Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

scott72 · 02-22-2012, 10:59 AM

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.

**LockDoc** · 02-22-2012, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott72

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.

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

scott72 · 02-22-2012, 11:41 AM

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.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 02-22-2012, 11:54 AM

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

**LockDoc** · 02-22-2012, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott72

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.

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

LockDoc

scott72 · 02-22-2012, 12:02 PM

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

**Classic Heartbeat** · 02-22-2012, 12:48 PM

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

68gmsee · 02-22-2012, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

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

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.

Autoblueprint · 02-22-2012, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott72

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott72

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.

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.

Sammy · 02-22-2012, 09:03 PM

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.

scott72 · 02-26-2012, 07:47 PM

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.

**LockDoc** · 02-26-2012, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott72

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.

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

LockDoc

scott72 · 02-26-2012, 08:25 PM

Thanks. Here is what was attached to it.

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

**LockDoc** · 02-26-2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott72

Thanks. Here is what was attached to it.

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

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

scott72 · 02-26-2012, 10:01 PM

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.

**LockDoc** · 02-27-2012, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott72

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.

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

LockDoc

02-22-2012, 10:59 AM	#1
scott72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bayfield, CO Posts: 187	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.

02-22-2012, 11:41 AM	#3
scott72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bayfield, CO Posts: 187	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.

02-22-2012, 11:54 AM	#4
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	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 __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

02-22-2012, 12:02 PM	#6
scott72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bayfield, CO Posts: 187	Re: Reinstalling Headlight Switch Knob I think it is the original, but not positive. Yeah, when it bottoms out, nothing latches onto it.

02-22-2012, 12:48 PM	#7
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,766	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 __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

02-22-2012, 09:03 PM	#10
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	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. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

02-26-2012, 07:47 PM	#11
scott72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bayfield, CO Posts: 187	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.

02-26-2012, 08:25 PM	#13
scott72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bayfield, CO Posts: 187	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. Attached Images

02-26-2012, 10:01 PM	#15
scott72 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Bayfield, CO Posts: 187	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.



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