Headlight Switch: got it, but how to pull it?

[TomShilling]

I can reach the headlight switch in my 71, and I can feel the positioning of it, and I know the harness plugs into it from underneath...but how do I go about replacing it? Does the harness have a release button somewhere? Do I just pull on the harness to get it off the old switch? It seems as if the headlight switch is just attached to the pull knob on the dash and just hangs there... I know it has to be easy to replace, how 'bout some tech help here?

Thanks!

[farside847]

Feel around the top of the switch behind the dash, there is a button on it that releases it.

[TomShilling]

when it is lowered pull the plug harnesses off of the assy? Then just re-attach to the stem of the pull-knob? Is that it? I can feel a button on the top of the assy, has a kind of spring on it, much like the button on the door that actuates the dome light in some cars...is that the release button?

[john]

Yes pull turn the lights on then push button and pull shaft out. Might want to disconnect tha batt. first. John

[Hutch]

TomShilling
Yes the one on the top with the spring.
Press down and pull the light switch out to the full extent.
It should come completely out.
You will want to disconnect the battery so as to not and run it down.

[TomShilling]

The headlight knob pulled right off, no problem,,,but I need to replace the headlight switch! It is still there, not sure how I am supposed to remove it! Any more tips?

[john]

You have to unscrew the bezel and when it is off there is another nut that holds the switch. You might have to use pliers on the bezel nut. John

[TomShilling]

I have turn signal indicators, my hi-beam red light works perfectly, and the lights for the heater/defrost work fine. I have no lights inside the instrument panel. Flashers will not work at all. What else could be the culprit? It was not the headlight switch, the fuses all seem to be intact and ok. Is there a flasher switch that controls the flashers and instrument panel? Driving at night is a challenge with not being able to see the speedo!!
Thanks for the help, guys!
Tom

[cdowns]

i'd suggest you first check to see if you have light bulbs in the dash , if the holders are there get a couple of new bulbs and see if that helps
for the flashers the fuse box down by youre left foot the 2 round shiney can looking things are your flashers 1for 4way and 1 for signals

[farside847]

When I first got my truck, 100% of the dash bulbs were burnt out. Drove me nuts till I got new bulbs.

[TomShilling]

PLEASE don't tell me I have to pull the dash!! I don;t have a clue where to look for them, can you give me some guidance? How many and how to get at them?

Thanks again!

[farside847]

You do not need to pull the dash, just the guage bezel.

[cdowns]

you just look up at the back of the instrument cluster and there's these little holder things ,plastic sort of rectangular grab betweem thumb and forefinger and twist 1/4 turn to remove and the light bulbs just push into those holders.
no need to temove dash or bezel

[Old Dave]

If you have skinny arms you can probably reach them from under the dash. I think there is about 7 or 8 of them. The sockets push in and turn about 1/4 turn. Surely somebody on this board has a picture of a dash out of a truck that they could show you.

[70 shorty]

You've already done half the work to pull the bezel. You'd have to take the headlight switch back out again, then the wiper knob needs to come off. It's held on by a very small set screw on the underside of the knob. Just back it out a little and the knob well come off. Then remove all the screws on the outside edge of the bezel, and then the metal cover under the steering column,(2 large phillips head screws. Finally the speedometer cable needs to be unscrewed from the back of the speedo, you can do this by feeling where it attaches to the speedo up under the dash, often a pair of channel locks is needed to loosen it, then I was able to pull my cluster out far enough to disconnect the wiring without having to do it from under the dash. Just unplug the connector and you're home free. It sounds long, but in reality once you see how it's done, it takes about 5 minutes.

[TomShilling]

Thanks guys. I will jump on it again tomorrow. It's gotta be the bulbs, and maybe a flasher is out. I appreciate all of the help!

[Putter]

Here is the back of a cluster. Those little black things are the bulb holders. Twist those 1/4 turn to release, then just pull it out. The bulb will push in (wedge type-no twisting for the bulb itself). Then just put it back in the hole and turn the black thing 1/4 turn the opposite way to install.