How do I remove the headlight switch knob???
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Silverdale, WA
How do I remove the headlight switch ****???
I need to remove the instrument cluster cover so that I can replace the dash gauge light bulbs. . .I've got all the screws out and the wiper switch **** popped right off, but I can't get the headlight **** to come off. . .I've twirled it around and it's doesn't have a set screw like some ***** that I've seen. . .the manual says something about using a hook tool (I'm assuming one of the dentist looking picks is what they are talking about) to remove the ****, but there is no lock ring that I can see to manipulate. . .
Does anyone know how to remove the headlight switch ****???
Thanks
Does anyone know how to remove the headlight switch ****???
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 0
reach up under the dash and on the back of the switch there is a little button that you depress and presto its out,,it might take a little while to find the button but once you find it the first time its real easy to do
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 741
Likes: 8
From: Western N.C.
As Holiver31 said, there is a release button at the back of the switch, LH side, with the back being toward the dashboard. Push down on the button and pull the **** out as you hold the button. The **** and the control rod will come out together. To put it (them) back in, you don't have to mess with the button...just push the rod and **** back in all the way.
The hook tool is used to remove the wiper ****, which has a metal tab cast into the plastic. You have to pry the tab up from the back of the **** and hold it up as you pull the **** out until the tab has passed over the groove it sits in. I didn't have a hook tool, so I just used a bent-over cotter pin. It worked like a charm. To reinstall, simply push the **** back on.
The hook tool is used to remove the wiper ****, which has a metal tab cast into the plastic. You have to pry the tab up from the back of the **** and hold it up as you pull the **** out until the tab has passed over the groove it sits in. I didn't have a hook tool, so I just used a bent-over cotter pin. It worked like a charm. To reinstall, simply push the **** back on.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Silverdale, WA
OK. . .cool guys. . .thanks for your help. . .I think whoever had the truck before me removed the lock tab on the wiper **** because it just slid right off. . .or it could be worn out. . .
I'm gonna go try it now so that I know what bulbs I need. . .I bought all the one's listed but I have some other un-used items to return to the auto parts store and would rather do it all at once. . .
. . .hopefully new bulbs will do the trick and it isn't anything more substantial. . .we haven't had gauge lights since we bought the truck last spring. . .no biggie because it's just our ATV & sailboat hauling truck at the moment. . .but I would like to have the lights just in case. . .
I'm gonna go try it now so that I know what bulbs I need. . .I bought all the one's listed but I have some other un-used items to return to the auto parts store and would rather do it all at once. . .
. . .hopefully new bulbs will do the trick and it isn't anything more substantial. . .we haven't had gauge lights since we bought the truck last spring. . .no biggie because it's just our ATV & sailboat hauling truck at the moment. . .but I would like to have the lights just in case. . .
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Silverdale, WA
Thanks again guys. . .found the button almost immediately. . .that is almost immediately after I contorted myself to get my arm twisted enough to get behind/under the dash. . .
. . .now I just have to figure out why the I don't have any dash lights. . .because they don't look like they are bad???
. . .now I just have to figure out why the I don't have any dash lights. . .because they don't look like they are bad???
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,760
Likes: 8
From: Gadsden Purchase
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 0
if replacing the bulbs dont work you may try cleaning the connections on the back of the gauge panel with some rubbing alcohol since they are notorious for becoming coroded,,however basically the whole back of the panel is one giant circuit border,,if it is crumbling you may want to look into finding another gauge cluster or building your own
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 741
Likes: 8
From: Western N.C.
I will assume that you have already tried turning the headlight ****. If you haven't, turn the **** all the way to the left...it should feel like it is passing a "hump" just before it hits its stop. Then turn it back to the right just enough so that you feel it pass over the "hump". This is maximum bright for the dash lights. If they still do not come on, you may need to carefully clean the plug and terminals behind the instrument cluster with some electrical terminal cleaner. While you have it off, why not?
Everything was working in my cluster when I took it out, though the bulbs looked a little dim at maximum bright. I cleaned all of the terminals while I had it out and now the lights are noticeably brighter. I also took the front panel off of the cluster, washed it and the plastic lens, and painted the front panel. Again, while you have it out...
Everything was working in my cluster when I took it out, though the bulbs looked a little dim at maximum bright. I cleaned all of the terminals while I had it out and now the lights are noticeably brighter. I also took the front panel off of the cluster, washed it and the plastic lens, and painted the front panel. Again, while you have it out...
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
This was...and still is....a very common occurance.
D3OZ17513B .. Wiper **** / Still Avalable from Ford.
Fits: 1976/79 F100/350 / 1978/79 Bronco / 1973/76 Torino/Montego.
Fits: 1974/80 Pinto/Bobcat / 1974/76 T-Bird.
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53,942
Likes: 2,385
From: NY and VA
Sometimes the resistor (that controls the dash lights) on the headlight switch burns out. While you've got the switch **** off you might as well drop the switch and check. Good idea to disconnect the battery. The switch is held in by a "bezel" that unscrews.
