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What's a Headlamp Actuator Valve??

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Old 06-11-2002, 01:39 AM
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Tron79
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Default What's a Headlamp Actuator Valve??

I've had my 79 for about a month. In addition to the other hundred or so things I'm working on, I've come across a little "pull switch" mounted on the bottom of the dash under the steering column. Chilton calls it a Headlamp Actuator Valve, but gives no explanation for its purpose. Can anybody help me out with this mysterious little switch. I'm replacing my actuator seals next week - I thought it might have something to do with my lights not popping up and down, but I can't see any affect by pulling it down. Thanks. :confused:
Old 06-11-2002, 02:00 AM
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JB
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Default Re: What's a Headlamp Actuator Valve?? (Tron79)

It's for putting your headlights up without turning the lights on. I was never clear on why exactly you would want to do that. If it's defective, it can keep your lights from going up and down. You can test it with a mightyvac, but I don't recall exactly how.

JB
Old 06-11-2002, 08:52 AM
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0Mike69@ECS
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Default Re: What's a Headlamp Actuator Valve?? (JB)

It's there so you can start the car, and raise your headlights while washing the car or changeing a headlight... :cheers:
Old 06-12-2002, 01:56 AM
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Tron79
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Default Re: What's a Headlamp Actuator Valve?? (Mike69)

Cool, Thanks. I can't really tell if it even works because my headlights are giving me grief. I have a new boot & seal kit on order and I hope to install them this weekend. Any idea which position is up/down with this little valve? (i.e. Down means the headlamps should be down, or the Up position equates to the headlamps being in the UP position?)

Thanks Again, Marc :yesnod:
Old 06-12-2002, 02:35 AM
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Default Re: What's a Headlamp Actuator Valve?? (Tron79)

When you pull it DOWN, the headlights go (and stay) UP.
When it's up, the headlights stay down unless you've got them on.

I use it so I don't have to wait for my lights to come up, generally, if I'm going to drive the car at night for an extended period, with stops, I'll pull it down. My left headlight needs coersion, so I prefer to leave it up when I'm gonna drive the car at night.
-Steve

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