Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

Is there any trick to get this back in?

There is a notch on the end of the knob, but it isn't catching on anything. Not sure if I broke anything off, or pushed the mechanism inside back in too far. It pushed it back to where the park lights are on, but the headlights are off now.

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

I guess my first question would be how did you get it out. Did you just pull it out? You might try turning the knob one way or the other as you "Gently" push on it.

LockDoc

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

I pushed the button in on the back, to get it out originally. It didn't seem like anything broke. It came out fairly easy at the time.

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

You need to push the knob all of the way in. Once you think the know bottoms out, the spring tab inside the switch should push up with the end of the knob then lock in place. If not you may have broken the switch. Do you have an aftermarket knob? WES

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

That would be correct. You might try putting a little lube on the pointed end of the shaft.

LockDoc

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

I think it is the original, but not positive. Yeah, when it bottoms out, nothing latches onto it.

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

It can't hurt to try LockDoc's remidy first, but if it doesn't work you need a new switch. WES

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

I think it's the spring that breaks or sticks. You could try taking it off an spraying some WD in there. It might also help to clean the sliding contacts in it also. If that doesn't do it, local auto parts carry the switches.

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

Sometimes the release button on the headlight switch sticks in the down position. Try holding the button down, then push the rod in and then wiggle the release button till it pops into the out position.

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

I have had a few do this. All the lub of WD didn't help them. Ended up replacing the switch. Took one apart also didn't notice anything broken or worn out. Now it's in a can some in the garage somewhere.

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

The PO had some kind of makeshift nut to hold the switch in. I do not think it was the correct size. It did not allow the knob to seat all the way in and latch itself.

Anyone know what the correct one looks like? Does lmc carry them? I couldn't find it on classicparts.

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

PM me your name & address and I will send you one...

LockDoc

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

Thanks. Here is what was attached to it.

I am guessing this is not correct, because it doesn't latch with this on there.

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

Yep, that is the correct one. That is the same as the one I have. Sometimes they are hard to screw in but you have to make sure it is screwed in all the way and that the small tang on the front of the switch is in the notch in the dash... The chrome bezel screws onto the short end of that.

LockDoc

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

I finally figured it out. It seems like the mechanism needs to be in the on (pulled out) position. Then barely slide the knob back in and it clicks.

Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob
 

Glad you got it sorted out.... "On The Road Again"..:)

LockDoc