How to get the headlamp & wiper switch knobs off?
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How to get the headlamp & wiper switch ***** off?
Hello everyone. Another noob here in need of some help lol.
I recently purchased a 1973 F100 with a 360 FE and C6 tranny. The trucks is in good condition with 83,000 original miles. However, recently I drove it to work one night and just as I was about to get there the dash lights went out and the headlights starting blinking on and off. When I dimmed my lights everything came back on and stayed on for the last 1/2 mile to work. So at first I thought my dimmer was going bad but then later that night I talked to a friend of mine at work who owned a 1970 F100 for many years and he mentioned his did the same thing once and it turned out his headlamp switch was going bad. It would get hot after driving for a bit of distance and lose contact and thus the headlamps would blink on and off. So I was going to replace mine as a starting point since it does the same thing but I can't get the ***** off the switches (wipers and headlights). They just pull off don't they? I can't budge either without breaking something and I can't get the dash plate off with the ***** on. Is there a trick to it or am I just a moron and can't figure it out? Do you guys think it's the switch and not something else?
If it's the switch I found one on Autozones site for online sales only but it has no shaft or **** in the picture. Do the shafts come out of these switches? I can't post a link to the Autzone **** because your site says I have to modify my Mozilla web browser to use the function.
If it's the switch I found one on Autozones site for online sales only but it has no shaft or **** in the picture. Do the shafts come out of these switches? I can't post a link to the Autzone **** because your site says I have to modify my Mozilla web browser to use the function.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by alpenflage
I recently purchased a 1973 F100 with a 360 FE and C6 tranny. The trucks is in good condition with 83,000 original miles. However, recently I drove it to work one night and just as I was about to get there the dash lights went out and the headlights starting blinking on and off. When I dimmed my lights everything came back on and stayed on for the last 1/2 mile to work. So at first I thought my dimmer was going bad but then later that night I talked to a friend of mine at work who owned a 1970 F100 for many years and he mentioned his did the same thing once and it turned out his headlamp switch was going bad. It would get hot after driving for a bit of distance and lose contact and thus the headlamps would blink on and off. So I was going to replace mine as a starting point since it does the same thing but I can't get the ***** off the switches (wipers and headlights). They just pull off don't they? I can't budge either without breaking something and I can't get the dash plate off with the ***** on. Is there a trick to it or am I just a moron and can't figure it out? Do you guys think it's the switch and not something else?
If it's the switch I found one on Autozones site for online sales only but it has no shaft or **** in the picture. Do the shafts come out of these switches? I can't post a link to the Autzone **** because your site says I have to modify my Mozilla web browser to use the function.
If it's the switch I found one on Autozones site for online sales only but it has no shaft or **** in the picture. Do the shafts come out of these switches? I can't post a link to the Autzone **** because your site says I have to modify my Mozilla web browser to use the function.
Welcome to FTE
The headlamp switch **** and shaft comes off as a unit. Remove battery cable for safety. Pull out headlamp **** all the way. On the bottom of the switch is a spring loaded button. Press it in, pull **** and shaft out of the switch.
The wiper switch has a spring clip holding it to the shaft. Turn the **** till you see a cutout. Inside you will see a metal insert. Use a paperclip, or similar, press the metal piece back (or forward, forget). **** comes off shaft.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jul 14, 2007 at 10:46 AM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
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From: Eustis FL
Just to clarify the headlight shaft removal, you need to reach up under the dash and feel for the switch itself, and above it will be the release button that you push down on while pulling the shaft out. It should be near the back of the switch housing.]
My '77 Cougar did the same thing, and I changed out the switch and the problem went away. It came back a couple years later on the aftermarket switch, so a new Ford replacement will likely be better, if you can find one nowadays. (the car wasn't quite 10 years old when it happened to me)
My '77 Cougar did the same thing, and I changed out the switch and the problem went away. It came back a couple years later on the aftermarket switch, so a new Ford replacement will likely be better, if you can find one nowadays. (the car wasn't quite 10 years old when it happened to me)
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
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My money is on you have a bad dimmer switch. I had exactly the same thing in my 67 Fairlane. The key is that when you dim the lights everything is OK. Try the dimmer switch first. They are pretty cheap and easy to install. A couple screws and unplug a couple of wires.
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Thanks for all the good information and the welcome. I think I will buy both a new dimmer and the headlamp switch and replace the dimmer first, since it's easier, and the switch only if it the dimmer doesn't cure the problem. Niether are very expensive and it sounds like the headlamp switches go bad eventually anyhow.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 162
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From: Fayetteville, GA
here is what is going on..
on these trucks, all of the current goes through the switch cause the truck doesn't have a relay system for the headlights. so when you have the headlights on bright all of the current that you are using is through the switch causing it to overheat. the best way to fix the problem is to install a relay system for the headlights, that way you won't have to go back in a few years and fix it again. also so your truck doesn't catch on fire from the switch overheating and burning everything to the ground. many trucks have met there doom from that switch. I will look for the article on the website about this and post it
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by alpenflage
Thanks for all the good information and the welcome. I think I will buy both a new dimmer and the headlamp switch and replace the dimmer first, since it's easier, and the switch only if it the dimmer doesn't cure the problem. Niether are very expensive and it sounds like the headlamp switches go bad eventually anyhow.
D3ZZ-11654-A .. Headlamp Switch (Motorcraft SW-1245) Fits: 1973/76 F100/350
Last edited by NumberDummy; Jul 15, 2007 at 01:35 PM.
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From: San Jose , ca
headlights
Originally Posted by trinogt
Just to clarify the headlight shaft removal, you need to reach up under the dash and feel for the switch itself, and above it will be the release button that you push down on while pulling the shaft out. It should be near the back of the switch housing.]
My '77 Cougar did the same thing, and I changed out the switch and the problem went away. It came back a couple years later on the aftermarket switch, so a new Ford replacement will likely be better, if you can find one nowadays. (the car wasn't quite 10 years old when it happened to me)
My '77 Cougar did the same thing, and I changed out the switch and the problem went away. It came back a couple years later on the aftermarket switch, so a new Ford replacement will likely be better, if you can find one nowadays. (the car wasn't quite 10 years old when it happened to me)
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 224
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From: San Jose , ca
electrical
Originally Posted by trinogt
Working on electrical with the battery hooked up is very exciting! You never know what can happen...
lol
Guilty as charged, your honor.
lol
Guilty as charged, your honor.