Toyota MR2 pop-up headlights delay delete mod

Stock pop-up headlights unit on Toyota MR2 SW20 (85964-20020) delays retraction of the headlights by
3 seconds. This delay can be shortened with a simple modification of the pop-up headlights unit. I’m using this mod on my MR2 for more than 3 years without any problems or glitches, so I think that this mod is safe, but keep in mind that this modification was not authorized by Toyota, so do it at your own risk.

The difference between the stock unit and the modified unit is shown in the GIFs below.

Note: This modification is not compatible with 85964-20050 unit.

Pop-up headlights unit location

The unit is located in the frunk next to the brake fluid reservoir, and it can be removed without any tools.
It’s just pushed on the steel holder, and it is possible to pry it out. For disconnecting the harness you will need a screwdriver to push the locking pin on the harness connector.

Pop-up headlights unit modification

There are two capacitors on the PCB that needs to be modified for delay delete. Capacitor C1 (47 microfarads 16 volts) controls retraction delay and by lowering its value the delay will get shorter. The value of this capacitor cannot be too low, otherwise the lights won’t retract sometimes. I find out that the lowest value is 10 microfarads. Make sure to use a capacitor for at least 16 volts and with a temperature range of up to 105°C (It’s not super-necessary, but I like to use higher quality parts in automotive stuff, just to be sure). The second capacitor C2 controls the delay between headlights deployment. This capacitor can be replaced with a short.

Where to buy C1 replacement:

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/rubycon/35ZLG10MEFC5X7/3562809
(Worldwide)

https://www.gme.cz/v/1489561/hitano-ce-10u-35vt-hit-emr-4×7-rm15-bulk-elektrolyticky-kondenzator
(Czechia)

Capacitor C2 removed and pads are prepared for a short wire

Old and new capacitor C1 and C2 replaced with a short

Pop-up headlights unit photos

I also took a lot of photos of the unit and PCB in case some part will get damaged in the future. It might be helpful for somebody who will try to fix this unit or maybe design a custom PCB from scratch.