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One headlight opens

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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 10:53 PM
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Default One headlight opens

and one doesnt. I have replaced the actuator motor and the relay. When I pull the headlights up and then go to close them with the headlight switch they both close. When I go to open them the left one opens and the right one doesnt. I can open and close both with a vacum pump manually. I have inspected all the hoses and there are no blockages or holes. Where do I go from here? Any ideas guys. Thanks

Last edited by spanishsilver; Dec 28, 2006 at 10:58 PM.
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 11:15 PM
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Where did you get the parts? I had the same problem with Eckler's repops.(Defective).I sent them back and bought new Delco units from Rik's. Problem solved.
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 11:21 PM
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Bought them right from GM at my local GM dealer.
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 11:35 PM
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Originally Posted by spanishsilver
and one doesnt. I have replaced the actuator motor and the relay. When I pull the headlights up and then go to close them with the headlight switch they both close. When I go to open them the left one opens and the right one doesnt. I can open and close both with a vacum pump manually. I have inspected all the hoses and there are no blockages or holes. Where do I go from here? Any ideas guys. Thanks

You have a vacuum leak somewhere. You'll have to get a diagram of your vacuum system, and check EVERY switch and junction. The switch has vacuum, and the gate switch. The coolant tube to the heater core has a vacuum operated valve, and there are vacuum tubes going to the HVAC controls in the cab. Check there, and at the firewall where they go through. Check everything and I think you'll find the problem. Check the check valve at the brake booster too.
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 11:39 PM
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How are the bushings on the headlight assembly.? Does it move freely or bind?
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 11:40 PM
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www.corvette-101.com

Nice little vaccum troubleshooting guide should help out some.
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 11:40 PM
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Just looked at the left actuator. Dust Boot is ripped so would this cause the right side not to come up and only close?
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 11:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Big2Bird
How are the bushings on the headlight assembly.? Does it move freely or bind?
It takes a lot of vacum pressure to oipen up right side. Could it be that I have to lube up all the spings and bushings?
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Old Dec 28, 2006 | 11:57 PM
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I had a few bushings that were disintegrated. Replacing them helps. Sounds like it just is too much work for the car's vacuum, but the pump has more . Check the forum search engine. I am sure there is a post on re-building these assemblies.
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 09:57 AM
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I am going to try to replace the bushings to start. I also am going to take out the whole assembly and clean and lube it. Ill keep ya posted.
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 10:17 AM
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Originally Posted by spanishsilver
I am going to try to replace the bushings to start. I also am going to take out the whole assembly and clean and lube it. Ill keep ya posted.

Good luck. I hope that works out. I still think you have a small leak. I had two small leaks, and my right would only go up after I let the car idle for a few minutes and built up the vacuum.
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by spanishsilver
Just looked at the left actuator. Dust Boot is ripped so would this cause the right side not to come up and only close?
Probably a seal...a bad dust boot wouldn't do it.
Larry
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Old Dec 29, 2006 | 12:53 PM
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Just curious, what's the system vacuum at the front by the vac tank?
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Old Dec 30, 2006 | 10:59 AM
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Before I went to work yesterday I checked everything with car running. Took hoses off one at a time on the actuator relay to check for vacum from actuator. There was vacum on each accept the open port on the actuator. So I took the hose from the opening side of actuator cannister and connected to the close side of relay. Low and behold the headlight popped up. Connected all hoses back to normal ports and the headlight went down. So its not the bushings. It seems to be the actuator relay purchased from Ecklers. When I get back home I will take it out and check for blockage on the relay.
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Old Dec 30, 2006 | 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by spanishsilver
Before I went to work yesterday I checked everything with car running. Took hoses off one at a time on the actuator relay to check for vacum from actuator. There was vacum on each accept the open port on the actuator. So I took the hose from the opening side of actuator cannister and connected to the close side of relay. Low and behold the headlight popped up. Connected all hoses back to normal ports and the headlight went down. So its not the bushings. It seems to be the actuator relay purchased from Ecklers. When I get back home I will take it out and check for blockage on the relay.

I know it's a pain, but switch the two actuators, and try the headlights again. If the problem changes sides then you know what the problem is...and you'll be very good at changing out the actuators.
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Old Dec 30, 2006 | 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Durango_boy
I know it's a pain, but switch the two actuators, and try the headlights again. If the problem changes sides then you know what the problem is...and you'll be very good at changing out the actuators.
I would buy some longer vacuum hose and run them to the opposite sides instead of pulling the actuators out, switching them, and putting them back in, that's a real PITA in my opinion. Then if the problem changes sides you know what you have to do and only do it once.
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Old Dec 30, 2006 | 02:47 PM
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Are you talking about switching the actuator canisters or actuator relays. Thanks
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Old Dec 30, 2006 | 02:48 PM
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Check to see if the resevoir tank is blockedwith crud in the outlets. Worked for me and I am no longer blinkie.
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Old Dec 30, 2006 | 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by supervette77
I would buy some longer vacuum hose and run them to the opposite sides instead of pulling the actuators out, switching them, and putting them back in, that's a real PITA in my opinion. Then if the problem changes sides you know what you have to do and only do it once.
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Old Dec 30, 2006 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by spanishsilver
Are you talking about switching the actuator canisters or actuator relays. Thanks

I meant the new ones you bought, and I didn't even think about changing just the vacuum. I feel like a azz now.
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