Could someone tell me the easiest way to replace the headlight switch of my '79 Vette?
What should I remove to access the switch and replace it with a new one?
Is a good idea removing the speedometer (It's very close to the switch, so I tought that I could access the switch from there!)?
Thanks!!!

 

There is no easy way. In a nutshell, drop the steering column and pull the dash far enough to get access to the switch. Mark the vacuum lines on the old switch since they have to connect to the new switch at the same ports. It's a 1 1/2 beer job, sippin' slow. Might as well disconnect the negative cable on the battery since the driver's door will be open for a while.

 

No need to drop the column. Its a bit of a pain but you can do it. Remove the cover that attaches under the dash so you can see up. Loosen off the tach/speedo cluster. Remove the screws that hold the dash on the driverside...maybe one or two...open your door you will see them. Remove the one or two screws that hold the dash at the bottom. You basically want to loosen of the dash so you can pull it away a bit on the drivers side. You need to do this so you can get at the pin on the switch that holds the rod in. For a first timer its also nice to be able to see the unit.If you have skinny enough hands to reach up from underneath and can push the pin you don't need to loosen off anything. You need to push this pin to release the shaft and ****. Once you get the shaft and **** off the rest is easy. Remember which vac hose plugged in where...make yourself a diagram. Reinstall in the reverse.

Jim

 

Thanks Mike, I will take my time to do this job... hope to solve the problem without causing other damages !

 

Thanks for the detailed instructions, jdp... I'll try to do as you say!

 

Ok guys, I easily replaced the switch following jdp's istructions... but this didn't solve my problem. The situation is the same as before: when I pull the ****, the parking lights regularly light up, the headlights go up, but the low beam lights remain off... all the other lights work properly!!! I really don't know how to fix this problem, that's driving me mad!!! Any help appreciated!

 

Do the high beams work?......just wondering if it could be the low beam/high beam switch.....

 

I have also seen the rod from the lever to the switch become disconnected. Do you have a lose ground at the headlight support.

 

on my vette all lights light up when the high beams are on...are you sure all the connections for the low beam lights are clean and working and that the low beam headlights are functioning?


what happens when you turnthe high beams off?

 

well, when I pull the high beams lever, all of the four lamps light up! But when I turn the high beams off, all the four lamps completely turn off, even if the light switch is pulled. Only the parking lights remain on...

 

You need a meter or at least a test light to do electrical. If the low part of the low beams have power, then replace both.

 

Is very likely your highbeam switch. I beleve your is in the column. I changed one 20 years ago. Idon't remember how. Maybe someone else does.

Jim

 

I looked at my manual. Not all Vettes are the same so you will have to look. First mine is on the column. Its my signal lever that also controls the high beams. Assuming yours is the same. when you pull it back to turn on the high beams does it click? There is a rod that attaches to the switch and it should click. You should hear a click everytime it goes from high beam to low beam and visa versa. if it doen't click it could be as simple as the slider or switch coming loose. Easy fix. Lie on the floor look up. The actual switch should be mounted high up on the column. Move the lever back and forth and identify the rod...the rod goes into the switch...do you see it moving? is the rod there? if you see it and it is in the switch is the switch fastened securely? There are several screws...or maybe its two screws holding the switch. They are used to adjust the switch forward and back ward so the rod has a precise distance to "click" the switch from highbeam to lowbeam. You need to set it in the right position. check the rod as well...it sometimes bends...

FWIW this switch seldomly goes. It sometimes unseats itself. The rod doesn't pull or push enough and it gets stuck in one setting.

almost forgot...there will be a bunch of wires plugged into it...are they???? Not likely the problem but maybe...

Jim

 

First of all, thanks for your interest in my problem!

However, I'v got (bad) news: I took the car and drove it for about two hours (all ok, except obviously the low beams), then I came back to my garage and I turned the high beams on... after about a minute they started to turn off and on themselves!!! Seems that the highbeam switch is the real problem... or not?

However, Jim: my high beam switch is the same as yours. I hear the click everytime it goes from high beam to low beam and vice versa, but I'll surely check for the rod, the screws, etc...
Thanks again!!!

 

With a little luck it maybe the wires that plug into the highbeam switch. wiggle them....

Jim

 

Here is some info with diagrams that may be of help to you.
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/tune.../index11.shtml
Note this is for 78, but should be very similar.
Hope it helps

 

trust me....it`s the high/low beam switch....they usually flash on and off a lot, (on one beam or the other) before they completely die.

 

Hi guys! Problem solved!!! There was an interruption in the electrical line, after the lights switch (the hi/low beam switch was ok, also), so I replaced the cables with new ones and now all is working fine!!! Thanks a lot for your precious help, and thanks A LOT goinbroke for the schemes!!!

Thanks again to all of you from me and my Vette

 

Glad to hear you got it fixed. Very pretty vette you have there!