Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi all, im having a problem figuring out where the 3 wires on the headlight valve thing (i dont know what its called) go?

Anyone got a idea? +2

Thanks

Hi, It looks to me like an aftermarket solenoid valve that has been fitted to your car.
I would guess that the blck wire is the 0v, the other two activate the coil, but why you have three wires is a mystery, I have just checked my car and I only have two wires. My guess would be to put the black wire on the middle terminal and the other wires on the outer two. If it does not work, then swap the two coloured wires over.
Good luck, hope it helps.
Jeff

jeff jackson wrote:Hi, put the black wire on the middle terminal and the other wires on the outer two. If it does not work, then swap the two coloured wires over.
Good luck, hope it helps.
Jeff

tried this but every time i put the black wire on it blows a fuse, another problem is that it is a new wiring loom and the 3 wires you see are for the solenoid i presume but i cant remember what it was like before

slimromeo wrote:the headlight valve thing (i dont know what its called)

I dont know much about Plus Two's but could that be the Thermal Cutout as mentioned in this thread?
elan-plus-f13/thermal-cutout-t13267.html

types26/36 wrote:

slimromeo wrote:the headlight valve thing (i dont know what its called)

I dont know much about Plus Two's but could that be the Thermal Cutout as mentioned in this thread?
elan-plus-f13/thermal-cutout-t13267.html

Im so confused

would a thermal cutout be connected to the pipes from the chassis and if its aftermarket what are the wires for?

Slimromeo

I am more familiar with Elan's than +2's but there are certain similarities so here goes.

Do you have a workshop manual and wiring diagram? to see if the 'thingy' is standard and to trace the wires.

If the 'thingy' is indeed a solenoid valve and that is copper pipe running to the chassis and headlight vacuum pods then I presume it has replaced the original pull switch on the dashboard (if the +2 normally has one). Is there a separate switch to raise the headlight pods? Is it an electrical switch?

You say you have replaced the loom, if this is aftermarket addition then it will not be catered for. To me those wires look like the ones that go to the headlight flasher.

Rather than just connecting the wires to the 'thingy' have you tried measuring any valtage present between them when the headlight switch is operated?

Another thought - have you tried measuring the resistance between the pins on the 'thingy' to give some idea of what is there?

Keep fiddling and asking questions - you will get there in the end with the assistance of all the helpful people here.

Thanks for your help Mike.

I gave Paul Matty a call and asked there advice, he seems to think its a solenoid valve too and says that the ones that they sell also have 3 terminals but only use the 2 outer terminals, i'm gonna try this out tomorrow and will let you know how i get on.

Franco