Release valve for headlights.

[macaroni]

Hi,
upon refitting the front boot in my Murena, the pressure release valve for the headlights won't stop hissing and the lights won't stay up. If I hold it shut, the lights go up and the engine idles better, but if I let go, they sink. I can keep it squeezed shut with a jubilee clip, but the light won't go down then.

How should this thing work??

Cheers,

Antony

[Anders Dinsen]

Hi Antony

There's a metal piece sitting over the valve - it's probably pushing on the valve preventing it from sealing in either of the positions. Bend it slightly to stop the hissing and you'll be all right again.

(I've been there, and done it - and it works )

- Anders

[macaroni]

I did try that, but couldn't bend it enough in place and if I bent it removed, in replacing it, the metal bent bck again.
I'll try again this morning.

Also, there are 2 electrical connectors on the underside, should these be attached to anything?

Cheers,

Antony

[suffolkpete]

Yes, there should be two leads inside the boot.  The first should have a 12 volt signal whenever the headlights are on (full beam or dipped) the second is an earth.  It doesn't matter which way round they are connected.  When the headlights are on, the metal plunger should move in and when they are off the valve should release under spring pressure.  This routes the vacuum to the appropriate port on the valve to raise or lower the lights.

[macaroni]

Sorted, thanks guys. Car is now ready for a bit of hibernation while I rebuild the gti engine.