Euro Headlights aiming switch inop

[redgaucho]

Hi, everyone

Hope the new year is going well for all, and resolutions are being kept so far...

While replacing a burned out light bulb in the temp control wheel of the ACC unit, I was able to do a little investigating behind the switches.

I was trying to see if I could see something obviously wrong with the euro headlight aiming switch. I learned that the reason for it to not be illuminated was that it was missing its fiberoptic cable. I also noticed a fiber optic cable "manifold" or "tree" with an empty socket. I obtained a f/o cable, and will install it asap. I was really surprised to see fiber optics used in a 1985 vintage vehicle. Very Impressive! I also noticed that the two vacuum lines to this switch were firmly connected, and they seemed to go in the direction of the rest of them, toward the firewall grommet. Under the hood, purple and yellow vacuum lines are connected to the headlights and to a manifold near and above the injector pump.

Now if I could only figure out why the aiming switch does not adjust the headlights, I'd be really content. My owners manual does not have any info on this feature, which I suspect was a modification. My Haynes manual does not cover this either.

Any tips and tech data will be greatly appreciated.

/s/

[mercedessd]

Hi, everyone

Hope the new year is going well for all, and resolutions are being kept so far...

While replacing a burned out light bulb in the temp control wheel of the ACC unit, I was able to do a little investigating behind the switches.

I was trying to see if I could see something obviously wrong with the euro headlight aiming switch. I learned that the reason for it to not be illuminated was that it was missing its fiberoptic cable. I also noticed a fiber optic cable "manifold" or "tree" with an empty socket. I obtained a f/o cable, and will install it asap. I was really surprised to see fiber optics used in a 1985 vintage vehicle. Very Impressive! I also noticed that the two vacuum lines to this switch were firmly connected, and they seemed to go in the direction of the rest of them, toward the firewall grommet. Under the hood, purple and yellow vacuum lines are connected to the headlights and to a manifold near and above the injector pump.

Now if I could only figure out why the aiming switch does not adjust the headlights, I'd be really content. My owners manual does not have any info on this feature, which I suspect was a modification. My Haynes manual does not cover this either.

Any tips and tech data will be greatly appreciated.

/s/

when my car was brought over from germany they had to remove the euro lights and install U.S. version, they left ther switch and all the linse, so when i converted it back to euro specs ihad all for the system to work, but it didn't, what i would was at the source vacuum for the aimers someone had inserted a steel plud that would seal off the vacuum supply to the syatem, that may be what you have, after i removed the obstruction all was well.
also the most obvious question, are the lights fitted with the vacuum pods? not all have the vacuum adjusters, some are manually adjusted, the manual versions still have the port to have vacuum connectors. to be sure if the vacuum pods are fitted open the back of the light and see if the pods are there, they are usually white, and are about the diameter of a soda can.

[Robby Ackerman]

Check the vacuum lines. Its easy for one to get disconnected from the Y near the driver side headlight.

[ghoward@goldrus]

when my car was brought over from germany they had to remove the euro lights and install U.S. version, they left ther switch and all the linse, so when i converted it back to euro specs ihad all for the system to work, but it didn't, what i would was at the source vacuum for the aimers someone had inserted a steel plud that would seal off the vacuum supply to the syatem, that may be what you have, after i removed the obstruction all was well.
also the most obvious question, are the lights fitted with the vacuum pods? not all have the vacuum adjusters, some are manually adjusted, the manual versions still have the port to have vacuum connectors. to be sure if the vacuum pods are fitted open the back of the light and see if the pods are there, they are usually white, and are about the diameter of a soda can.

I have the same problem. I bought my 300D from the first owner who brought it from Germany, and the headlight aiming doesn't work. Where are the vacuum pods you mentioned located? Is my assumption correct that if the vacuum system is installed the manual system would also be installed?

Thanks,
Guy

[Robby Ackerman]

The vacuum control units are in the headlights. I assume you have the dial switch on the dash that you roll up/down to raise/lower the headlights? These units a pretty bullet proof. What can happen is a vacuum line will slip loose, often in the area of the driver-side wheelwell & behind the left headlight. Check the vacuum lines.

[lkchris]

I was really surprised to see fiber optics used in a 1985 vintage vehicle.

Actually, it's a practice that's been discontinued throughout the automotive industry.

My old '80s Range Rover has it, too. Done poorly, of course.

[redgaucho]

Well,

Thanks for all the input, everybody!

I finally had a little time on hand to explore the seemingly inop headlight aiming system on Kaiser.

I disconnected and checked each vaccum line, blew a yellow check valve, looked at the switch connections behind the dashboard, and inspected the pods at the light assemblies.

When I reconnected everything and did an ops ck, it worked fine! I wonder if the check valve could have had some debris, allowing it to leak out, or if the application of vacuum individually freed up something in the pods...

Anyway, the adjustment with the switch is very minimal, and to really see it I had to shine a torch on the top outer corners of each headlight, while my son operated the switch. On the road, however, with only me onboard, I cannot detect any notable change in the light pattern.

It was kind of fun to do this little task, and I am continuing to grow in my appreciation of this new-to-me vehicle. I just put my first 10k miles on it since purchasing it in Nov 05, and love it still.

Happy motoring!

Serge