Imagine you’re cruising down the road in your NA Miata, enjoying the drive, when you notice one of your headlights starts bobbing up and down, or maybe they stay down altogether when you turn them on. If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone! The pop-up headlights on an NA Miata are iconic, but like any older car part, they can be prone to issues over time. This guide will walk you through common pop-up headlight problems in the NA Miata, explaining why they happen and how you can troubleshoot and repair them using basic tools and a little know-how.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to fix frequent issues like misaligned headlights, loose or wobbly lights, and the classic “up and down cycling” that Miata owners often face. Most repairs are straightforward, only requiring a few tools and a bit of patience. Let’s dive in and get those pop-up headlights back to perfect working order!
Contents
Understanding the common problems with pop-up headlights is the first step to effectively troubleshooting them. Here are three main issues, along with their symptoms and potential causes.
Headlight Misalignment: This issue is particularly noticeable when the headlights seem to do the opposite of what they’re supposed to. For instance, they might stay down when turned on or pop up when they’re supposed to be off. Misalignment like this is often due to an incorrectly positioned headlight arm or a faulty relay connection. The telltale symptoms include headlights staying down when they should be up, popping up when off, or reversed responses to the pop-up button.
Loose or Wobbly Headlights: When driving, you may notice the headlights shaking or vibrating, which can be both annoying and distracting. This is usually due to a worn or loose connecting rod, or worn-out bushings between the headlight assembly and the motor. A quick test is to touch the headlight; if it feels loose, has visible “play,” or rattles over bumps, it’s likely that the connecting rod or bushings need replacing.
Continuous Pop-Up Cycling: This problem presents itself when the headlights continuously pop up and down, even without any input from you. Often, this is caused by moisture in the relay, corrosion, or electrical interference. Symptoms are usually linked to recent moisture exposure (e.g., after washing the car) or the relay being dirty or corroded.
Before you begin repairs, gather the necessary tools and make sure you’re working safely. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
To begin, disconnect the battery to prevent accidental headlight movements or shocks, then remove the headlight covers using a screwdriver to access the motor and connecting arm. This step will give you clear access to the parts you need to inspect or replace.
Now that you’ve gathered tools and prepared your Miata, it’s time to start the repairs.
Fix 1: Correcting Headlight Arm Orientation
If your headlights are acting up staying down when they should be up or vice versa—the issue may be an incorrectly positioned headlight arm. Start by locating the headlight motor and the connecting arm attached to the headlight housing. Use the 14mm wrench to remove the nut and washer holding the arm in place, then gently pop the arm off with a flathead screwdriver. Reposition the arm so it faces outward, which is the correct position for smooth pop-up operation. Reattach the washer and nut, and tighten them securely. If the headlights still behave oddly, check that the arm is fully aligned before reconnecting the battery.
Fix 2: Replacing a Loose Headlight Connecting Rod
Headlight wobbling is typically due to a loose connecting rod or worn bushings. Start by purchasing an OEM replacement rod to ensure a snug fit. Locate the connecting rod that attaches the motor to the headlight and, with a pry tool or flathead screwdriver, carefully pop the old rod off its ball joints. Place the new rod on the ball joints and snap it into place. Gently move the headlight manually to ensure stability. If you still feel any looseness, double-check that the rod is seated correctly on both joints.
Fix 3: Cleaning and Testing the Headlight Relay
To prevent random headlight movements, you may need to clean the relay, especially if it’s showing signs of corrosion. Start by finding the relay under the hood on the driver’s side within the engine bay. Carefully press the latch to pull out the relay, then use a wire brush to gently remove any green or white corrosion from its contacts. Once clean, reinsert the relay and test the headlights. If the headlights continue acting up, replacing the relay might be necessary as corrosion can sometimes permanently damage the component.
Once the repairs are complete, reconnect the battery to test the headlights. Begin by turning the headlights on and off to ensure they work correctly. Use the pop-up button to verify that they raise and lower as expected. If any issues persist, you may need to repeat specific steps or fine-tune the position of the connecting rod or relay to get the perfect alignment.
Keeping your NA Miata’s pop-up headlights in top shape is easier with a bit of preventive maintenance. Here are a few tips to avoid future issues:
Periodic Rod and Relay Checks: Every six months, inspect the rods and relays for wear or corrosion. Replacing worn parts can help you avoid bigger problems down the road.
Moisture Control: Prevent moisture from reaching the engine bay, particularly the relay, to reduce corrosion. After washing the car, use a cover over electrical components when possible.
Replace Aging Components: Parts like the connecting rod, bushings, or relay will inevitably wear down. Replacing these every few years is a good practice to ensure consistent headlight operation.
With these simple steps, your NA Miata’s pop-up headlights should be working smoothly and reliably. From realigning the headlight arm to cleaning the relay, a little maintenance goes a long way in preserving these iconic features. Feel free to share your own tips and tricks for maintaining Miata headlights or drop any questions in the comments below. Whether you’re fixing an issue or just tuning things up, there’s a lot to love about keeping a Miata running in peak condition.
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