B0071 moderate

Left Headlight Motor Circuit Malfunction

The B0071 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Left Headlight Motor Circuit Malfunction. This is a moderate severity code.

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Keep driving?
Short distances only
DIY difficulty
hard
Estimated cost
$100 - $500 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms

  • Left pop-up headlight stuck
  • Left headlight does not retract or extend
  • Grinding noise from left headlight area
  • Asymmetric headlight appearance

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

  • Failed headlight motor or actuator Very High
  • Stripped headlight motor gear High
  • Corroded motor wiring connector Moderate
  • Headlight motor relay failure Low

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

  1. Test motor with direct power

  2. Inspect gear for stripped teeth

  3. Check wiring and connector

  4. Test motor relay

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I manually raise a stuck pop-up headlight?

Most have a manual override knob on the motor.

Are pop-up headlight parts available?

Miata and Corvette parts are widely available aftermarket.

Why the grinding noise?

Stripped nylon gears inside the motor assembly.

Sources

This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.

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