Pop Up Headlights

allchecks

On a 97 Ford Probe is it possible, or wise, to leave the headlights in the up position during the winter to avoid the up and down action during icy weather? I have heard that this type of headlight often breaks, getting stuck in the up position, do to bad weather; zero degrees happens here. Can I remove a fuse after the lights are in the up position? Any reason not to do this?

lancerfixer

My old '89 Integra had a switch on the dashboard that allowed the headlights to stay in the up position when the headlights (or the car) were off, to avoid the aforementioned ice damage. I'm surprised your Ford doesn't have the same thing...well, no I'm not, actually. There might be a fuse you could pull. Have you checked your owner's manual?

andre1969

...has hidden headlights, but they're not the pop-up variety. Instead, the headlights are stationary, but the covers drop down. There's no switch to keep them stuck open, but there is a slot that you can reach with a screwdriver to disengage them. I had an '88 LeBaron that was the same way. I don't know if the Probe would possibly have something like that or not.

94tbirdsc

there are relays next to your lights that you can unplug on a lot of cars . It is a square block (black) which is 1.5 inches square

fleetwoodsimca

My New Yorker 1978 had similar headlight covers. On occasion, I would note them open when the car was shut down, but never, ever, did I have them stuck shut. However, I had any number of electrical problems with that car that are off topic...

Mr_Shiftright

I think most of them have a "fail-safe" open position, maybe by weighting or such. Some also can be opened manually in an emergency.

allchecks

Thanks to all who responded. I removed a fuse to keep the lights up.

carguy62

On my 13 year old Accord with the pop up lights they have a separate switch to pop up the lights without the headlights going on for exactly the reason allchecks wants. There is also an "emergency" way to raise or lower the headlights under the hood. Guess Ford didn't figure it out even eight years later. Remove a fuse?????

fleetwoodsimca

Wait 'til you buy some new rotors for that Hondo and discover they're integral to the hub! You'll want to trade for a Ford with the fuse in the light popper. (:oÞ

carguy62

Hey smart guy, the car has 154,639 miles with the original rotors. Any other body parts you'd like to stick in your mouth? Enjoy your Ford.

allchecks

I've had one Honda and one Accura in the family. When they are good, they are very, very good. But when they are bad, they are very, very bad. Personally I don't see the big deal about owning a Honda vehicle, but I am thinking about some Honda stock since so many people thing they are the greatest thing that ever came down the pike.

fleetwoodsimca

Good points. The most recent models (I understand) are reported to no longer have some of the poor engineering of the past, such as the integrated brake rotors that made brake jobs very involved and expensive. I doubt that any Hondas still sport "pop-up" headlights anymore. Most makers I suspect gave them up, due to the trouble they cause.

kkollwitz

These cars' pop-ups typically malfunction due to worn-out nylon bushings, which can be replaced in about 1 hour, and cost about $8. I fixed mine myself after the dealer wanted to replace the whole motor for some dreadful sum, like $200 per.

cmack4

I had a '93 Probe and it had a switch underneath the radio to keep them in the up position. I seldom used it and never had a problem with them freezing, but you hear of horror stories. It would be surprising if they removed it in the later models!

fleetwoodsimca

My 1978 Chrysler New Yorker had 'em, but my 1996 Chrysler Concorde does not. And that is good! (:oÞ