Do I need new headlamp actuators?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Do I need new headlamp actuators?
I just bought an 81 wednesday, and today while I was driving (headlamps were down) the lamps popped up (switch was in off position), and now they won't turn off. The switch still turns the headlamps on fine, and still does the interior lighting, but I can't get the headlamps to go down. I tried the vacuum switch too. I am a newbie, so any help would be appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
www.corvette-101.com
Check the link and at the upper right there are some troubleshooting steps to take and you should find the problem. Try checking the check valve first like suggested. Its easy to get to and easy to check. Just mark the lines and be sure to put them back on the same ports.
Check the link and at the upper right there are some troubleshooting steps to take and you should find the problem. Try checking the check valve first like suggested. Its easy to get to and easy to check. Just mark the lines and be sure to put them back on the same ports.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
The above diagram from Corvette 101 is wrong at the headlight switch.If hooked up by this diagram the lights will go down but not up(unless there is a leak in the small hose going to the relay or the relay itself leaks)and will create a vacuum leak in the on position.
Here is a corrected diagram.
On your problem -check the small hose that goes to the T at the relays between the actuators.If you "have" vacuum at the small hose T then one of the relays probably failed.If you "dont have" vacuum at the T then find vacuum and apply it to the T and see if the lights go down.If they do go down then find out why you dont have vacuum on the small hose coming from the pulldown.
Here is a corrected diagram.
On your problem -check the small hose that goes to the T at the relays between the actuators.If you "have" vacuum at the small hose T then one of the relays probably failed.If you "dont have" vacuum at the T then find vacuum and apply it to the T and see if the lights go down.If they do go down then find out why you dont have vacuum on the small hose coming from the pulldown.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
The above suggestions are correct, but each year C3 had some changes to the vacuum system design. You need to get a schematic for your year and the method to search out vacuum leaks. It's not difficult, but you have to follow procedure and buy a vacuum gage.
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I'm glad I asked. After I checked the check valve and replaced everything, the lamps starting working fine. I'm guessing that means one of the hoses was loose, but I didn't notice any peculiar. But like I said, I'm a total newbie. Thanks for the help guys.
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