Headlight assembly loose when fully open...need advice!

[Guest Kitskaboodle]

Thank you everyone for all your replies to my previous post. You're all a great help! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Anyways, forgot to mention one more issue that I need help with. When the headlights are in the fully open position, the headlights flicker when going over bumps or in windy areas. I noticed that when the headlights are in the fully up/open position, you can still push them up even further about 1/2 inch or so. I know this is the reason why they flicker but I'm wondering why there is so much play when they are fully up? They should be relatively "locked" into position, correct?

Anyone have this problem? Is the linkage worn and causing the sloppiness?

Thanks again, Kit

[jonlabree]

You are correct. e-mail Barney Eaton and tell him you need kits for the headlights.

He has steel ones that will not wear out.

[Barney Eaton]

Fairly simple fix. You need a UP-STOP nut

I will attach a picture.... on the fender side of the headlight assembly there is a hex plastic headed screw. This takes the slop out of the assembly when it is open (up). This part is not shown in the parts book or the service manual so don't look.

The adjuctment screw. screws into a plastic nut (a small version of the ones used on to hold license plates on) Go to a auto parts store or home improvement center and buy a blister pack of nuts.... size #8 This will solve your problem.

I don't have it circled but the UP-STOP is that dirty-white hex .....also note this is the correct routing of the headlight wiring. Many Reattas have the headlight cable going down..directly behind the connector and that routing will break the wires at the terminal.

[Vincent Vega]

The up-stop may still be there, but broken. The plastic nut will become brittle over time. This will cause the top flange to break and push the threaded part of the nut through the square hole. Make sure you adjust it in small increments. If it is too tight it will break the nut again.