Detaching headlight & wiper knobs? Help...
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New User
Joined: Apr 2004
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Detaching headlight & wiper *****? Help...
Help.....I have a 1976 F-150 and am trying to detach the headlight and windshield wiper ***** on the lower left side of the dash panel. I've pulled/twisted them rather firmly but to no avail. Hoping someone might have the answer before I break something. Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Spokane, WA
The wiper **** will have a little metal tab on the backside of it that you can pull forward (as in toward the rear of the truck) with a flat screw driver. It will slide right off. For the head lights reach up under the dash and on the top of the headlight switch you'll fell a little button. Hold the button down and pull the ****. It will come out shaft and all. Once you have it out be sure to push it in part way so your lights don't drain the battery. 
Welcome to FTE!
Welcome to FTE!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
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From: Spokane, WA
Originally Posted by Torque1st
Disconnect the battery before messing with the headlight switch unless you are looking to let the smoke out of your switch...
I've pulled the **** a few times during the day without disconnecting the battery and come back to find it completely drained. Talk about a disappointment! 
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,610
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From: Northwest, Arkansas
Originally Posted by ivanribic
Didn't that smoke come only with the Custom trim package? I've pulled the **** a few times during the day without disconnecting the battery and come back to find it completely drained. Talk about a disappointment!
I've pulled the **** a few times during the day without disconnecting the battery and come back to find it completely drained. Talk about a disappointment! 
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,238
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From: Northern Illinois
I will add when taking the headlight **** and shaft out you turn on headlight's and THEN push the button down on the switch and pull out the **** assy. If you push the shaft back in very easy you can turn the headlight's off without allowing the shaft to "lock" in position on the switch and you won't drain the battery down. No smoke either LOL
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New User
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No smoke from there but I wouldn't take the chance hitting some other wires that cause a smoke show.
As good as I am with being careful : I have never seen instructions on leaving the battery connected when working up & in behind the cluster.
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Snowman,Welcome to the site
If you have problems figuring it out > Type *Headlight or Wiper Switch **** Removal* in the search message box for this forum.
As good as I am with being careful : I have never seen instructions on leaving the battery connected when working up & in behind the cluster.
~~~~
Snowman,Welcome to the site
If you have problems figuring it out > Type *Headlight or Wiper Switch **** Removal* in the search message box for this forum.
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Postmaster
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https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/intervalwipers.php
Look either in the on-line store or a salvage yard. (I think you best bet might be the salvage yard.)
Look either in the on-line store or a salvage yard. (I think you best bet might be the salvage yard.)
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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1. Disconnect battery
2. Remove headlight switch (Reach up under the dash, on the top of the headlight switch there is a button. Push down on the button and pull straight out on the switch shaft and ****)
3. Remove screws from dash bezel (7 if I remember right, 2 below the radio, 1 between the headlight switch and wiper switch, and 4 along the top of the bezel.)
4. If your truck has A/C at this point you will need to remove the drivers side dash vent hose. Also remove the light bulb assy. that's between the headlight and wiper switch. Set the dash bezel aside somewhere so you don't accidently break it. (I normally just set it up on the dash board) I know that no one is going to be walking or sitting there!!
5. Remove the 4 screws holding the gauge cluster in place.
6. Remove the speedometer cable.
7. Unplug the gauge cluster wiring harness.
2. Remove headlight switch (Reach up under the dash, on the top of the headlight switch there is a button. Push down on the button and pull straight out on the switch shaft and ****)
3. Remove screws from dash bezel (7 if I remember right, 2 below the radio, 1 between the headlight switch and wiper switch, and 4 along the top of the bezel.)
4. If your truck has A/C at this point you will need to remove the drivers side dash vent hose. Also remove the light bulb assy. that's between the headlight and wiper switch. Set the dash bezel aside somewhere so you don't accidently break it. (I normally just set it up on the dash board) I know that no one is going to be walking or sitting there!!
5. Remove the 4 screws holding the gauge cluster in place.
6. Remove the speedometer cable.
7. Unplug the gauge cluster wiring harness.
