Light actuator problems... TRIED EVERYTHING.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
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Light actuator problems... TRIED EVERYTHING.
Hey guys,
here's what I got.....
My headlights are coming up and down rather slowly.. Especially the passenger side. I replaced both relay valves, all exterior vacuum lines, filters, and t's on the exterior. I replaced the seal in the passenger actuator and since the problem is especially bad in that side, I didn't see any reason to take out the other. The seal was in good condition on that side anyways but since I already had it out, I replaced the seal. I plugged both holes on that actuator and the rod wouldn't move with the holes plugged. (I assume this means the actuator is in good shape). I replaced all springs with stainless ones as recommended. The only thing I haven't done is replace the lines running inside the car since the dash is so hard to remove. I'm running out of ideas to try.
Oh, and by the way. Now I have a headlamp warning light coming on in my center cluster. Do you guys have any idea on what could possibly be wrong? I've double checked and all the lines are installed properly. The lamps are coming up better than what they were but still sub par.
Thanks!
Jonathon
here's what I got.....
My headlights are coming up and down rather slowly.. Especially the passenger side. I replaced both relay valves, all exterior vacuum lines, filters, and t's on the exterior. I replaced the seal in the passenger actuator and since the problem is especially bad in that side, I didn't see any reason to take out the other. The seal was in good condition on that side anyways but since I already had it out, I replaced the seal. I plugged both holes on that actuator and the rod wouldn't move with the holes plugged. (I assume this means the actuator is in good shape). I replaced all springs with stainless ones as recommended. The only thing I haven't done is replace the lines running inside the car since the dash is so hard to remove. I'm running out of ideas to try.
Oh, and by the way. Now I have a headlamp warning light coming on in my center cluster. Do you guys have any idea on what could possibly be wrong? I've double checked and all the lines are installed properly. The lamps are coming up better than what they were but still sub par.
Thanks!
Jonathon
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,419
Likes: 1,555
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
You did a good job so far but the last actuator may be leaking off all your vacuum, with the headlights down, apply vacuum to the rear nipple (RED) if the pressure drops the diaphragm is bad and the actuator must be replaced.
Now apply vacuum to the front nipple (green) if the vacuum drops then the seal must be replaced.
The warning light on the dash is electrical and goes out if the switch is good and positioned correctly.
Here's a picture of what the switch actually looks like.
Now apply vacuum to the front nipple (green) if the vacuum drops then the seal must be replaced.
The warning light on the dash is electrical and goes out if the switch is good and positioned correctly.
Here's a picture of what the switch actually looks like.
Last edited by Peterbuilt; Jun 1, 2010 at 03:32 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
when you say apply vacuum to the nipples of the actuator, do you mean with a vacuum tester? is that something that is sold at an autoparts store or where would I need to go? Thanks so much for your help. This has been agitating me for a while.
Jonathon
Jonathon
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,419
Likes: 1,555
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Hi again,
You don't have to buy a vacuum tester unless you want to, you can borrow one from the auto parts store.
I forgot to mention when you test the front nipple have the head lights UP.
Here's a how to: the text is good but the diagram in incorrect at the head light and pull down switch. www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm
Hope that helps.
You don't have to buy a vacuum tester unless you want to, you can borrow one from the auto parts store.
I forgot to mention when you test the front nipple have the head lights UP.
Here's a how to: the text is good but the diagram in incorrect at the head light and pull down switch. www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm
Hope that helps.
