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headlamp switch replacement

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Old Jan 20, 2010 | 07:14 PM
  #1  
glovings's Avatar
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4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Richmond, Ky
Default headlamp switch replacement

1998 discovery I 124000 miles
I have been having trouble with my headlamp switch. I put it on bright and it got stuck in between bright and dim and it wont come on. I located another for $150. What would be the best way to take out old switch and install the new one?
 
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Old Jan 29, 2010 | 12:55 AM
  #2  
sarienbarry's Avatar
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2010
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If your low beams won't activate, or your lights just won't come on at all, it's likely time to replace your car headlight switch. This is a common problem on cars of all makes and models, and the repair can be done in your garage rather than handing over the money to a mechanic
  1. Disconnect the negative cable from your battery and wait 5 to 10 minutes to allow the capacitors for the airbags to discharge.
  2. Step 2
    Remove any screws around the switch, or pry the retaining ring that holds the switch in place away from the dash.
  3. Step 3
    Slide the switch out of the dash carefully, and remove the wire plugs. Attach a spring clamp onto the plugs to keep them from falling into the dash where they are difficult to fish back out.
  4. Step 4
    Pull the light switch into the on position, press the headlight case button and remove the switch. Using a screwdriver helps if your case has more than one release button. You may have to remove a nut at the bottom of the switch shaft to remove the decorative bezel.
  5. Step 5
    Insert the new car headlight switch into the housing and replace the bezel and shaft nut if necessary.
  6. Step 6
    Attach the wire plugs, taking care not to bend any contacts. Slide the housing and switch back into the dash without binding the connecting wires.
  7. Step 7
    Put back any trim and mounting screws before reconnecting the negative battery wire. Test the switch and the low and high beams.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2010 | 08:45 PM
  #3  
greg409's Avatar
Winching
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 739
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From: west of chicago
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if you've got the free rave cd, it's simple to remove switch, disassemble, fix (usually dirty) & re-install.

This is assuming you're reasonably mechanical & pay attention during disassembly

Took me less than an hour - works great.

luck,greg
 
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Old Dec 13, 2011 | 06:13 PM
  #4  
olywa's Avatar
Mudding
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Olympia WA
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do you have to remove the steering column to replace switch?
 
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Old Dec 13, 2011 | 06:36 PM
  #5  
Savannah Buzz's Avatar
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 16,322
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From: Savannah Georgia
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No. Steering column is not removed.
 
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Old Dec 13, 2011 | 06:55 PM
  #6  
olywa's Avatar
Mudding
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 142
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From: Olympia WA
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the bottom 2 screws are stripped out and i cant get it, i wonder how much the bottom scrhod would cost?
 
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