Headlight Switch Removal
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 28
From: Montclair New Jersey
Headlight Switch Removal
I have a 1986 coupe. My headlight switch is starting to go bad. I have to push it in twice before the headlights will go down. Can someone tell me the best or only way of changing the switch?
thanks for the info
thanks for the info
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
You have to take the dash pad off.
The headlight switch is held in place by a threaded ferrule with a screwdriver slot in it. You can work around the headlight switch rod or take it out to make things easier. To take out the rod you push in on the rivet-like button on the side of the switch (it's buried down in the dash and located about in the center of the switch):
The new switch needs to have these metal jumpers between the pins or the headlights, fog lights and parking lights will not work correctly:
The headlight switch is held in place by a threaded ferrule with a screwdriver slot in it. You can work around the headlight switch rod or take it out to make things easier. To take out the rod you push in on the rivet-like button on the side of the switch (it's buried down in the dash and located about in the center of the switch):
The new switch needs to have these metal jumpers between the pins or the headlights, fog lights and parking lights will not work correctly:
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
I believe that the rod is easier to remove if you pull it to the "detent" then depress the button to release. I've done many but also many years ago in other GM products (never a C4). Best I recall if you depress the button and then pull the rod you struggle for the release. I'd think removing the **** from the rod first might aid the removal.
Do you know how to remove the **** only?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 28
From: Montclair New Jersey
It was very effective and functional - used for decades!!
I believe that the rod is easier to remove if you pull it to the "detent" then depress the button to release. I've done many but also many years ago in other GM products (never a C4). Best I recall if you depress the button and then pull the rod you struggle for the release. I'd think removing the **** from the rod first might aid the removal.
Do you know how to remove the **** only?
I believe that the rod is easier to remove if you pull it to the "detent" then depress the button to release. I've done many but also many years ago in other GM products (never a C4). Best I recall if you depress the button and then pull the rod you struggle for the release. I'd think removing the **** from the rod first might aid the removal.
Do you know how to remove the **** only?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
Be careful removing the dash, there are hidden screws on both ends.
I think the passenger side end has one (correct, anyone?). If so mine broke many moons ago. The two in the front middle and at the defroster you can see. I fixed the driver side end screw as my dash has been removed many times.
I think the passenger side end has one (correct, anyone?). If so mine broke many moons ago. The two in the front middle and at the defroster you can see. I fixed the driver side end screw as my dash has been removed many times.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 781
Likes: 73
It's not a bad design. GM used it for decades.
Have not replaced one on a C4 but have replaced several on 2nd gen and 3rd gen F body cars.
Much easier if you take out the ****. As already stated, pull out the **** till it stops, press the release then pull the **** all the way out. Sometimes you have to fiddle with the **** to get release button pushed all the way in.
Once the **** is out you can use a very wide screw driver to unscrew the nut holding the switch.
To replace the ****, simply push it back in.
Have not replaced one on a C4 but have replaced several on 2nd gen and 3rd gen F body cars.
Much easier if you take out the ****. As already stated, pull out the **** till it stops, press the release then pull the **** all the way out. Sometimes you have to fiddle with the **** to get release button pushed all the way in.
Once the **** is out you can use a very wide screw driver to unscrew the nut holding the switch.
To replace the ****, simply push it back in.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 28
From: Montclair New Jersey
I decided to install the new switch. I pulled the dash pad and I was able to release the push rod to remove the switch easier. I put the new switch in and the gauge bezel. I also purchased a new rod and ****. After doing all this the new or old push rod will not lock into the switch. I thought that would be the easy part, just push it in!!!??? I had to walk away from it tonight. I'm thinking of pulling the switch back out. I'm really not sure what locks it in.
Does anyone have any thoughts.
Does anyone have any thoughts.
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