73 headlight switch

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 23, 2010 | 07:12 PM

wmkj69

Thread Starter

Advanced

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 80

Likes: 0

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

Racer

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 279

Likes: 0

From: Bellport NY

Removing the top dash pad will give the best access.

Mar 23, 2010 | 09:55 PM

Tom73

Race Director

Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 15,133

Likes: 477

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

Thread Starter

Advanced

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 80

Likes: 0

From: Sylvania Ohio

How do I remove the top dash pad

Mar 28, 2010 | 08:47 PM

...Roger...

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 16,528

Likes: 53

From: Dayton, Ohio

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

Mar 28, 2010 | 09:19 PM

13rooster

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 56

Likes: 0

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...

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 16,528

Likes: 53

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

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 56

Likes: 0

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.

Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Joe Kucinski

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Brett Foote

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Michael S. Palmer

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Joe Kucinski

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Michael S. Palmer

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Joe Kucinski

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Joe Kucinski

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Joe Kucinski

Mar 28, 2010 | 10:42 PM

...Roger...

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 16,528

Likes: 53

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

Race Director

Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 15,133

Likes: 477

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...

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 16,528

Likes: 53

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

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 56

Likes: 0

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

Advanced

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 56

Likes: 0

From: Mascoutah Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...Roger...

Thanks Roger. Will look at it tomorrow.

Mar 28, 2010 | 11:19 PM

#14

...Roger...

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 16,528

Likes: 53

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

Pro

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 605

Likes: 0

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

Racer

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 353

Likes: 0

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...