Dodgy headlight motor - LH, loose shaft

S2-13BT · Postby **S2-13BT** » Sat Mar 04, 2017 10:14 am

Hi all, I've noticed my LH headlight is a half Mississippi behind my RH headlight when opening and closing and it vibrates when driving.

Taking a quick look and it appears the shaft/gear coming out of the motor is loose. My assumption is that the motor is cactus at this point. Is there any hope of repairing it, or should I be on the lookout for a replacement? Are they available new for not crazy money?

aka_juffa · Postby **aka_juffa** » Mon Mar 06, 2017 9:19 am

The below might help you.

A search of the big forum found;

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.p ... ight+motor

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=593970

There is also the miata.net WIKI, with a post regarding cleaning the contacts within the headlight motor, which may help in you case.

http://wiki.miata.net/tiki-index.php?pa ... 2C+dancing

For a reference point the motors are available new at AUD $305 including VAT

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/body-electric ... rrency=AUD

J

S2-13BT · Postby **S2-13BT** » Sat Mar 11, 2017 9:51 am

Thanks mate, appreciate that.

I found one of these threads including info about correctly adjusted rubber stops. Just haven't had a chance to look at the car again.

I'll update this thread if I manage a result.

StillIC · Postby **StillIC** » Sat Mar 11, 2017 2:33 pm

Of possible interest, my 1986 Celica ST162 used the same headlight motors as the NA MX5. I think the Celica ST185 did too. Also the rear wiper motor was the same and was also used by other 1980s and 90s Toyota hatchbacks including Corollas.

Please note that the mechanical linkages are likely to be different, only the motors are the same.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sun Mar 12, 2017 12:34 pm

I am surprised the motors are the same. Normal process is that a manufacturer designs its own motor but in the 50's 60's etc the British car industry did share components .Japanese suppliers usually run with their partners and not so much cross over to other makers. The Ford local Capri also had a pop up motor with same design style as the MX-5 but they were not the same- motors Preslite did the local motor and they are long gone now- Ford would have paid the tooling via their suppliers. The subject motor was said to be working but the shaft was moving. I would look for a another motor i.e. used . I reckon the things are pretty robust.