Can anybody tell me how to remove the light switch from my '79.
Dash light have gone out and I suspect that the switch is the problem.

 

Well, you can try to get your hands up behind the dash, there's a button on the top of the switch that you need to push to get the pull shaft out. Then it's a matter of unscrewing the switch from the dash and disconecting the the switch from the harness and vacum hoses.

I pulled my speedo/tach cluster out. A pain but not to bad, then the switch is right there and easy to get to and while your in there you can replace all the speedo tach cluster bulbs. It's pretty straight forward, the screws holding the cluster in are obvious, then reach behind and disconnect the speedo cable and wiring harness. You might have to loosen the steering col and pull down on it a little to get enough clearance to get the cluster out.

Good luck.

 

:iagree: Except that I found no value in dropping the steering column.

 

I just went through this (hours ago, no b.s.).

I found dropping the column, assuming I did it right, did not help much. But taking the lower column cover off, and unscrewing the headlight release, provided some good clearance. From that point (with the upper dash pad off-this is a must), I could replace all the instrument bulbs. Small hands, or needle nose pliers help greatly.

As far as the switch itself, you can actually access it by removing the left side dash to door jamb screws, and loosening the upper dash pad screws (again, on the left). This will give you easy access to the switch. You may have to lift the upper dash pad, but you won't have to completely remove. You may still have to remove the T-bar header trim and A-pillar trim to get the right movement.

Before writing off your switch, get a multimeter, or test light, and poke around. I, and others on this group, have had success jumping from the brown wire to one of the blue wires. I don't know why this works, but all other functionality remains, high beams, parking lights, etc.

Also, I just finished trouble shooting a light problem of my own. It turned out to be a tail light fuse that did not, at first, appear to be blown, but was. It's a part of the main circuit, and if it goes out, it will take your lights with it.

Good luck with it. Post if you need more suggestions.

:cheers:

 

Thanks,

Will give it a try on the weekend ( weather and wife permitting ) and let you know how I get on.

 

Spot on buddy,

I droped the column took out the cluster and took out the switch.
one of the contacts on the switch was burnt out - too badly to just sand off - so now I just have the dash lights set to full brightness. I painted the bulbs with blue glass stain which lights up the cluster a nice blue. Just got to do the rest of the bulbs now.