installing new headlight switch
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
installing new headlight switch
So, my headlight switch has not been consistent in turning on the dash lights. So, I go to Advance Auto parts today and grab a new switch. I'm laying on the floor, sucking down dust, jackin with this switch, trying to get it out. I squirt some d40 up in there hoping it will help me remove this thing. then I notice that the darn thing is working. I clean off the connection a little and tighten it back down. voila..it's working OK now. I guess I'll take back the new switch.
BTW, Advance had it in stock for like $15!
BTW, Advance had it in stock for like $15!
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 709
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite, Texas
Greg, I need to replace mine as well but I think I'll give it a shot of WD first after reading this. Some one posted how to remove that switch but I can't find it now so I'll just hope for the best until I find it. I think you have to pull it out to park lights only and then push a pin or something. If I ever find it I'm going to save it to my favorites lol
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
yeah, I remember there as arecent thread about this. But I sure could not figure out how to remove it easily. But, by the time I had loosened up the fron and start moving things around the connectins started cleaning up. A little more scraping wit ha screwdriver and some D40 and it works great. I even wired up the light in the floor mounted B@M megashifter.....
New User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, CA
I just went through this with my truck.
There is a small button that should be facing down towards the floor boards that you press. Pull the **** all the way on, push the button and pull the **** all the way out (you may need to wiggle it a little).
With the **** out there is a set screw that holds the switch and the bezel to the dash. You'll need a big flathead screwdriver to remove it without stripping it. The WD40 comes in handy here.
Once the screw is out the switch should fall out behind the dash. Pull the large plug from it and then reverse these steps to install the new switch.
The switch that came with my truck was operational, but hanging down connected to the plug. So you had to reach back up almost under the dash to turn the headlights on. The bezel and scew were nowhere to be found so I scored some parts from a 67 Bronco. The switch I had needed to have the spacer JB welded to it. It was loose when I took everything apart, not sure if that's the way it came or if somethig else happened to it.
I'm wishing I would have taken pictures now, but not sure how I would have gotten some of them looking back on the procedure.
There is a small button that should be facing down towards the floor boards that you press. Pull the **** all the way on, push the button and pull the **** all the way out (you may need to wiggle it a little).
With the **** out there is a set screw that holds the switch and the bezel to the dash. You'll need a big flathead screwdriver to remove it without stripping it. The WD40 comes in handy here.
Once the screw is out the switch should fall out behind the dash. Pull the large plug from it and then reverse these steps to install the new switch.
The switch that came with my truck was operational, but hanging down connected to the plug. So you had to reach back up almost under the dash to turn the headlights on. The bezel and scew were nowhere to be found so I scored some parts from a 67 Bronco. The switch I had needed to have the spacer JB welded to it. It was loose when I took everything apart, not sure if that's the way it came or if somethig else happened to it.
I'm wishing I would have taken pictures now, but not sure how I would have gotten some of them looking back on the procedure.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
mine is working like a champ now! just a little cleaning and some WD40. I didn't even have to remove it! It's even got a nice linear/smooth interior dimmer function now...
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 709
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite, Texas
Greg, I'm glad yours is working so good. I just got back from Napa with a new head light switch and dimmer switch. I wont get to install them until Monday as i'm going to my farm this weekend but it will be nice driving at night and my lights staying on lol
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
I even went in and adjusted the headlight angles now. I'm working on the rear light wiring and putting in some serious backup lights (actually 2x 55w driving lights). I need to get the reverse lights wired up so I can use the +12v to tell the trailer brakes to come off when I'm backing this into the lake:
http://www.thedreyerfamily.com/2005supra.htm
http://www.thedreyerfamily.com/2005supra.htm
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 709
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From: Mesquite, Texas
Head lights adjusted? Back up lights that work? Working trailer brakes? Dang Greg we will see you in the spring with all that work to do. lol I just got the weekend weather report of rain here tonight and tomorrow so I'll put off going to the farm until next week end. Now all I have to do is put the new fuel pump on the truck, change the oil and filter, install the new headlight switch and dimmer switch. Pull my dash and install the original F600 vacum gauge I found and mount the smaller one under the hood. I'm sure I have forgotten some thing but I know that truck will remind me before I'm finished. Oh and if we have time I think its time for a road trip in it. Thats sure to give me a new list of things lol I'm glad yours is coming along so good
New User
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: glendale arizona
There is a relay kit from lmc you can get to help prevent alot of the light switch problems as well as a thread here that tells you how to make your own called whiter whites brighter brights.. Always if replacing the switch replace the dimmer as well..
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