Headlight&cruise Switch Replacement
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Headlight&cruise Switch Replacement
Can Anyone Out There Assist Me With Instructions For Removal And Installation Of The Headlight And Cruise Control Switch On A 1998 C5? Help Will Be More Than Appreciated. I Have A Lot Of Experience With C2 And C3. But Find Myself Having To Learn As I Go With This C5.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 430
Likes: 2
Headlight Switch
Interesting that you should ask for help with this particular problem. 2 weeks after I bought my 98, the headlights decided that they only wanted to go up about 1/20th of the time. Then they would not go up or down at all.
The switch is pretty easy. Here is the basic procedure.
Disclaimer: At your own risk, disconnect ground cable, use your brain, not responsible if you break something expensive, etc.
Remove the knee bolster. There should be 2 7mm screws on the edge closest to the pedals.
You may need to remove the center trim panel. Search any of the stereo install threads for instructions. They have pictures.
Once you get the knee bolster off, remove the steering column surround. There are two torx screws on the bottom (T15?) and then it clips together. Be gentle and take it slow. Easy to break the clips.
Carefully slide the column cover out. The switch will be in plain sight. There is a Torx screw on the top and another one between the steering wheel and the switch.
The top one is easy but the bottom one requires you to be smooooooth. I used a torx bit from a screwdriver and turned it with a wrench. Once you break it loose (and mine was in there TIGHT...note, this is where you can cause MAJOR problems if you strip the torx screw. Pun intended...you will be screwed) take the bit out and turn it with your fingers.
The harness plugs in down at the bottom of the column by the pedals. I think you could remove the harness without taking off the pedal cover (the next piece past the knee bolster with the light) but I took it off to gain access easier.
Fish the harness out and then fish the new switch in. Test fit the switch to the column a couple of times before trying to install the screws. Make sure that you are happy with how it fits. There are about 10 wrong ways and only one right way. Replace the screw by the steering wheel first. Thread in by hand and make sure it is in correctly (about half way) before installing the top screw. Remember that you have to turn it most of the way with your fingers so don't install the top one any more than necessary to make sure the threads are started straight. Finish tightening the "hidden" screw and then the one on top of the column.
The rest goes back like you found it.
Hope this helps.
Rad
The switch is pretty easy. Here is the basic procedure.
Disclaimer: At your own risk, disconnect ground cable, use your brain, not responsible if you break something expensive, etc.
Remove the knee bolster. There should be 2 7mm screws on the edge closest to the pedals.
You may need to remove the center trim panel. Search any of the stereo install threads for instructions. They have pictures.
Once you get the knee bolster off, remove the steering column surround. There are two torx screws on the bottom (T15?) and then it clips together. Be gentle and take it slow. Easy to break the clips.
Carefully slide the column cover out. The switch will be in plain sight. There is a Torx screw on the top and another one between the steering wheel and the switch.
The top one is easy but the bottom one requires you to be smooooooth. I used a torx bit from a screwdriver and turned it with a wrench. Once you break it loose (and mine was in there TIGHT...note, this is where you can cause MAJOR problems if you strip the torx screw. Pun intended...you will be screwed) take the bit out and turn it with your fingers.
The harness plugs in down at the bottom of the column by the pedals. I think you could remove the harness without taking off the pedal cover (the next piece past the knee bolster with the light) but I took it off to gain access easier.
Fish the harness out and then fish the new switch in. Test fit the switch to the column a couple of times before trying to install the screws. Make sure that you are happy with how it fits. There are about 10 wrong ways and only one right way. Replace the screw by the steering wheel first. Thread in by hand and make sure it is in correctly (about half way) before installing the top screw. Remember that you have to turn it most of the way with your fingers so don't install the top one any more than necessary to make sure the threads are started straight. Finish tightening the "hidden" screw and then the one on top of the column.
The rest goes back like you found it.
Hope this helps.
Rad
