Headlight Switch Knob Removal
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Central Oregon
Headlight Switch **** Removal
Having spent more of this afternoon than I would care to admit standing on my head looking under my dashboard, need an assist from you more knowledgeable folks. I know that there is some secret decoder ring method to remove the headlight switch **** on my '74 F250, but darned if I can make it out. Can anybody tell me how the **** comes off without crushing it with vise-grips? 
Thanks loads, Steve
Thanks loads, Steve
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Toronto, Canada
Headlight Switch **** Removal
Very simple, if its the same as mine.
You have to depress a button on the top of the headlight switch.
(you have to put your hand up behind the dash and bring your hand toward you until you feel the button.)
Good luck!
What do you need to take it off for?
Matt
1978 F250 Ranger 4x4 - 351M
You have to depress a button on the top of the headlight switch.
(you have to put your hand up behind the dash and bring your hand toward you until you feel the button.)
Good luck!
What do you need to take it off for?
Matt
1978 F250 Ranger 4x4 - 351M
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Headlight Switch **** Removal
Steve, don't feel like the Lone Ranger! There's a little button that you push (it's on top of switch behind dash) while pulling on the ****. It'll come right off. A mirror might be helpful, also a chriopractor after your finished. 
Don
"Nothing lasts forever except natural stone and old Ford trucks." (Willie Nelson)
Don"Nothing lasts forever except natural stone and old Ford trucks." (Willie Nelson)
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Headlight Switch **** Removal
Here's what you got to do. It's kind of tricky though. You got to twist your arm up in there and on the top in the middle of the light switch itself is a little spring loaded button, push that down with one hand, and pull on the **** with the other. But before you do this, unplug the wiring harness out of the back of the switch, or else your lights will turn on when you pull on the switch. Good luck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Toronto, Canada
Headlight Switch **** Removal
You don't have to disconnect the wiring harness. After pulling out the ****, let the button go and jiggle the **** back in until the lights go off. This might take a few tries, but it will work.
Matt
1978 F250 Ranger 4x4 - 351M
Matt
1978 F250 Ranger 4x4 - 351M
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Headlight Switch **** Removal
Don't feel bad if you aren't "getting it". I have done the headlight **** removal countless times, and sometimes I just can't seem to feel the damned button. The one I currently play with has to be pressed just right to coerce the shaft to come out. The button is on top of the back of the switch about in the center. When you have it apart and look at it, you'll kick yourself.
BBT
BBT
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From: Central Oregon
Headlight Switch **** Removal
OK! Got it out just that quick! Thanks to all you guys. Now, is there something similar for the wiper switch ****? Should have asked that at the same time, but fuzzy brain can only handle item at a time after being on my head for so long today. Matt, I'm installing my A/C system, and have to re-situate my choke cable and driving light switch away from the duct hole in the dash. And to be sure I don't slip while making the duct hole, decided it best to have it out where there is a modicum of control. Steve
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Toronto, Canada
Headlight Switch **** Removal
Nope, its different!
You can either just pull it right off, but you might break it, or you can put a screwdriver (along the length of the dash) and push out on the little catch that holds the **** on the rod.
Hope thats clear!
The **** comes off the rod, unlike the headlight switch.
Matt
1978 F250 Ranger 4x4 - 351M
You can either just pull it right off, but you might break it, or you can put a screwdriver (along the length of the dash) and push out on the little catch that holds the **** on the rod.
Hope thats clear!
The **** comes off the rod, unlike the headlight switch.
Matt
1978 F250 Ranger 4x4 - 351M
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Senior User
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From: Central Oregon
Headlight Switch **** Removal
Thanks Matt!
Clarification needed: there is a small slot in the side of the ****, is that where you do the pressing or pulling? I fiddled with it a little, but didn't seem to do anything constructive. I think I understand that you are saying to just push in with a screwdriver at that point?
Thanks again, Steve
Clarification needed: there is a small slot in the side of the ****, is that where you do the pressing or pulling? I fiddled with it a little, but didn't seem to do anything constructive. I think I understand that you are saying to just push in with a screwdriver at that point?
Thanks again, Steve
Fleet Owner
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Headlight Switch **** Removal
Steve, it works like the stop on a storm door closer, except it is much thinner and has tension on it.
John
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John
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Club FTE since 01 01
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66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night,
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Toronto, Canada
Headlight Switch **** Removal
Don't worry about the slot in the ****, just pry against the dashboard (put something on it , so you don't scratch it)
Later
Matt
1978 F250 Ranger 4x4 - 351M
Later
Matt
1978 F250 Ranger 4x4 - 351M
Senior User
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From: Northern Virginia
Headlight Switch **** Removal
Wait,wait. I wouldn't just pry it off, you'll brake the the part that holds it on. Here's how I do it, suggest you make up your own procedure to duplicate my results:
Use a very small nail (I use small paneling nail because they are hard and I know where they are) Put a 90 degree bend in the tip (last 1/16 - 1/8),(more acute than 90 is helpful, so you actually have the tip coming slightly back)). Clip the nail head in a set of needle nose vice grips (tight, 'cause it'll want to move).
Place bent tip into the **** slot (twist **** left or right for work comfort) and pull on the vice grips/nail, not on the ****. When you pull the **** the holding mechanism gets tighter on the shaft, when you pull on the nail, it releases the grip.
Suggest you don't just pull on the ****.
Raul
w/ 81 F-100, I6, SROD, Carter 1V non-feedback carb, no A/C, no PS, no PB, but it gets me where I need to go
Use a very small nail (I use small paneling nail because they are hard and I know where they are) Put a 90 degree bend in the tip (last 1/16 - 1/8),(more acute than 90 is helpful, so you actually have the tip coming slightly back)). Clip the nail head in a set of needle nose vice grips (tight, 'cause it'll want to move).
Place bent tip into the **** slot (twist **** left or right for work comfort) and pull on the vice grips/nail, not on the ****. When you pull the **** the holding mechanism gets tighter on the shaft, when you pull on the nail, it releases the grip.
Suggest you don't just pull on the ****.
Raul
w/ 81 F-100, I6, SROD, Carter 1V non-feedback carb, no A/C, no PS, no PB, but it gets me where I need to go
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From: Sun River St. George
Headlight Switch **** Removal
Raul has it dead bang! Except I flatten the nail and file it flat and smooth the sides a little. Work it in the slot on the button, push the button in a little and then slide it off. Don't force it or you will break it! Have patience!
William in Atlanta
William in Atlanta
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From: Toronto, Canada
Headlight Switch **** Removal
Yeah, I guess you'd better listen to Raul on this one...Thats a really good idea!!
I just pull mine off, cause i put the catch back on loose enough so a little tug will bring the **** off!
Matt
1978 F250 Ranger 4x4 - 351M
I just pull mine off, cause i put the catch back on loose enough so a little tug will bring the **** off!
Matt
1978 F250 Ranger 4x4 - 351M