Headlight Switch
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Senior User
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From: NJ
Headlight Switch
So, my headlight switch decided to come off the other day. While I can pop it back on and am able to turn it for headlights, I can no longer pull it out so I cannot use my driving lights. I did a little bit of reading/research here and on the 'net, but I don't know if I can just buy a new **** and put it back on somehow or whether the entire switch would have to be replaced. It doesn't look like the actual connector that the **** attaches to is broken off at all, so I thought maybe it could just be reglued somehow. Someone told me that if I glue it, I could short the switch out. Can anyone give me some advice? Pix below.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Damon (South East Texas)
If the stem of the switch isn't worn too bad, you may try a new ****. You can buy them separately. Dorman® Help!™ 76872 - Headlight **** | O'Reilly Auto Parts
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From: NJ
Thanks Roland. I did see that I can get this **** pretty much anywhere, including eBay (seems there are A LOT being purchased!), but my question is - how does it go back on?? The stem of the switch looks perfect. I see nothing worn off or broken off. It just looks like it came unglued. The **** I have is perfectly fine also, so I'm confused as to how to reattach the existing **** OR a new one??
EDIT: I found a thread on a different Ford forum that indicates there's a tab that holds the **** on, but I don't know what it looks like or where it is supposed to be. Does anyone know from the photos I posted? How do I tell if the tab is broken?? (Sorry to sound so dumb!)
EDIT: I found a thread on a different Ford forum that indicates there's a tab that holds the **** on, but I don't know what it looks like or where it is supposed to be. Does anyone know from the photos I posted? How do I tell if the tab is broken?? (Sorry to sound so dumb!)
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Damon (South East Texas)
It does look like the right side of the "+" shaped slot in your **** picture has a piece missing, where as in the link I posted for the replacement doesn't. Sorry, I can't help you more. I haven't one of them off before.
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From: NJ
Agreed Icicle! NO IDEA how glue could short out the switch, but I think I was given a b.s. answer since it was an ex !! LOL!!
I did purchase a new ****, and judging by how many have been SOLD on eBay, I'm guessing this is a fairly common issue for many Ford owners!
I did purchase a new ****, and judging by how many have been SOLD on eBay, I'm guessing this is a fairly common issue for many Ford owners!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Hat Creek Ca
There is usually a steel "spring clip" of some sort that holds most ***** on, hopefully the new one comes with it. If not you might try some RTV to glue it back on but still be able to remove it later on if need be. There is always the wrecking yard approach as well.
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,038
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From: Spokane WA
Or, you could go this route:
Search rockauto.com for part number 1s1833
Whole new assembly. $55. Three options between an O'reilly switch, gluing, or flat out new piece altogether.
Junkyards as referenced above is another approach, although I bet they'd sell you the whole assembly also.
best of luck to you, I haven't had to deal with that on anything I've ever owned (yet).
Search rockauto.com for part number 1s1833
Whole new assembly. $55. Three options between an O'reilly switch, gluing, or flat out new piece altogether.
Junkyards as referenced above is another approach, although I bet they'd sell you the whole assembly also.
best of luck to you, I haven't had to deal with that on anything I've ever owned (yet).
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
It use the plastic tab that is broken on yours on the right side of your picture like Roland said. Do not glue it on because it you do and you need to replace the switch you would probably destroy the dash piece the switch protrudes through trying to get it back apart. And yes, the switches have been known to go bad so do your self a favor and do what your doing and just replace the ****.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Texas
Glue it on. Superglue works well, even with the old ****. If it fails again or gets worse, then replace the whole switch.
I would expect any new spring clip to fail in short order, but gluing plastic to plastic is pretty simple as long as you don't use too much glue and prevent the **** from being able to rotate anymore.
I would expect any new spring clip to fail in short order, but gluing plastic to plastic is pretty simple as long as you don't use too much glue and prevent the **** from being able to rotate anymore.
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