Head-lights stuck up
 

When you crank the car and turn on the lights the headlights will pop up as normal. However, they won't go down even when I push the button on the center console. It seems very sporadic.

Could this be a fuse issue?
Maybe a relay?

Whatever it is can someone suggest a fix and explain were the issue might be located physically? I don't own a manual.
BTW - Mine is a 1992 automatic - almost forgot. LOL!

Thanks guys.
Eric

on the fuse box under the hood, i believe its called "retractor"

Sounds like a loose connection. Either at the button, or at the relay, or fuse, or ground... or really any number of places where a connection is made. Is anything else acting up?

I guess it could be a relay, assuming the connections are bad enough to where it doesn't always make contact. A fuse is either good or bad.

But if they consistently go up when you start the car, then I would say your button is bad. Meaning, everything still works as it should (or else they wouldn't always go up), only the contacts in the button are not working.

Thanks red turbo ! That's what I call lightning fast! Do you happen to have a fuse box diagram so I know what fuse goes to were? Mine was lost by the previous owner. Thanks again for the help!

I'd check the button. But I guess start with the easy stuff if you want. No point in tearing everything apart yet ;)

FRT, now that you say that the blinkers on the right side (passenger) blink insanely faster than the left. I don't think the headlight motors are out because they will raise.

There is no rhyme or reason - the headlights raise with the switch but won't lower. Turn the car off wait 20 minutes go back outside and they are down.
Weird.

1. Will turning the lights on and off raise and lower?

2. Will pressing just the button to raise and lower work?

3. Or does it act the same with both?

With them stuck up, try tapping the relay to see if they go down.

I'm now putting money on relay being the problem since they will eventually go down.

yes sir

With them stuck up, try tapping the relay to see if they go down.

I'm now putting money on relay being the problem since they will eventually go down.

FRT - can you tell me where the relay is located? Thank you.

I've seen people mention it either under the hood by the clutch master (drivers side), or under the dash, you have to remove that little kick panel probably.

Under the hood will be labeled LA12.
Under dash will be labeled RETRACTOR.

Although I'm doing this from memory. Which can't always be trusted.

Got under the hood tonight and did some digging. I found the spot for the LA12 which also has two LA10 (in the same spot) right like you said by the firewall on the drivers side.

I told NAPA "I need a headlight relay." They sold me a LA10. Just one. So as you can see I have questions.

Do I need two LA10 since I have two headlights?
What is the LA12 for?
I tried the one new LA10 and the headlights still stuck up. Cause I need two?
Put LA12 back on car and by another LA10 right?

Oh how I love my Miata!:)
Thanks.

https://www.miataforumz.com/attachme...ine=1329397549

As you can see (well, you can't physically see the LA12), the LA12, like mentioned, is the headlight relay. Not the LA10.

Yep. I just returned it to napa, who has no clue. They say I gotta get from dealership.

Got the LA12 in super quick from a guy in Dallas. Waste of $26.00 bucks. You were right it didn't fix it. So....if the fuse is good, we are down to the switch in the center of the dash?

It looks like a pain to get to. Can you guys tell me what part to look for when buying a new one? I cant seem to find a part number when searching for a

"1992 Mazda Miata Headlight Dash Switch" LOL

Thanks again for all the help.

^Not sure it should be thanks all...Thank Alex! I think props are due so far. and even more if he can guide you the rest of the way!

As for you blinker going insanely fast. 99% of the time it means one of the turn signal bulbs is burnt out or has a bad connection

just have to remove the console which is about 7 screws and the window switch connector for power windows.then remove the upright piece and its attached to that. should be straight forward enough

Did you find a solution to this issue if so what did you do ? Having same issue right now ...

I hand cranked mine down. Turned the motors by hand.

I am also looking for a solution to get them to retract. 1993

Found the answer to my problem. The tombstone switch was bad and the retractor relay under the hood (LA12) was missing. New (used) switch and new relay solved the problem.