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Headlights won't close

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Old Mar 10, 2017 | 02:24 PM
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Default Headlights won't close

My headlights on my '72 suddenly stopped closing.
I can find no lose vacuum lines and everything else works. Any ideas?
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Old Mar 10, 2017 | 03:03 PM
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Hi CS,
Have you done any work in the engine compartment or under the dash that may have caused this?
Are they still opening normally?
Are the headlights responding to the vacuum override switch below the steering column? It's the switch on the left.
With the headlight switch OFF…. pull down on the override…. the doors should open, but the lights won't illuminate.
Pushing up on the switch should close the doors.
Does that happen?
Regards,
Alan

This switch opens and closes the headlight doors.

Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 10, 2017 at 03:07 PM.
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Old Mar 10, 2017 | 03:46 PM
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Alan is right.. If the switch is pulled it will block vacuum to the relay. If the switch isn't pulled, go to the small hose on top the relay and see if you have vacuum there. It takes vacuum on that hose to pull the relay up and close the lamps.

-Willcox



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Old Mar 10, 2017 | 04:05 PM
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If they all of a sudden just quit and you've not done anything to cause it I'd suspect you've lost one or both of the actuator seals. Easy fix as you can buy a seal kit.
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Old Mar 10, 2017 | 04:22 PM
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There are two types of Corvette C3 owners in the world. Those who own a Mity-Vac and those that will own a Mity-Vac.
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Old Mar 10, 2017 | 06:25 PM
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They open fine, but won't close unless I do it manually. The over-ride switch is not activated. It is both lights, not just one. I put on all new hoses about 10 years ago, so it is not a cracked hose. The engine is too loud to hear a vacuum leak, though.

Last edited by CoolShark; Mar 10, 2017 at 06:25 PM. Reason: misspelling
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Old Mar 10, 2017 | 06:47 PM
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Hi cs,
It's odd that both relays or both actuators decided to fail together.
Is your headlight system in fact using 2 relays?
Are you certain that the red striped hoses haven't been disturbed in some way?
Regards,
Alan





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Old Mar 10, 2017 | 07:25 PM
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Now I'm thinking the headlight switch itself.
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Old Mar 10, 2017 | 08:08 PM
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Old Mar 11, 2017 | 10:17 AM
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Here is a video on how to test the components of the headlamp system:
1968-1982 Corvette Headlamp Vacuum Diagnostics Help
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Old Mar 11, 2017 | 05:50 PM
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Thanks for your help, all and especially Wilcox with the handy diagram. I did find a loose hose that was not obvious.
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Old Mar 14, 2017 | 09:37 PM
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Originally Posted by CoolShark
Thanks for your help, all and especially Wilcox with the handy diagram. I did find a loose hose that was not obvious.
Sweet.. glad you got it fixed..
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Old Mar 1, 2020 | 07:46 PM
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Ttt
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