73 headlight switch

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Mar 23, 2010 | 07:12 PM

wmkj69

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From: Sylvania Ohio

73 headlight switch

I need to replace the headlight switch on my 73. What do I need to remove to get to it, or is there a trick?

Mar 23, 2010 | 08:10 PM

mzmgb

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From: Bellport NY

Removing the top dash pad will give the best access.

Mar 23, 2010 | 09:55 PM

Tom73

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From: NM

You need access to the behind the panel part of the switch, then there is a button to release the push/pull plunger. With that out you can remove the bezel and then the switch.

Mar 28, 2010 | 07:31 PM

wmkj69

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From: Sylvania Ohio

How do I remove the top dash pad

Mar 28, 2010 | 08:47 PM

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

I lower the column,then the left dash and then pull the switch out.

Mar 28, 2010 | 09:19 PM

13rooster

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From: Mascoutah Illinois

I have to replace mine also on a 78 but I am sure it is a little different. How did yours react as far as going out. On mine all my lights come on except the headlights, is that what yours has done.

Mar 28, 2010 | 10:17 PM

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by 13rooster

I have to replace mine also on a 78 but I am sure it is a little different. How did yours react as far as going out. On mine all my lights come on except the headlights, is that what yours has done.

Do you have power to the headlight portion of the headlight switch ?

Mar 28, 2010 | 10:21 PM

13rooster

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From: Mascoutah Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...Roger...

Do you have power to the headlight portion of the headlight switch ?

I do not know what color wire is the lead for the headlights and there is no fuse for just the headlights. The last night I drove it with headlights on I could smell wires getting hot. There is suppose to be a relay in the switch so I am hoping just a new switch will fix it.

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Mar 28, 2010 | 10:42 PM

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

The heavy 12 red at the switch is for the headlights. I don't have a 78 diagram handy but some cars have a fusible link dedicated to the headlights. Check the 12 red for power before replacing the switch.

Mar 28, 2010 | 10:53 PM

#10

Tom73

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From: NM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 13rooster

...and there is no fuse for just the headlights.

The fuse is part of the dimmer switch on the floorboard.

Mar 28, 2010 | 11:05 PM

#11

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom73

The fuse is part of the dimmer switch on the floorboard.

A fuse inside the dimmer switch ?

Mar 28, 2010 | 11:11 PM

#12

13rooster

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From: Mascoutah Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom73

The fuse is part of the dimmer switch on the floorboard.

I am sure the dimmer switch is in the column.

Mar 28, 2010 | 11:12 PM

#13

13rooster

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From: Mascoutah Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...Roger...

Thanks Roger. Will look at it tomorrow.

Mar 28, 2010 | 11:19 PM

#14

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by 13rooster

Thanks Roger. Will look at it tomorrow.

Your welcome. I found my diagram of the 78 and it does have a separate fusible link down at the starter for the headlights.

Mar 29, 2010 | 01:13 AM

#15

chvet73

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From: Alta Loma CA

Stock '73 dimmer is on the floor. Drop the steering column and take the left dash panel out far enough to change the switch. Not one of the most fun things I've done to my car.

Mar 30, 2010 | 11:20 AM

#16

kapla74

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Joined: May 2008

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From: boulogne buenos aires

problem is putting everything back together,,,those threads like to disapear and the bolts turn loose....I need to replace mine soon,,,my plunger if not pulled carefully like to go all the way out and finish out of the swicht...i use the low e-actuator to lift the lights...