Can U Guys Please Help Me Save Some Bucks?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Can U Guys Please Help Me Save Some Bucks?
Driving home from work at nite the other day in my 1980 & for no reason decided to turn my gauge dimmer **** & heard & felt a spring like snapping / breaking noise right behind the **** - then BAM!
All my dash lights went out - pulled over & realised that all of my dim lights (side marker lights & spot lights inside the front grill & rear lights) were out too
Brake lights come on when brakes are applies ( thank god) & headlights work fine
Isthis the type of electrical problem that a novice such as myself can attend to or better left to a mechanic?
I strongly believe that its the actual switch/**** that's the problem
What do you guys think - I've taken a look at the light switch/**** but can't really find a way to get into unless I probably have to get in under the dash
So basically the problem is when I pull the light **** out just once for my dim lights - the dash lights & exterior lights do not operate
MANY THANKS FOR ANY HELPFUL RESPONSES/ ADVICE/ OPINIONS
All my dash lights went out - pulled over & realised that all of my dim lights (side marker lights & spot lights inside the front grill & rear lights) were out too
Brake lights come on when brakes are applies ( thank god) & headlights work fine
Isthis the type of electrical problem that a novice such as myself can attend to or better left to a mechanic?
I strongly believe that its the actual switch/**** that's the problem
What do you guys think - I've taken a look at the light switch/**** but can't really find a way to get into unless I probably have to get in under the dash
So basically the problem is when I pull the light **** out just once for my dim lights - the dash lights & exterior lights do not operate
MANY THANKS FOR ANY HELPFUL RESPONSES/ ADVICE/ OPINIONS
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
You need a new headlamp switch. I don't know how the 80s are but it's possible to pull the drivers lower dash panel forward on my 74 to get to the switch. You may have to lower the steering column to give yourself enough room to move the dash. Good luck, it ain't a fun project. 
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Boise Idaho
The switch is easy to replace. Getting to it is the hard part, but will be MUCH cheaper to do it yourself.
This would also be a good time to check your fuzes as well.
One may have popped with the switch.
Enjoy
This would also be a good time to check your fuzes as well.
One may have popped with the switch.
Enjoy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
I agree, not much to it. Something you may find a little hard to figure out is the **** removal. There is a little button on the bottom of the switch, push that in and the know will pull straight out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
1980 should have the same dash as my 79. This should cost you only $60, the cost of a new switch. Take the instrument cluster with the tach and speedo out and you can reach it from there. To take the cluster out, just take out all the screws you see around it, then you'll have to reach up under the dash and unclip the speedo cable. I found that taking off the part of the dash under the steering column helps as well as removing the duct from the center of the dash to the left side vent to give you more room to work with under the dash. Also remove the 2 nuts that hold the steering column up, you'll need to drop the column enough to get clearance to pull the cluster out. Now you should be able to pull the cluster out enough to get to the back side of it. You'll have to reach around the back of the cluster and disconnect the electrical connector, then the cluster should be home free. Now just disconnect the wiring and vacumn lines from teh headlight switch. There is a little pin on the top of the headlight switch you need to press after pulling the lights all the way out, to get the stem out, then just loosen the retaining ring and now the headlight switch is home free.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
My wife is from NSW Australia...we have a friend returning to Balliana,NSW in a few weeks. If you cant find one there,perhaps I can talk her into carrying one back for you. There pretty small.