headlight relays constantly breaks

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   Hello,

For the past year or so I have been constantly buying and replacing headlight relays from NSAP -- the brand is STANDARD, the relay being RY130 -- because my headlight relays constantly breakdown. I'm not sure what may be causing this, all I can notice with these relays that no longer work are small blemishes of a bluish/tealishh hue on the inside surface of the relays -- yet the connections and the relay itself look fine.  

I'm going to hold off from buying the next relay, as I have a strong feeling that my Fiero is the culprit behind the damaged relays -- any input would be great, thanks! An interesting note to add is that the the wiring that attaches to the headlight relays always manages to collect this sticky gunk/discharge, and I always manage to clean it off with some effort; however, in the end, it is just a temporary solution for the gunk collection as it comes back again and again!

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InfernoFiero Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 June 2011 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 133	Post Options Post Reply Quote InfernoFiero Report Post Quote Reply Topic: headlight relays constantly breaks Posted: 25 July 2012 at 6:00pm
	Hello, For the past year or so I have been constantly buying and replacing headlight relays from NSAP -- the brand is STANDARD, the relay being RY130 -- because my headlight relays constantly breakdown. I'm not sure what may be causing this, all I can notice with these relays that no longer work are small blemishes of a bluish/tealishh hue on the inside surface of the relays -- yet the connections and the relay itself look fine. I'm going to hold off from buying the next relay, as I have a strong feeling that my Fiero is the culprit behind the damaged relays -- any input would be great, thanks! An interesting note to add is that the the wiring that attaches to the headlight relays always manages to collect this sticky gunk/discharge, and I always manage to clean it off with some effort; however, in the end, it is just a temporary solution for the gunk collection as it comes back again and again!

beken Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 12 February 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1462	Post Options Post Reply Quote beken Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 July 2012 at 8:41pm
	My guess is that our Fiero headlight motors use a lot of current. Whenever I turn my headlights on or off, I do notice my lights dim a bit until the motors are shut off. Most aftermarket...particularly Asian made...relays are likely underspec'd as far a current handling capability. You might ask around and try a different brand of relay. Though I wouldn't know who to ask.
	Beken (aka Ken) - bekentech@westcoastfieros.com Original and still the owner of an 85SE 2M6 4spd

karnak Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 28 August 2009 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 349	Post Options Post Reply Quote karnak Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 26 July 2012 at 8:50pm
	could there be something about the motors that they now draw more current. they could benefit from an inspection and some grease/oil. including some linkages and pivots for the entire assembly. when you actuate it manually, does it feel stiff?

Capt Fiero Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Founding Member Joined: 12 February 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 4039	Post Options Post Reply Quote Capt Fiero Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 27 July 2012 at 3:29am
	Karnak is dead on, you need to find out what is going on with the motors or hinges. I would first use a good lube/grease at every pivot point on both motors, move the headlights up by hand and see if there is any unusual drag on either one. You can also as a last resort have someone raise and lower the headlights while you feel the wires, wrap your hand around 2-3 wires at a time and see if they are getting warm. Also feel the motor body to see if one of them is getting hot. Do you have one that is lazy, I.E. it does not go up as fast as the other? If so start with that one. Also check the hinges for the headlight doors in the hood, see if they move nicely. I use Lloyd's Moovit on my entire headlight system every 4-6 months, and to this day I have never had a relay fail in the 15 years I have been driving Fiero's.
	Capt Fiero 88 Fiero GT 5spd V6 Eight Fifty Seven GT V8 5spd.

InfernoFiero Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 June 2011 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 133	Post Options Post Reply Quote InfernoFiero Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 July 2012 at 11:28pm
	hey guys thanks for the comments, the 2nd headlight (or the right headlight) has always had a 1-2 second slower start-up, and whenever it comes down it makes a thump noise. I'll lube the bearings and such and check the wiring.