i've got a 1990 f-150 how do I get the old headlight switch out?

-jack

 

If I remember right you:
1) Pull the **** off the switch. Switch shaft has a flat side and **** has a metal retainer clip inside it.
2) Pull the dash panel off by your left knee. Don't remember if there is a retainer nut on front of dash or not. Don't think there is.
3) When you get the dash off I think there is a retainer nut that holds the switch to the front of mounting bracket.
4) Unplug headlight switch electrical.
5) Loosen retainer nut and I think the switch will come out towards the firewall.
I think that dash panel comes off pretty easy. If you look up underneath I think you can tell how it comes off.

 

the headlight switch that i got at autozone has no shaft comming out of it, do i take the shaft from the old one and put it in the new one?

 

I copied this from alldata.com, it's a membership thing($25). The only thing that didn't copy over is the picture. This is what I thought, but when I went to Advanced Auto website the switch they show for a '90 model doesn't have the shaft either. Picture on alldata shows switch to have a shaft. Don't have my manuals here with me(at work) so will either have to look at mine or look when I get home. See if it looks like the switch shaft can be removed from the old one.


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Sensors and Switches
. Sensors and Switches - Lighting and Horns
. . Headlamp Switch
. . . Service and Repair

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Notes


Service and Repair

Fig. 6 Light Switch






Disconnect battery ground cable.
Remove ***** from headlight switch, windshield wiper switch and fog light switch (if equipped). Use a suitable hook tool to release each **** lock tab.
Remove steering column shroud, then the cluster finish panel assembly, Fig. 6.
Remove switch attaching nut, Fig. 6.
Disconnect electrical connector from switch and remove switch from vehicle.
Reverse procedure to install.
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I believe there is a very small button with a spring under it on the switch. If you push it, the shaft will come right out. Then push it back into the new switch. Make sure it goes in all the way.

 

O.K.
grappler could be dead on about the button. Funny thing though, I bought the shop manual when I bought my truck and the shop manual shows headlight switch **** and shaft coming off together with a release button on E-150 thru E-350 and the switch with a shaft on the F-150 thru F-350. It is possible though that Ford used switch w/ the button release on trucks too. I guess if there is no release button on existing switch and Advance and Autozone don't have one, or NAPA, it may be a dealer item to get one that matches???
Let us know how it turns out.



guzzler96

 

There is a spring loaded button on the underside of the switch. Press that in and the shaft will come right out. Replacing it is simple, push the new one in. Remember, it is very easy. Don't bother ripping apart the dash, believe me, you don't have to do that.