuse link on the pax side of the engine compartment and everything seems to work well (lights come on, emergency flashers work etc) but, the headlights stay up. It's been over 4 hours so should I be calling my doctor?Is there a fuse inside the car that can cause this to happen? I have no fuse diagram to find one that deals with lights but you might know which fuse or is there one, that affects this issue? Appreciate any help here.

[Klits562]

there is a hell of alot of topics on this and try thishttp://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=244906honestly i've gone through all of this and all other topics and still cant figure out why my headlights wont work, Even with all the info out there its still a confusing problem.Beware most people will bash you for even posting this but i feel your pain so i will try n help with a little info.

There are 3 relays on the driver side engine bay fuse box and i think 2 on the pas side.In the link i posted theres a nice article on how to resurface some electrical connectors thingy or something on your light switch that helps alot. Then check your wiring(i think thats whats wrong with mine). Make sure the motors are plugged in and make sure the motors work and are getting power to them.

Your best bet though is the link i posted above

[classicconnection]

Thanks for the steer. I do have another light switch that does work (in another car) so will swap them out. If the problem is fixed, I'll know I need to either get another or repair as in the link you provided. Muchly appreciated my friend.

[numbnuts240]

did you try pushing the button? might sound like a stupid question, but sometimes the solution is the simplest one yet.

[classicconnection]

Yup, did push the button and replaced both switch and button. Now, how about this? Since I had to re-install the dash back to rear lights wiring loom, and connected up all the wire connectors to lights, fuel pump, gas gauge etc, they all work. When I plugged in the big connector with the 10 mm bolt, everything started to work and, the headlights popped up. So, doesn't that indicate the circuit is ok; just the stuff up under dash is suspect?

[AZhitman]

Mine was a bad connection in the switch, but it sounds like you've eliminated that already.

[classicconnection]

After a ton of research, I have come up with this: The retract circuit is way too complex but the Timing Control Unit is missing from my wiring. So, no way they will retract without it (electronically that is). I manually screw them down and when I turn on the lights or push the button, up they come. It was the diagrams and reading of other threads that validate the need for the timing thingie. It's about 1 1/2 inches square, black and under the dash near the steering wheel. A white connector plugs into it and it's mounted to the firewall (not on my car of course) but that's about where one should look.

Off to the junk yard for the part; Ebay says $20 to $30 or so...

[newbe240owner]

hey classic let me know if that TCU worked cause my ride was doing the same thing, I would try it myself but... aaa.. i'm kinda thousands of miles away

[classicconnection]

Like your other project. Kinda makes mine pale in comparison.

[Klits562]

omg i didnt know about this tcu i think that might be my problem as well i have a few loose plugs hanging out from under my column! sweet i'll look into this plus my harness for the motors r all hacked up the guy before me tried to wire fog lights to them

[classicconnection]

Glad to help. That's the value of these forums. I will tackle the final solution (junk yard run and let you know). Too bad your predecessor didn't simply use the wire loom for the fog lights in place. Just didn't do his homework.

Updates when new info arrives.