Headlamp Level Adjuster - '92 W124 260E

[pongee]

Firstly, my apologies if this has already been covered, did do a search but could not locate a solution.

When driving at night; when I step on the gas the headlamps go to full down position - making seeing almost impossible. When I back off, they return to level again.

I have changed the level adjustment switch, as well as the vacuum distributor (multi-Y rubber thingy behind the brake booster) and the one way check valves, but this made no difference. FYI, the adjuster is running of one of the check valve connections, and both lights always move down together. The headlamps were recently replaced with Bosch items as a new pair.

I was wondering if anyone would be kind enough to share any solutions. Also suspecting lamp connectors - are they supposed to have any 'in & out' freedom of movement when connected, or should they be relatively 'solid'?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

P.

 

[television]

Something in the vacuum system must be plugged in wrong or a pipe incorrect

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.433&CT=F&cat=15S&SID=80&SGR=015&SGN=01

 

[pongee]

Dear Malcolm,

Many thanks for your prompt response.

Scrutinised diagram and discovered that the connections to the leveller switch were mixed up. Vacuum supply was connected to the middle connector, as opposed to the top one in the diagram.

Have swapped them around, but will not be a position to test till Friday at the earliest. Will keep you posted.

Cheers,

P.

 

[television]

Thanks for posting back, any time you are stuck, someone will offer a hand to unstick you

 

[pongee]

Sadly my pipe swap didn't work. Nearside headlamp permanently dipped down, and level adjuster no longer functions.

With the previous arrangement, the adjuster was functional at idle. Was just that the lights then proceeded to act like the old economy meter, dipping downwards every time I am on the throttle.

I will revert the connections and try to source for leaks.

Cheers,

P.

 

[Ednamillion]

Pongee,

Just wondering if you got to the bottom of your headlamp 'drooping' problem as I am having the same difficulties.

When parking I'm noticing the headlamp beams dropping slowly but surely. Also, randomly, the beams will be either low (or very low) or I am lighting up the tree tops!

Annoying to me and other road users..any further insight (no, no pun) would be welcome.

Edna'...

 

[johnschnell]

Check the vacuum hose connections at the back of the headlights. A flexible tube pushes on to the back of each vacuum headlight activator, and the little receiver tube can be very fragile. If it has been bumped or disturbed while someone has been under the bonnet, one or both could be damaged. These receivers can be fixed by a clever mechanic, and you should not need to buy new vacuum units or headlight parts.

 

[wireman]

There should be some where on the vac system a non return valve in the vac feed to the head lamp level control. It may be near the inlet manifold vacuum tapping.
I suspect that this valve is defective and the vac supply to the head lamp system is following the manifold vacuum, it may even be affecting the brake servo vacuum.
It should be possible to check the valve by sucking its output port and sticking it to your tongue, it should stick there for a while. Do clean it before you test it.