Light switch
March 19th, 2024, 06:59 PM
#4
'72 Cutlass ragtop
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 950
The headlight switch dash bezel is threaded from the outside of the dash into the switch which it secures behind the dash - behind the dash, the top of the switch body has a spring-loaded button that has to be pushed down to release the pull lever. You have to pull the lever out of the switch before the switch unit itself can be removed from the dash.
ideally you want to hold the switch body with one hand while you unscrew the bezel with the other. Some gymnastics may be required but it's not difficult
The switch body can be accessed from either underneath the dash or from the top if you take out the left-most gauge pod (brake/oil/gen). To unscrew the switch bezel outside the dash, I use a needle-nose pliers with a bolt sandwiched in its jaws placed deep enough to space the plier ends out to catch the bezel grooves for unscrewing it. Be careful/go slow when unscrewing it - it's plastic and if you're not careful you can strip the threads.
Be careful also not to forget there's also a ground loop wire which mounts behind the dash ahead of the switch body (it sits between the switch and inside dash surface). So when reinstalling the new switch be sure it's reconnected.
recommend you disconnect the battery before removing the light switch.
ideally you want to hold the switch body with one hand while you unscrew the bezel with the other. Some gymnastics may be required but it's not difficult
The switch body can be accessed from either underneath the dash or from the top if you take out the left-most gauge pod (brake/oil/gen). To unscrew the switch bezel outside the dash, I use a needle-nose pliers with a bolt sandwiched in its jaws placed deep enough to space the plier ends out to catch the bezel grooves for unscrewing it. Be careful/go slow when unscrewing it - it's plastic and if you're not careful you can strip the threads.
Be careful also not to forget there's also a ground loop wire which mounts behind the dash ahead of the switch body (it sits between the switch and inside dash surface). So when reinstalling the new switch be sure it's reconnected.
recommend you disconnect the battery before removing the light switch.
Last edited by 70sgeek; March 19th, 2024 at 07:07 PM.
March 20th, 2024, 08:32 AM
#8
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Saint Joseph Mo
Posts: 280
I have read the articles on releasing the know from the switch and so forth. My problem is I can't seem to figure out how to get my hand to the switch. Removing the ductwork to the vent would allow me to get to it easier but it appears to be fastened to the dash and the bolt for it is above the switch. Planning on removing seat so i can get under the dash easier and seeing what I can do from there.
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