Replacing Headlamp Switch Help

[bmsone7]

Hey!

I have a hodge podge of light works happening. I can feel when I turn the light switch that something is broken. My right tail light, license plate lamp, left front city light, and interior instrument lights do not come on. I also have pull and turn past on for the fog lights to come on. It doesn't feel healthy at all the way I am turning on the knob to get lights.

Gerry I read about replacing all of the fuses. I moved them around and the fuse is good. It's the switch. I am going to buy a pack of fuses and replace them all though.

My question is do I have to pull the whole dash to change this switch on the lower left corner. Ugh! If so, I may try and pick up another instrument panel because mine has some age blemishes.

 

[bmsone7]

Nevermind I just found it.

 

[gerryvz]

Let us know what you found !!

 

[mbzgurl]

My light switch doesn't work for the left and right parking lights. And the switch isn't in the correct original position. It feels like it's going to break if I try and turn it so the dots line up. Isn't there a little orange indicator light on the switch/knob itself? I think it is supposed to light up when you pull the knob out and turn the switch for the side lights. Mine doesn't stay in the pull out position after I turn the thing. I'd like to get a new one. Do you think it's a job I can do?

Also, I'd like to get super bright headlamps. My eyes are sorta old and I like the road to be 'lit up' when I drive at night on the I-17 freeway through the mountains on my way to Sedona so I can go faster. Which ones are the the super bright light bulbs?

 

[gsxr]

My light switch doesn't work for the left and right parking lights. And the switch isn't in the correct original position. It feels like it's going to break if I try and turn it so the dots line up.

Sounds like the headlight rotary switch is failing, and should be replaced ASAP. It's a relatively straightforward DIY replacement, the switch part # is 000-545-62-04. Dealer list $78, discount dealers are around $60 or so. Get OE/dealer/Genuine only, the only aftermarket switches are Chinese junk (Meyle, Vemo, Febi, etc). Here's a dealer selling one on Amazon with free shipping for $58 (link).

Isn't there a little orange indicator light on the switch/knob itself? I think it is supposed to light up when you pull the knob out and turn the switch for the side lights.

The orange indicator will light up when you pull the knob out to the second detent, indicating the REAR fog light is on. You must have the front fog lights on, or headlights on, for this to work.

Mine doesn't stay in the pull out position after I turn the thing. I'd like to get a new one. Do you think it's a job I can do?

Yes, you need to remove the plastic trims around the headlight knob and the ignition key, then remove the 8mm hex head screws that fasten the knee bolster to the dash. With that lowered out of the way, the switch is an easy replacement.

Click here for the HOW-TO thread. Note the PeachParts tutorial has some extra steps which are unnecessary - no need to touch the parking brake handle/screws, and you must SLIDE the trim piece sideways before pulling it out. If you pry out as shown in the photo, you'll break the locking tabs.

Also, I'd like to get super bright headlamps. My eyes are sorta old and I like the road to be 'lit up' when I drive at night on the I-17 freeway through the mountains on my way to Sedona so I can go faster. Which ones are the the super bright light bulbs?

Do you have standard / stock USA headlights, or "Euro" headlights? The bulbs are completely different, need to know what you have before recommending anything. Also, are you looking for better low beams, better high beams, or both?

 

[mbzgurl]

Sounds like the headlight rotary switch is failing, and should be replaced ASAP. It's a relatively straightforward DIY replacement, the switch part # is 000-545-62-04. Dealer list $78, discount dealers are around $60 or so. Get OE/dealer/Genuine only, the only aftermarket switches are Chinese junk (Meyle, Vemo, Febi, etc). Here's a dealer selling one on Amazon with free shipping for $58 (link).



The orange indicator will light up when you pull the knob out to the second detent, indicating the REAR fog light is on. You must have the front fog lights on, or headlights on, for this to work.



Yes, you need to remove the plastic trims around the headlight knob and the ignition key, then remove the 8mm hex head screws that fasten the knee bolster to the dash. With that lowered out of the way, the switch is an easy replacement.

Click here for the HOW-TO thread. Note the PeachParts tutorial has some extra steps which are unnecessary - no need to touch the parking brake handle/screws, and you must SLIDE the trim piece sideways before pulling it out. If you pry out as shown in the photo, you'll break the locking tabs.




Do you have standard / stock USA headlights, or "Euro" headlights? The bulbs are completely different, need to know what you have before recommending anything. Also, are you looking for better low beams, better high beams, or both?

Hey thanks for the info. You're the best!
I think my headlights are US bc they don't have the chrome insert. I got rid of the Xenon lights that came with the car. I need better low and high beams, the brighter the better.
What is a knee bolster?

 

[gsxr]

I think my headlights are US bc they don't have the chrome insert. I got rid of the Xenon lights that came with the car. I need better low and high beams, the brighter the better.

I moved the bulb question to a new thread so it doesn't get lost under the "switch" subject:

Need better, brighter bulbs for USA DOT headlights | Electrical, CAN and Wiring

Moderator edit: Copied this post from a different thread with new subject line. Also, I'd like to get super bright headlamps. My eyes are sorta old and I like the road to be 'lit up' when I drive at night on the I-17 freeway through the mountains on my way to Sedona so I can go faster. Which...

www.500eboard.co

What is a knee bolster?

That's the colored trim piece below the instrument cluster / steering column. It looks like the photo below. This must be lowered (but does not have to be completely removed) for access to the headlight rotary switch: