73Stingray350

Last night I was taking pictures of my 73 Stingray and I turns the lights on for some of the pictures. After I was done, I pushed the switch that turns them off and puts them down. The lights turned off but didn't go back down. I tried everything I could think of and I don't know what the heck to do. Could it could anything to do with me turning the car off while keeping the lights on? It hasn't done this before.

I appreciate any help!

-Chris (Vette Newbie)

...Roger...

Probably the headlight switch failed but make sure the pulldown bypass is not in the down position and then go out to the front with the hood up and make sure the small hose(#1) going to the relays has vacuum.

73Stingray350

Wow, a pic too. Hey thanks man, I appreciate it. This should help.

Question, is this a common problem for C3 Vettes? Just curious. Thanks again!

-Chris (Vette Newbie)

BSiegPaint

Just start the car. I'm guessing you just used up your reserve vacuum with the car not running.

73Stingray350

I did try that, but I'll give it another shot. Is there a certain way you're supposed to do that, like have the lights turned on, then start it up? Or have the lights off, start the car and then turn it off?

...Roger...

No special way,if the engine is running and you turn the lights off the lights should go down.
If your problem is the headlight switch it will most likely be the small metal tab in the pic below is either broke or bent or the plastic piece that moves the tab broke.The metal tab should slide back and forth opening and closing the small vacuum ports.

dn69427

Chris, when you figure out the cause I will help you fix it. If its the headlight switch its not to hard to replace, I did so on the 69
give me a call. Told you this is a great forum, glad you joined

7T1vette

If they stay up for more than four hours, see a doctor immediately...

Jughead

If you can stick your hand up thru the center grill, start feeling around (to the left or right)for a 2-3 inch threaded screw. I think it lays horizontal. Pull down on this and the door will close......worked for me.

73Stingray350

Well the good news is I figured out the problem. its the light switch itself that needs to be replaced because it was leaking the vacuum air and wasn't pulling the lights down. I ordered a new part that should be coming in tomorrow.

Thanks for everyone's help!!

-Chris

77Vette4S&J

Show them a naked pic of Rosie O'Donnell...

seventysixvette

Thinkin' the same thing with Viva Las Vegas playing in my mind.

John

...Roger...

You want them to go down not fall off.

90TR

[/QUOTE]

Hi everyone, I am a new poster trying to help my dad fix a few problems on his 77. The one I am working on at the moment is that the headlights won't go down. The lights come on properly, but the doors remain open. Based on the notes in this thread, I connected the red line from actuator on both doors directly to the tank (bypassing the relays) and both doors close. What would be the next test to ID the issue? I am guessing I still have to determine if it is the relay, switch or pull-down override thing.

boeing46

Awesome graphic. The best I've seen.

my 76 ray

You can test the headlight switch and pull down override by checking to see if you have vacuum at the single vacuum tube just before it splits to the two relays. It's just under the number 1 on the diagram. I forget which way it has vacuum, but with the override up you should either have vacuum at that line with the headlight switch pulled out and no vacuum with it pushed in or vice versa.

If you have vacuum at that hose one way but not the other then the switch and hoses up to that point are working correctly and the problem is in one or both of the relays.

...Roger...

Headlight switch pushed in applies vacuum to the #1 small hose,this should signal the relays to bring the lights down.

90TR

Thanks! I will give it a try.

24695bob

Ok Ok Ok... I have owed my 76 for over 20 years and my headlights have never been connected .. and I have owned the hoses to finish the job for almost that long..

So today it is raining so I think its about time to go see it the hoses are not dry rotten and install them today...and cross my fingers that is all I need...lol

Seriously I rarely drive the car at night and when I do I just lift each headlight up then reach under the car when I get home and lower them...

Bob G.
64 72 and 98 Convertibles
76 79 and a 35th ANC 88 Coupes

briankeery

Bob I think that qualifies you for the procrastinator of the year award.....

Here's that "around to it" you've been waiting for...

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