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I am aware that the little spring loaded button on the side of the switch must be pressed to release the shaft, but I'm still unable to get mine loose.
It's a '71 coupe with the dash instrument cluster completely removed.
Stubborn Switch
With the button depressed I can pull the shaft thru the parking position to the headlights, but it won't go any further. I've tried numerous times, even varying the dimmer rehostat positions but it just won't cooperate. I've seen videos that show it should be fairly easy to dislodge.
My button can only be depressed with the shaft fully pushed in. If the shaft is pulled to either the parking lights or headlights position, the button won't go in.
it doesn't sound normal to me since you need to release the shaft all the way along the path or else the shaft would pull out each time you turned on the headlights (full out position). not sure why you are removing it, but if you are replacing the switch, i would spray a bit of WD40 on the release button to be able to hold it down through the entire release motion. another option might be to hold the spring loaded button down with a pair of channel lock pliers as you try to remove the shaft.
"When you find it, feel for this small button on the bottom of the switch. Push it all the way in and at the same time pull the **** and shaft out. It doesn’t always come right out the first time. Sometimes you just have to keep trying until you hit the right spot. Do not force the **** and shaft out. When the button is in all the way, the **** and shaft will easily slide out of the switch. This can be very frustrating but this is the only way you can get the **** and shaft out without damage. So do not give up. Just keep trying"
It's not an easy switch to get to. Mine was also hard to release. I ended up taking the switch apart and cleaning everything. Added new silicone grease to the contacts slides. Works well now. The tab has to go under the screw that mounts the speedo gauge to the dash panel. It's a ground for the light sw.
Your photo shows the retaining clip for the headlamp switch assembly...NOT the spring loaded button that releases the shaft. It should be on the bottom of the switch and is a round button with a [visible] coil spring under it. THAT is what gets depressed to release the shaft.
Your photo shows the retaining clip for the headlamp switch assembly...NOT the spring loaded button that releases the shaft. It should be on the bottom of the switch and is a round button with a [visible] coil spring under it. THAT is what gets depressed to release the shaft.
Take another look at my photo. The button & spring are there below the vacuum nipples.
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Headlight Switch Removal
