The Lotus Grand Tourers

Surprisingly there isn't a previous post on this, I just searched.

After a couple of months between starts, I recommissiioned the excel only to find that the lights won't pop up, neither on the "on" position or the "test" position.

So far have checked the relay under steering column (clicks when switched) and the fuse in the passenger A pillar(okay)

As it's happened to both, I don't think it's mechanical, and for the mean time I've turned the knurled knobs so the lights are permanently up, but that can't last: even an Excel needs to get some sleep!

Anyone been there, done that?

Robert

Time for the multi-meter.

Take the nearside HL pod off and break apart the connector plug to the motor. Check you are getting a motor earth via the black lead.

assuming you are, next step is to check the Orange/Yellow wire which is earthed when you turn headlights on via the stalk. This Earth will be a fleeting earth so you need someone to turn lights on while you look at the meter. This earth energises the retract relay which in turn provides power to the HL motor. (the Orange /White wire does the opposite but lowers HL)

Also though the fuse by the A piller may not be broken, ensure you are getting a full 12v (ie no high resitance connections). You should be able to test this via the Orange/blue wire as this should show a permanent feed.

I found out the above from trying to sort out similar problem with mine (a few posts back). All conditions were OK but was only getting 9v due to water corroding a terminal in the connector plug. This was insufficient to drive the motor. Took me a few days and an unecessary purchese of a Retract relay to pin that down.

Good Luck
Mick

Thanks Mick, this advise was spot on, checked everything again and there's TWO fuses in passenger A pillar relating to headlight motors. The lower 20A was okay. The upper 5 Amp had indeed blown. But I wish I'd checked that thoroughly before pulling the pods out!

Getting a bt old for the Lotus position, I'm finding.....