headlight switch

[1968aj]

I put in a new headlight switch. the handle will not stay in. it will not click back in to place.i messed with it for an hour but it just pulls out of dash and will not catch into the switch. I know about the button that releases it. what am I doing wrong?? maybe I need to get out my hammer.

[Stocker]

All I can think is maybe the release button is sticking and not catching...

[Andy4639]

Are you using the stem for the new switch are the old stem? If using the old stem with new switch the catch on the stem maybe off set from the new switch.

[leftybass209]

Originally Posted by Andy4639

Are you using the stem for the new switch are the old stem? If using the old stem with new switch the catch on the stem maybe off set from the new switch.

+1

Originally Posted by Stocker

All I can think is maybe the release button is sticking and not catching...

+1

Could be either problem depending on what you did. Also the brand of headlight switch will dictate how well it works.

[Steve Cole]

Mine did the same thing. Sometimes they just stick and will not catch. I almost gave up on mine then it finally caught. Keep trying!

[michael bustamante]

a 3 pound sledge outta do it.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by michael bustamante

a 3 pound sledge outta do it.

[1968aj]

well, I just wasted another hour on this switch with no luck.the new stem and the old one work in the old switch. neither will catch in new switch. ihave had this new one working because I removed it before. all I can do is get another one and see what happens. if that does not work im getting out the hammer!!

[Andy4639]

Take the nut loose on the switch and see if it catches. If not take it completely out of the truck and try it. When you pull the switch stem out are the lights coming on?

[1968aj]

now that this switch has kicked my*** how do you remove the gearshift selector arm on automatic column? any tips?

[slikside]

Take a small punch, and with a hammer drive the pin out. It will just pull right out of the column then.

This one is a synch compared to any headlight switch issue!

[1968aj]

Originally Posted by slikside

Take a small punch, and with a hammer drive the pin out. It will just pull right out of the column then.

This one is a synch compared to any headlight switch issue!

THANKS. now I can use my hammer.

[blkseetin]

Question regarding headlight switch on my 70 c10... When I pull the headlight knob, the headlights come on fine, but occasionally the dash lights do not come on. When this happens, I can fiddle with the knob by turning it on and off a few times, and twisting it back and forth and it comes on after a minute or so of this. My question is, is this a problem with a loose wire, or is this a bad switch that I just need to replace? Anyone else had this problem?

[steelhorse]

Depending on where you got the switch it could be just a bad part. In this day where everything is made in China I spend a lot of time replacing so called "quality" new parts.

[blkseetin]

it's most likely the original. This was my grandfathers truck, and he passed away last year. The truck was given to me, and it only has 49k miles on it. as far as I know, it's all original parts at this moment, but I'm finding a bunch of stuff that needs to be replaced. I'm considering rewiring the entire truck though. My grandfather seemed to enjoy cutting wires and adding additional accessories. Thanks Paw Paw!!!

[1968aj]

Originally Posted by steelhorse

Depending on where you got the switch it could be just a bad part. In this day where everything is made in China I spend a lot of time replacing so called "quality" new parts.

I bought rear brake wheel cylinders and one would not fit. then I bought new brake drums and one would not fit. they were packaged wrong or just machined wrong. took twice as long to do brakes with all the trips to auto parts

[1968aj]

finally.headlight switch is in!!took switch out of dash and knob popped right in. put switch back in dash and it went right in . NOW my taillights quit working. it never ends.

[EARNHARDT#3]

Originally Posted by 1968aj

finally.headlight switch is in!!took switch out of dash and knob popped right in. put switch back in dash and it went right in . NOW my taillights quit working. it never ends.

You could be chasing a turn signal switch issue.

[1968aj]

taillights were working before I started this. previous owner put a painless wiring harness in. the old harness is still hanging under dash looks like a bomb went off under dash. I have a new aaw complete harness. trying to build up the courage to start complete rewire

[frankslagoon]

Originally Posted by blkseetin

Question regarding headlight switch on my 70 c10... When I pull the headlight knob, the headlights come on fine, but occasionally the dash lights do not come on. When this happens, I can fiddle with the knob by turning it on and off a few times, and twisting it back and forth and it comes on after a minute or so of this. My question is, is this a problem with a loose wire, or is this a bad switch that I just need to replace? Anyone else had this problem?

I think that's pretty common with old switchs. there is a reastat that controls the dashlite brightness. on the switch. like the old school heater speed controls. just a long spring between the power circuit to the dashlites. there is a contact that moves across it when ya turn the knob. they get wore out or rusty and don't make good contact.