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headlight switch issue?

Old Dec 6, 2022 | 12:08 PM
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Default headlight switch issue?

My headlights will not pop up when I pull the headlight switch. they turn on, but wont raise. But they will raise when I pull the secondary switch under the steering column.
So I assume then it is not an actuator issue but in the main switch?


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Old Dec 6, 2022 | 12:44 PM
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When were they last working? Here's a great source from 78IndyPace.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...tch-issue.html
https://www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm
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Old Dec 6, 2022 | 02:03 PM
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I can't remember where I saw it but I read that the assembly manual had the hoses going to the wrong ports on the headlight switch, it was in a search of my '79s problem, but it may apply to yours.. They recommended switching them.
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Old Dec 6, 2022 | 03:40 PM
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Are the hoses at the headlight switch installed correctly?
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Old Dec 6, 2022 | 04:18 PM
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Getting to the backside of that switch on a 77 can be real fun. I know, I have a 77 as well. But I agree with above. I would check the hoses before I ordered a new switch. The repo switches have a bad reputation anyway.
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Old Dec 6, 2022 | 06:03 PM
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Do they operate normally w/ the secondary switch pulled?
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Old Dec 6, 2022 | 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by gjohnson
Do they operate normally w/ the secondary switch pulled?
yes
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Old Dec 6, 2022 | 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by 4-vettes
Getting to the backside of that switch on a 77 can be real fun. I know, I have a 77 as well. But I agree with above. I would check the hoses before I ordered a new switch. The repo switches have a bad reputation anyway.
I am assuming the hoses are connected properly since the lights worked properly previously unless something came loose. Again, they still work with the secondary switch.
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Old Dec 7, 2022 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by dmeesq
I am assuming the hoses are connected properly since the lights worked properly previously unless something came loose. Again, they still work with the secondary switch.
Then it's time to test the vacuum ports on the switch using the guide that Hazmatr posted.
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Old Dec 7, 2022 | 04:43 PM
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If you test the vacuum ports on your headlight switch and they are bad you might want to try repairing the switch before buying a replacement as many on the Forum have told of issues with replacement switches.
If you take the switch out the vacuum ports are fairly easily accessible. I put mine in my vise to hold it steady and carefully bend the tabs up. On mine the aluminum top piece was grooved and scratched and the rubber piece was also damaged.
I cleaned the parts and then took a piece of fine sandpaper and rubbed the switch pieces on it until they were smooth and then use a finer sandpaper. Be careful with the rubber piece.
Put a little silicone grease on it and put it back together. After reassembly I tested it a number of times with my vacuum gauge and then left it for 24 hours with vacuum on it. It lost nothing in 24 hours.
If it is not repairable you can always buy a replacement switch. The picture is from my '69 switch, but I would assume that they are similar. The blue vacuum line goes to the blue paint mark.

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Old Dec 7, 2022 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by dmeesq
yes
Problem solved.
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