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

 

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

 

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.

 

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. . .

 

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???

 

http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/coverlights.jpg
http://www.panix.com/~alvinj/file12/coverhardware.jpg

Alvin in AZ

 

you might just have to replace the bulbs

 

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

 

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...

 

Thanks for the suggestions. . .luckily my printed circuit seems to be as good as new. . .I am gonna clean all the contact points while it is out.

 

The lock tab was broken off by a PO, because he/she didn't know how to remove the **** and so...forced it off with a screwdriver.

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.

 

You guys are awesome. Everything was so easy in getting the dash cover off except for that darn light switch.

Thanks

 

how about a pic if youcan that would be great!

 

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.

 

For future reference, depress button depicted below