headlights...

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 28, 2012 | 06:34 AM

jman1

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 7,501

Likes: 1

From: Maine

headlights...

my headlight goes up on its own.. when i step on the gas hard.. the drivers side pops up for like 10 seconds...

everything is new... lines ,actuators...everything..... they work perfect otherwise....any thoughts???

Sep 28, 2012 | 09:32 AM

wombvette

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 8,918

Likes: 27

From: New Hill NC

Usually a case of low vacuum in the signal line. When the signal vacuum is off the headlights come up. They default to the up position. When you hit the gas hard, the vacuum falls in that line causing the bucket to come up. Look for low vacuum in that line. Check valve, leaks in the line, leaks at the switches, vacuum reservoir, etc.

Sep 29, 2012 | 04:13 AM

7T1vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 37,637

Likes: 3,112

From: Crossville TN

I'm thinking that the [one-way] check valve is either installed backwards or it is defective.

Sep 30, 2012 | 08:08 AM

jman1

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 7,501

Likes: 1

From: Maine

there are no leaks in the lines at all.. everything is new and holding vacuum... i will check the valve...

Sep 30, 2012 | 09:45 AM

Alan 71

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 31,112

Likes: 4,175

From: Westminster Maryland

Hi Jm,
Because of the sometimes/often poor quality of the replacement parts for the headlight system you may have a malfunctioning relay or actuator.
Do you have a guide to check the operation of each part and a vacuum pump with gauge to use for the tests?
Many people find the trouble shooting guide from Dr. Rebuild and a mighty-vac pump well worth their cost.
Regards,
Alan

Sep 30, 2012 | 09:51 AM

0Willcox Corvette

Former Vendor

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 76,656

Likes: 1,847

From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

Jim they all nailed it... Vacuum has to be dropping on the small hose for it to pop up..

If it's happening when you nail it I'd go to the check valve first, then the reserve tank...

I have a video now that will show you how to check all the components..

Sep 30, 2012 | 09:54 AM

scottyp99

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 5,948

Likes: 72

From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7T1vette

I'm thinking that the [one-way] check valve is either installed backwards or it is defective.

My 'vette had the same problem when I first bought it. My brother used to refer to the car as "winky", and I used to joke about painting an eyepatch over the other headlight! A new check valve is what cured it.

Keep the shiny side up!

Scott

Sep 30, 2012 | 10:30 AM

mrvette

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 65,492

Likes: 230

From: Orange Park Florida

I had that problem with my wiper door for the longest time, and so I finally gave up and took the vacuum relay apart, cut and rebent the spring to weaken it enough that it did not change state on the control end, and so the door stayed closed, when converting to intermittent wipers, I also changed to a linear actuator on the door, using simple relay logic to run the thing, controlled by magnetic burglar alarm switches from radio shack.....