Headlights won't go down...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Colorado City TX
Headlights won't go down...
Ok, so yesterday I was messing with the headlights, and finally got them to open, but now they won't close...and can't figure out why or how to close them...any ideas? I'm thinking it maybe because the pass. side is damaged, but not sure...just picked up this car and is my first Vette...
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 25
From: Buena Vista Colorado
twjones87 said:
...messing with the headlights, and finally got them to open, but now they won't close...
...messing with the headlights, and finally got them to open, but now they won't close...
Here's a link to a paper I put together that should help you visualize and troubleshoot your system:
How Your Headlight Vacuum System Works
Since this is your first Corvette, also do yourself a favor and purchase an Assembly Information Manual (AIM) and the Chevrolet issued Service Manual for the year Corvette you have. Forum sponsor vendors offer these on CD or hard copy at a fair price. I found and bought mine (hard copy) on ebay.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Colorado City TX
I could never get them to come up with the headlight switch...I grabbed and gently pulled on them and they popped up. The pass. side housing is busted at one of the pivot points, so I'm sure that will make it difficult to lower. i will be replacing the assembly as soon as I can, but with the light busted out, I'd like to get them closed...atleast to make it look better when people come check it out lol...
i am looking at a couple AIM's online, going to be getting a hard copy and cd...
and yeah I had the car running when I tried to close the lights...still nothing ???
i am looking at a couple AIM's online, going to be getting a hard copy and cd...
and yeah I had the car running when I tried to close the lights...still nothing ???
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Define "messing with." You might want to check to ensure the override isn't open.
In a pinch, you can reach up from underneath, tug down on the center link, and they will lower.
In a pinch, you can reach up from underneath, tug down on the center link, and they will lower.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jun 27, 2011 at 11:49 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Colorado City TX
as far as "messing with them" all I was doing was trying the switch and had a vacuum line loose, but other than that i havent done anything else. When I pulled the light switch i could hear a sound lke it was sucking air (can hear the same sound when I turn the wipers on, also not working all the time)
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The hiss you hear is a vacuum leak. There are two vacuum hoses on the rear of the light switch.
68-72 cars also have a vacuum connection on the wiper door solenoid mounted on the rear of the tach.
Wait for your AIM to arrive; it shows the connections on the light switch, the wiper door solenoid, and the overrides.
68-72 cars also have a vacuum connection on the wiper door solenoid mounted on the rear of the tach.
Wait for your AIM to arrive; it shows the connections on the light switch, the wiper door solenoid, and the overrides.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Colorado City TX
The hiss you hear is a vacuum leak. There are two vacuum hoses on the rear of the light switch.
68-72 cars also have a vacuum connection on the wiper door solenoid mounted on the rear of the tach.
Wait for your AIM to arrive; it shows the connections on the light switch, the wiper door solenoid, and the overrides.
68-72 cars also have a vacuum connection on the wiper door solenoid mounted on the rear of the tach.
Wait for your AIM to arrive; it shows the connections on the light switch, the wiper door solenoid, and the overrides.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 15
From: Confusion
Don't want to burst anybodies bubble, but the AIM is useless for technical or troubleshooting problems. All you will get out of it is part location and name and part number. It is good for line routing and electrical stuff, but half of them don't even have a wiring diagram in them, my 69 does but the 75 doesn't.
You picked a doosy (spelling???) for a first car, a bicycle would have been a better choice!!!!
You picked a doosy (spelling???) for a first car, a bicycle would have been a better choice!!!!
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I'm sure some can explain that better but bottom line it sounds as if your vacuum system needs some work. Read the How your vacuum system works ,your problem could be something very simple.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,303
Likes: 14
From: Lynn MA
Doozy - a standout, something unique, has turned into American slang as something substantial, often with some sort of pitfall but the original use meant for referencing something great, something one of a kind. The word arose from the automotive manufacturer Duesenberg. People would say, wow that is a real doozy...refering to their marvel of such a fine automobile.
