Nissan with pop-up headlights: legendary models and the secrets of their mechanism

Cars Nissan with pop-up headlights is not just a technical solution, but a whole era in automotive design of the 80s and 90s. Such headlights, which automatically “hide” under the hood when turned off and rise when the engine is started, became the hallmark of sports coupes and roadsters of the time. They not only gave the cars a futuristic look, but also improved aerodynamics, reducing air resistance at high speeds.

Today, these models are rare on the roads, but are in great demand among collectors and retro car enthusiasts. However, owning such a car requires a special approach: the lifting headlight mechanism wears out over time, and original spare parts are becoming increasingly difficult to find. In this article we will look at what Nissan models were equipped with such headlightshow their mechanism works, typical breakdowns and repair methods - from budget to professional.

Which Nissan models had pop-up headlights?

Raising headlights Nissan are associated primarily with the legendary line Skyline, but in fact they were installed on other models. Here is the full list of cars with this option:

• 🚗 Nissan Skyline (R30, R31, R32) are the most famous representatives. The headlights rose vertically, and in R32 a system for automatically adjusting the angle of inclination has appeared.
• 🏎️ Nissan 300ZX (Z31, Z32) - a sports coupe, where the headlights are integrated into the front bumper and rise at an angle.
• 🚙 Nissan Silvia (S12, S13) — a compact coupe with a vertical lift mechanism.
• 🚘 Nissan Leopard (F30, F31) - a luxury sedan, where the headlights rose synchronously with the opening of the hood lock.
• 🚖 Nissan Pulsar (N13, N14) - a rare version with pop-up headlights, produced for the Japanese market.

It's interesting that in Skyline R32 the headlights rose not only when the engine was started, but also when the low beam was turned on - this was an innovation for that time. And in 300ZX Z32 the mechanism was so reliable that many copies still work without repair.

How does the lifting headlight mechanism work?

Raising headlight system Nissan consists of several key components:

1. Electric motor — is responsible for raising and lowering the headlights. Most models use one motor for both headlights, but in 300ZX Z32 each block had its own drive.
2. Reducer and gears — transmit torque from the motor to the lifting levers.
3. Microswitches — signal the system about the extreme positions of the headlights (raised/lowered).
4. Spring mechanism — helps soften the impact when closing and prevents jamming.
5. Electronic control unit - in later models (for example, Skyline R32) controls the synchronization of work and adjusts the angle of inclination.

The work process looks like this:

1. When you turn the ignition key or turn on the light, the control unit sends a signal to the electric motor.
2. The motor, through the gearbox, begins to rotate the gears, which lift the arms with the headlights.
3. Microswitches fix the uppermost position and turn off the power.
4. When the ignition is turned off, the process is repeated in reverse order.

B Nissan 300ZX Z32 the mechanism was more complicated: the headlights not only rose, but also turned by 5° for better illumination of the road at speed. This required additional sensors and a more powerful drive.

Why do the headlights rise asynchronously on some models?

Non-synchronization is often caused by worn gears or weakened springs in one of the blocks. The problem may also lie in microswitches that do not operate on time. B Skyline R30 this was a common “disease” due to the weak plastic of the gearbox.

Typical faults and their causes

Over the years, the lifting headlight mechanism begins to malfunction. Here are the most common problems and their causes:

Malfunction	Reason	Models where it occurs most often
The headlights don't go up at all	Fuse blown, motor faulty, wiring broken	Skyline R30, Silvia S12
The headlights don't go up all the way	Worn gears of the gearbox, weakening of springs	300ZX Z31, Leopard F30
Non-synchronous rise	One of the levers is jammed, the microswitch is broken	Skyline R31, Pulsar N13
Headlights won't go down	Mechanism jammed, control unit faulty	300ZX Z32, Skyline R32
Extraneous sounds during operation	Wear of plastic gears, lack of lubrication	All models >20 years old

Important: in 90% of cases the problem lies not in the electronics, but in the mechanical part - worn gears or jammed levers. For example, in Skyline R31 plastic gear teeth often break, and 300ZX Z32 — microswitches fail due to contact oxidation.

⚠️ Attention: if the headlights stop rising after rain or washing, most likely water got into the gearbox. In this case, you should not forcefully try to turn on the mechanism - this may break the gears.

Fault diagnosis: where to start?

Before disassembling the mechanism, perform simple diagnostics:

Check the fuse (usually 10A or 15A, labeled "Headlamp Motor")

Make sure there is power to the motor (check the wires with a multimeter)

Try manually raising the headlights (if the mechanism is not jammed)

Listen to the sound of the engine when you turn it on—is it humming, but not turning? So the problem is in the gearbox

Check microswitches for oxidation -->

If the headlights do not respond at all:

1. Locate the fuse box (in Skyline R32 it's under the hood on the left, in 300ZX Z31 — in the cabin under the steering wheel).
2. Check the circuit from the fuse to the motor. B Silvia S13 The wire at the base of the lever often frays.
3. If there is power, but the motor does not work, remove it and check the brushes.

If the headlights go up but not all the way:

1. Remove the headlight cover and inspect the gearbox gears. B Leopard F30 The teeth on the plastic gear often wear out.
2. Check the springs - they may have stretched or broken.
3. Lubricate all rubbing parts (use lithium grease or WD-40 for temporary effect).

DIY repair: step-by-step instructions

Let's consider the two most common cases: replacing gears of the gearbox (relevant for Skyline R30/R31) and cleaning microswitches (typical for 300ZX Z31/Z32).

1. Replacing gears of the gearbox (using the example of Skyline R31)

You will need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver set (phillips, flat)
• 🔨 Pliers
• 🛠️ New gears (you can order a reproduction or find a used one at disassembly)
• 🧴 Lithium grease

Steps:

1. Remove the headlight trim (unscrew the bolts around the perimeter).
2. Disconnect the motor power connector.
3. Unscrew the three bolts securing the gearbox to the body.
4. Disassemble the gearbox: remove the cover, remove the worn gears.
5. Install new gears and lubricate all rubbing parts.
6. Reassemble the mechanism in reverse order and check operation.

B Skyline R30 gears often break due to weak plastic. You can install metal analogues from R31 - they will last longer.

2. Cleaning microswitches (using the example of 300ZX Z32)

You will need:

• 🔧Torx T20 screwdriver
• 🧹 Contact cleaning brush
• 💦 Alcohol or contact cleaner
• 🔌 Multimeter

Steps:

1. Remove the headlight unit (unscrew the two bolts under the hood).
2. Find the microswitches - they are located on the gearbox housing.
3. Clean the contacts with alcohol and check them with a multimeter in continuity mode.
4. If the contacts are burnt, replace the switches (part number for Z32: 26530-30X00).
5. Put everything back together and test it.

⚠️ Attention: in 300ZX Z32 microswitches often “stick” due to dirt. If the problem remains after cleaning, check the spring mechanism - it could be deformed.

Where can I find spare parts and how much does it cost?

Original spare parts for lifting headlights Nissan They have not been produced for a long time, but there are several ways to find them:

• 🔍 Showdown - the best option for rare models. For example, a gearbox for Skyline R30 can be found for 3 000–8 000 ₽, and the headlight unit for 300ZX Z31 - for 15 000–25 000 ₽.
• 🛒 Reproduction - some companies (for example, Z1 Motors or Black Dragon Auto) produce new gears and springs. Gear set for Silvia S13 will cost 2 500–4 000 ₽.
• 🔧 Universal analogues — parts from other Japanese cars are suitable for engines (for example, gears from Toyota Supra MK3 sometimes suitable for Skyline R31).
• 🖥️ 3D printing - Some enthusiasts print custom plastic gears. Cost - from 1 000 ₽ for the detail.

Prices for repairs in the service:

• Replacing gears - 5 000–10 000 ₽ (excluding spare parts).
• Motor repair - 8 000–15 000 ₽.
• Complete restoration of the mechanism (including cleaning, lubrication, replacement of springs) - 20 000–35 000 ₽.

Advice: before purchasing used spare parts, check their functionality. For example, a motor from Skyline R31 should rotate easily by hand without jamming.

Modernization: is it possible to replace raised headlights with static ones?

Many owners Nissan with lifting headlights, they are thinking about replacing them with modern static ones. This is possible, but requires some work:

• 🔦 Installation of projection headlights - a popular option for Skyline R32. You will need to modify the mounts and connect a light corrector.
• 💡 LED headlights - in 300ZX Z32 LED modules are often installed, but the cooling issue needs to be addressed.
• 🔧 Adapters - some companies (for example, TechnoToyTuning) sell ready-made kits for replacing headlights on models without a lifting mechanism.

Advantages of modernization:

• ✅ Reliability - there is no risk of the mechanism jamming.
• ✅ Modern light - xenon or LED illuminates the road better than standard halogens.
• ✅ Easy to maintain - no need to clean or lubricate the mechanism.

Cons:

• ❌ Loss of the original appearance is critical for collectors.
• ❌ Problems with the traffic police - if the headlights are not certified, questions may arise when passing the technical inspection.
• ❌ Cost - a high-quality set of projection headlights will cost 30 000–50 000 ₽.

B Nissan Silvia S14 (which already came with static headlights) some owners install a mechanism from S13 - This is a reverse modernization, but requires alteration of the wiring.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive if the headlights do not go up?

Technically yes, but it's not safe. Most models Nissan When the headlights are lowered, they shine downward, which does not comply with traffic regulations. B Skyline R32 You can manually raise the headlights and secure them with tape, but this is a temporary solution. It is better to repair the mechanism or install static headlights.

Why do the headlights go up on their own?

This is a typical problem Nissan 300ZX Z32 And Skyline R32. Reasons:

• Short circuit in the wiring.
• Malfunction of the control unit (in R32 it is located under the glove compartment).
• The microswitch is stuck in the "on" position.

Solution: Turn off the power to the headlight motor (remove the fuse) and check the circuit for a short.

How to lubricate the lifting headlight mechanism?

Use lithium grease or molybdenum paste. Algorithm:

1. Remove the headlight cover.
2. Apply lubricant to the gearbox gears and levers.
3. Manually raise and lower the headlights 5 to 10 times to distribute the lubricant.
4. Remove excess with a rag.

Do not use WD-40 or graphite lubricant - they attract dirt.

Where can I find wiring diagrams for repairs?

Official diagrams can be found:

• In the manuals Nissan (For example, FSM — Factory Service Manual for Skyline R32).
• On the forums: SkylineOwners.com, Nicoclub.com, Z31.com.
• In VKontakte groups dedicated to specific models (for example, "Nissan Skyline R32 Russia").

For 300ZX Z31/Z32 useful resource Z31.com — there are detailed diagrams with connector designations.

Is it possible to disable the lifting mechanism while leaving the headlights in the raised position?

Yes, but it will require some modifications:

1. Turn off the power to the motor (remove the fuse or disconnect the connector).
2. Secure the headlights in the raised position using clamps or homemade clamps.
3. B Skyline R32 It is possible to program the control unit to always be in the "up" position, but this is difficult without diagnostic equipment.

Please note that this causes the seal to be lost and water may enter the headlights.