Headlamp flash, lights not popping up

Hi, just bought my first MX-5, a 1990 Mk1 UK car.

I noticed that when pulling the stalk to flash the headlamps the lights do not pop up. If I turn the lights on with the stalk they pop up and then dipped and main beams work. I can see under the bonnet that with the lights down that the main beam comes on when the stalk is pulled.

Should I be able to pull the stalk and have the lights pop up, or do i have to raise the lights with the dash switch and then pull the stalk?

I have seen some guides for getting this working on a Eunos but mine is a UK car of 1990 vintage.

Thanks, Paul

that’s an odd one. i wonder if there is a seperate relay or fuse for the “pop up” bit
someone will maybe be along soon with an answer.

This feature is not standard on all mk1’s, as far as I know.

Sounds like you need the flash to pass modification, have a google or buy from eBay for an easy solution ( although may cost more).

if that’s what is needed; a “flash to pass” diode is pennies to buy & easy to fit. instructions somewhere on this forum. took me minutes to fit.

try the faq

this gives you an idea
http://forum.combustionpunks.co.uk/t/mx5-miata-flash-to-pass-mod/75

Some of the really early UK cars arrived on our shores with out dim dip and the flash to pass. They should have been reworked at the dealerships, it could be that your’s slipped through the net. What’s the last 6 digits of your VIN?

[quote=Roadster Robbie]

Some of the really early UK cars arrived on our shores with out dim dip and the flash to pass. They should have been reworked at the dealerships, it could be that your’s slipped through the net. What’s the last 6 digits of your VIN?

 

Hi Robbie,

my VIN is 105557. The mod with the diode looks as easy as it can be. I was just surprised that it isn’t an MOT issue to have to pop the lights manually before you can flash them.

 

Cheers, Paul

 

 

 

I’ll check to see if it’s in the chassis range, just out of interest really. The diode fix is the simplest. Headlamp flash is not part of the MOT test.

The mass production change was 105747 so your car falls within the affected VIN range. It either wasn’t reworked or has developed a fault. One thing that the rework also corrected was being able to park the car with the side lamps on with the headlamps retracted. Prior to rework, the headlamps would remain raised with the dim dip on. After the rework the lamps would retract with the ignition switched off and then would raise and illuminate the dim dip once the ignition was switched on.

 

Thanks a lot Robbie, I’ll see if my local Mazda dealer shows it in the records as being reworked. If it never was I’ll do the mod.

 

Cheers, Paul