One Headlight Stays Up
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 34
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One Headlight Stays Up
I replaced both headlight actuators today. Passenger side was shot, and driver's side was still good, looked new-ish, but I replaced it anyway.
Both headlights go up like a charm now. They go up, and like 2 seconds later i hear them both 'lock' into place.
When I turn the headlights off, drivers side goes down pretty fast...I'd almost say slams. Passenger side stays up and doesn't even look like its trying to go down. When I push it down manually (by grabbing the arm from the bottom) I feel resistance from the actuator (like vacuum), and when i get it down, the drivers side headlight pops up a little (then goes back down).
I tried WD-40ing the mechanism on the passenger side, but it doesn't seem to do anything.
I'm thinking it could be a few things:
1. I need more WD-40
2. I've got some vacuum problems
3. Could it be the boot thingy that's screwed on to the actuator? I'm wondering if it would prevent the headlight from going down if it was either too high or too low (guessing too high).
Any ideas?
Both headlights go up like a charm now. They go up, and like 2 seconds later i hear them both 'lock' into place.
When I turn the headlights off, drivers side goes down pretty fast...I'd almost say slams. Passenger side stays up and doesn't even look like its trying to go down. When I push it down manually (by grabbing the arm from the bottom) I feel resistance from the actuator (like vacuum), and when i get it down, the drivers side headlight pops up a little (then goes back down).
I tried WD-40ing the mechanism on the passenger side, but it doesn't seem to do anything.
I'm thinking it could be a few things:
1. I need more WD-40
2. I've got some vacuum problems
3. Could it be the boot thingy that's screwed on to the actuator? I'm wondering if it would prevent the headlight from going down if it was either too high or too low (guessing too high).
Any ideas?
Last edited by C3InPA; Jun 2, 2018 at 10:31 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I replaced both headlight actuators today. Passenger side was shot, and driver's side was still good, looked new-ish, but I replaced it anyway.
Both headlights go up like a charm now. They go up, and like 2 seconds later i hear them both 'lock' into place.
When I turn the headlights off, drivers side goes down pretty fast...I'd almost say slams. Passenger side stays up and doesn't even look like its trying to go down. When I push it down manually (by grabbing the arm from the bottom) I feel resistance from the actuator (like vacuum), and when i get it down, the drivers side headlight pops up a little (then goes back down).
I tried WD-40ing the mechanism on the passenger side, but it doesn't seem to do anything.
I'm thinking it could be a few things:
1. I need more WD-40
2. I've got some vacuum problems
3. Could it be the boot thingy that's screwed on to the actuator? I'm wondering if it would prevent the headlight from going down if it was either too high or too low (guessing too high).
Any ideas?
Both headlights go up like a charm now. They go up, and like 2 seconds later i hear them both 'lock' into place.
When I turn the headlights off, drivers side goes down pretty fast...I'd almost say slams. Passenger side stays up and doesn't even look like its trying to go down. When I push it down manually (by grabbing the arm from the bottom) I feel resistance from the actuator (like vacuum), and when i get it down, the drivers side headlight pops up a little (then goes back down).
I tried WD-40ing the mechanism on the passenger side, but it doesn't seem to do anything.
I'm thinking it could be a few things:
1. I need more WD-40
2. I've got some vacuum problems
3. Could it be the boot thingy that's screwed on to the actuator? I'm wondering if it would prevent the headlight from going down if it was either too high or too low (guessing too high).
Any ideas?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,426
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Charlotte NC
I agree with you doing as 'Peterbuilt' recommends.
My bet is the actuator relay is bad on that side....or even both are bad ...but one is worse than the other.
Also...try to keep from using WD-40 on your car. The reason being...depending on if you get it on the underside of a body panel..it can cause for problems in the future depending on how much was sprayed on it. Spraying ANY lubricant should be done with EXTREME care.
DUB
My bet is the actuator relay is bad on that side....or even both are bad ...but one is worse than the other.
Also...try to keep from using WD-40 on your car. The reason being...depending on if you get it on the underside of a body panel..it can cause for problems in the future depending on how much was sprayed on it. Spraying ANY lubricant should be done with EXTREME care.
DUB
