Headlights dont flip up or down

dwthomas42 · 08-02-2011, 07:22 PM

hello im new to the supra forum and my 87 mkiii turbo headlights flipped up and down fine until i had to pull out my front bumper and took apart the red knob that you turn to raise and lower the headlights. when i did this two springs came out. i asume they must hit the copper wire to complete the current but i dont know were/how to put the springs back in. if anyone could help me it would be greatly appriciated. and i know i cant spell.

El Supracabras · 08-02-2011, 11:05 PM

I've never heard of this happening. I didn't know those knobs came off. You may have to replace the whole re tractor motor if you can't put it back together.

Bill UK · 08-03-2011, 08:49 PM

I have spare unit, so I may be able to help by dismantling it. You say you removed the red knob, how did you remove it? The electrical components seem to be around the motor area not near the red knob.

dwthomas42 · 08-04-2011, 04:36 AM

I unscrewed the two Phillips head screws just below the red knob. And when I pulled it apart the springs came flying out. If anyone has a pair to sell that would be great too.

Bill UK · 08-04-2011, 08:27 PM

The springs you’re referring to are carbon brush springs, they push the brushes onto the motor commutator.

Method of re-assembly:

1. Remove the red adjusting knob (gently prise off with a screwdriver) this will release the motor from the black metal cover; you will notice some resistance due to the strong armature magnet. Be careful not to lose the two copper washers at the top of the motor spindle.

2. With a small screwdriver compress the spring into the carbon brush holder so none of the spring is protruding, (use the slot at the top of the holder for better access) hold the spring in position and insert the carbon brush. This is the difficult bit, once the brush is inserted it will try and pop out, you can either ask someone to help or try and hold it in position using the brush copper wire pressed firmly around the corner of the plastic brush holder. (see pic)

3. Carefully insert the motor rotor, you will need to rotate it to engage the worm gear at the end ,(this is when the brushes are likely to pop out) the brushes need to make contact with the commutator as in pic.

4. Release the copper wire around the corner of the plastic brush holder. (if you used this method) and replace the black metal cover with the two copper washers on top of the motor spindle. You will notice the strong pull of the armature magnet against the metal cover.

5. Screw down the cover and push the red adjusting knob back on.

El Supracabras · 08-05-2011, 01:14 PM

Awesome post sir.

dwthomas42 · 08-05-2011, 04:10 PM

Thanks so much that was very helpful hopefully they'll be fixed today.

08-02-2011, 07:22 PM	#1
dwthomas42 Intake Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: woodstock, ga Posts: 40 Blog Entries: 1	Headlights dont flip up or down hello im new to the supra forum and my 87 mkiii turbo headlights flipped up and down fine until i had to pull out my front bumper and took apart the red knob that you turn to raise and lower the headlights. when i did this two springs came out. i asume they must hit the copper wire to complete the current but i dont know were/how to put the springs back in. if anyone could help me it would be greatly appriciated. and i know i cant spell.

08-05-2011, 01:14 PM	#6
El Supracabras 3" Exhaust Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 240	Awesome post sir. Attached Thumbnails

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08-02-2011, 11:05 PM	#2
El Supracabras 3" Exhaust Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 240	I've never heard of this happening. I didn't know those knobs came off. You may have to replace the whole re tractor motor if you can't put it back together.

08-03-2011, 08:49 PM	#3
Bill UK AEM EMS Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK Posts: 891	I have spare unit, so I may be able to help by dismantling it. You say you removed the red knob, how did you remove it? The electrical components seem to be around the motor area not near the red knob.

08-04-2011, 04:36 AM	#4
dwthomas42 Intake Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: woodstock, ga Posts: 40 Blog Entries: 1	I unscrewed the two Phillips head screws just below the red knob. And when I pulled it apart the springs came flying out. If anyone has a pair to sell that would be great too.

08-04-2011, 08:27 PM	#5
Bill UK AEM EMS Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK Posts: 891	The springs you’re referring to are carbon brush springs, they push the brushes onto the motor commutator. Method of re-assembly: 1. Remove the red adjusting knob (gently prise off with a screwdriver) this will release the motor from the black metal cover; you will notice some resistance due to the strong armature magnet. Be careful not to lose the two copper washers at the top of the motor spindle. 2. With a small screwdriver compress the spring into the carbon brush holder so none of the spring is protruding, (use the slot at the top of the holder for better access) hold the spring in position and insert the carbon brush. This is the difficult bit, once the brush is inserted it will try and pop out, you can either ask someone to help or try and hold it in position using the brush copper wire pressed firmly around the corner of the plastic brush holder. (see pic) 3. Carefully insert the motor rotor, you will need to rotate it to engage the worm gear at the end ,(this is when the brushes are likely to pop out) the brushes need to make contact with the commutator as in pic. 4. Release the copper wire around the corner of the plastic brush holder. (if you used this method) and replace the black metal cover with the two copper washers on top of the motor spindle. You will notice the strong pull of the armature magnet against the metal cover. 5. Screw down the cover and push the red adjusting knob back on.

08-05-2011, 04:10 PM	#7
dwthomas42 Intake Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: woodstock, ga Posts: 40 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks so much that was very helpful hopefully they'll be fixed today.