Let there be (head)light ...

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Jul 27, 2003 | 01:05 PM

73ragtop

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Joined: Feb 2001

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From: Denton Texas

Let there be (head)light ...

New problem. Car (73 convertible) running, I pull the headlight switch out, and the headlights come on, but do not pop up. I can open and close them by using the pull switch under the dash. Any guesses? Bad headlight switch? Is it a pain to get to behind the dash? Any other possibilities I can check that would be more accesible first? Man, why does this stuff have to happen when it's 100 degrees outside?

Eddie

Jul 27, 2003 | 01:57 PM

munday

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Joined: May 2003

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Re: Let there be (head)light ... (73ragtop)

mine did the same thing..........i didn't know there was a manual pull under the dash...
i pushed mine up from under the car...
when i got home i soaked the springs and everything by the headlights and haven't had a prob since.

Jul 27, 2003 | 02:08 PM

battsup

Melting Slicks

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Re: Let there be (munday)

The manual pull method requires you to disconnect the vacuum hose coming from the cabin. Well thats what i do anyways.

Jul 28, 2003 | 06:00 PM

DougsL89

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From: Hamilton, OH USA

Re: Let there be (head)light ... (73ragtop)

If the system works using the manual override switch, then it must be the headlight switch. Cost is about $35 and takes about 1/2 hr. I changed mine Saturday (interior lights would not shutoff) in about 15 minutes. Remove all the dash panel screws and you should be able to pop out the upper left side of the dash panel to access the switch. Be careful doing this!!!! Too much force can break your dash panel. If it is too tight, you may have to pull the driver side sill plate and kick panel (and possibly lower the steering column). Pull the wiring harness connector and vacuum hoses (blue striped hose goes towards front of car, black hose to rear). To get the ****/shaft out, push in on the spring-loaded button on the switch, and pull the ****/shaft out. The switch is held to the dash with a threaded nut. Reverse the procedure to reinstall.

Jul 28, 2003 | 08:14 PM

73ragtop

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From: Denton Texas

Re: Let there be

Thanks. Great info, but where can you find the headlight switch for 35 bucks. Most places I've looked have been closer to 50.

Eddie

Jul 28, 2003 | 09:28 PM

DougsL89

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From: Hamilton, OH USA

Re: Let there be (73ragtop)

$50 is probably about right. I got a discount on mine as my supplier sold me one a year ago, and it crapped out already. Paragon used to have a great deal on theirs, but I think their catalog had a typo. It was listed as $28, but now I see it is $50.

Jul 29, 2003 | 07:02 AM

V8yunkie

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Joined: May 2000

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From: Niedernhausen, Germany

Re: Let there be (73ragtop)

If it is not a hose came loose....

Remove the headlight switch and try to repair - it is easy. Just open the sheet metal latches of the vacuum switch (part of the entire headlight switch assembly). Probably the rubber underneath the littel slider came out of position. Reposition, bend the slider to exact 90 degree (that usually causes the problem as it is not properly bent - even on new units) and IMPORTANT: Put a little silicone grease underneath the rubber part. Reassemble and rebend the latches and go!

Regards,
Thomas