C3 Headlight actuator questions

[Tim Anderson]

I have not removed this from the car so somethings might be more clear when I do.

But for now, How many diaphrams are inside an actuator?
If I have one that will not go up, but will go down. Same actuator will go up if I send air pressure into the backside port (instead of vacuum). This obviosly means that one (or only) diaphram inside is good.

I see people selling seal kits and boots for actuators. Is this whats bad for the unit that won't come up.

All testing proves the the actuator relays work as they should. But the vacuum can does not seem to have check valves as the service manual indicates it should. Are there really check valves at the can?

Thanks for the help

[Wayne W.]

Re: C3 Headlight actuator questions

It is not necessary to remove it to change the front boot. That is the one that usually givs a problem, the inside diaphram is not readily servicable.

[Michael W.]

Re: C3 Headlight actuator questions

........But for now, How many diaphrams are inside an actuator?

Only one inside, and one external at the front.

.......If I have one that will not go up, but will go down. Same actuator will go up if I send air pressure into the backside port (instead of vacuum). This obviosly means that one (or only) diaphram inside is good.

Correct

.......I see people selling seal kits and boots for actuators. Is this whats bad for the unit that won't come up.

Correct again, sort of. This is what's good for a bad actuator.

....Are there really check valves at the can?

Not that I've ever seen. It wouldn't make sense to have them, a check valve would prevent the actuator from reversing direction.

Hope this helps.

[Tim anderson]

Re: C3 Headlight actuator questions

Thanks for the help you guys. As I reread the service manual it references check valve twice. But it's the same check valve.

If there was a check valve at the exit line from the vacuum tank to each relay valve, I would think that if one actuator was bad it would not keep the other from working. As in my case the vacuum leak is so bad that neither light will go up. That line is under vacuum all the time, lights up or down. I think the relay valve is responsible for venting backflow from the diaphram.

Anyway off to order front seals and boots.

Thanks

[Roberto L.]

Re: C3 Headlight actuator questions

Hello, sometimes I noticed that if strong leaks are in the system (with seals and diaphagm OK) the lights will go up everytime (engine running) because the system was design to function with default in up position for security reasons. I mean, with no control vac in the small hose due to leaks, the system will stay in up position. If internal diaphragm is bad lights will be down. If external front rubber seal (not accordion)is bad lights will be down because leak is in the 'up' side of the actuator.
At least that's my experience with the system. Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMC

[Tim anderson]

Re: C3 Headlight actuator questions

Wayne, I'd like to meet the mean SOB that can change the front boot and seal without taking the actuator off.

My seal was like not there. Replacing the boot and seal took care of the problem.

Thanks eveybody.

[Wayne W.]

Re: C3 Headlight actuator questions

I guess I resemble that remark, cuz I do it all the time.

[Tim anderson]

Re: C3 Headlight actuator questions

Your a better man than I. I took mine off to change it. Maybe they put more stuff in my way just cause it was me.