Headlight Switch Help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**truckster** · 07-08-2020, 01:44 PM

I can't get the shaft on the headlight switch to release. I'm pushing the button in as far as it will go and it gets caught. It seems like the knob will break if I pull any harder. Any ideas?

**LockDoc** · 07-08-2020, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckster

I can't get the shaft on the headlight switch to release. I'm pushing the button in as far as it will go and it gets caught. It seems like the knob will break if I pull any harder. Any ideas?

You shouldn't have to pull hard at all. Have you tried pulling the knob out to the park position before pushing the button in and pulling the shaft out? Also try pushing the button toward the dash as you push it in. Sometimes that helps.

LockDoc

Southcity · 07-08-2020, 02:02 PM

I've been there before, it can be a little bit of a challenge to get it to release but the trick is to depress the release button and gently apply pulling pressure to the knob. Sometimes you may have to gently push in, turn and then pull out. Be patient and don't muscle it, it will eventually release.

**truckster** · 07-08-2020, 02:20 PM

OK, operator error here... I forgot that you're supposed to pull the switch all the way out and then depress the switch. It's amazing how easy things can become when you do them right.

Thanks for all your responses. I'm started my new wiring harness today, and for me I think it's the most intimidating part of my build.

sick472 · 07-08-2020, 02:42 PM

Truckster - we are kin on parallel universes. I am working my wiring harness currently and just last night tried to get my light switch stem out with the same approach...I'll get it out tonight thanks to your thread.

And, I put the wiring off until it could not be put off any more. The intimidation is much worse than actually doing it...thanks to this community for sure!

The color coded generic wiring diagram linked below has been the best help even though it does not cover everything...enjoy the electrical ride...

Post #302

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...185856&page=13

The above long thread has a truck-load of electrical info. Even though my truck wiring seemed to differ here and there with regards to the wire locations in the connectors, it was so much help.

**truckster** · 07-08-2020, 02:53 PM

Thanks!

mr48chev · 07-08-2020, 10:20 PM

If you get one out the first try without having to stop and think how to do it you live a charmed life.

I had to change the one in my 71 after going though several sacrificial dimmer switches before I added the relays for the lights.

easyrider · 07-10-2020, 07:35 AM

I've had the same problem every time I had to drop the dash on ALL the trucks I owned. It seems that I go into it knowing it won't come out. So, on the truck I have now, I took an old knob and removed the plastic button from the shaft and threaded the shaft rod and screwed the knob back on, so now when I need to take the dash off, I just remove the knob and leave the shaft in the light switch. With the knob off; the nut that holds the light switch to dash will come off and all the time you are working on your project, you have the lights turned off and won't have to disconnect battery. But, that was just my way of getting around dealing with the push button release.

Southcity · 07-10-2020, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by easyrider

I took an old knob and removed the plastic button from the shaft and threaded the shaft rod and screwed the knob back on.

Nice one Easyrider, thanks for sharing.

07-08-2020, 01:44 PM	#1
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,791	Headlight Switch Help I can't get the shaft on the headlight switch to release. I'm pushing the button in as far as it will go and it gets caught. It seems like the knob will break if I pull any harder. Any ideas? __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

07-08-2020, 02:20 PM	#4
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,791	Re: Headlight Switch Help OK, operator error here... I forgot that you're supposed to pull the switch all the way out and then depress the switch. It's amazing how easy things can become when you do them right. Thanks for all your responses. I'm started my new wiring harness today, and for me I think it's the most intimidating part of my build. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

07-08-2020, 02:42 PM	#5
sick472 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Sedalia Mo. Posts: 1,130	Re: Headlight Switch Help Truckster - we are kin on parallel universes. I am working my wiring harness currently and just last night tried to get my light switch stem out with the same approach...I'll get it out tonight thanks to your thread. And, I put the wiring off until it could not be put off any more. The intimidation is much worse than actually doing it...thanks to this community for sure! The color coded generic wiring diagram linked below has been the best help even though it does not cover everything...enjoy the electrical ride... Post #302 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...185856&page=13 The above long thread has a truck-load of electrical info. Even though my truck wiring seemed to differ here and there with regards to the wire locations in the connectors, it was so much help. __________________ He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20

07-08-2020, 02:53 PM	#6
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,791	Re: Headlight Switch Help Thanks! __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

07-08-2020, 10:20 PM	#7
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,269	Re: Headlight Switch Help If you get one out the first try without having to stop and think how to do it you live a charmed life. I had to change the one in my 71 after going though several sacrificial dimmer switches before I added the relays for the lights. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

07-08-2020, 02:02 PM	#3
Southcity Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,174	Re: Headlight Switch Help I've been there before, it can be a little bit of a challenge to get it to release but the trick is to depress the release button and gently apply pulling pressure to the knob. Sometimes you may have to gently push in, turn and then pull out. Be patient and don't muscle it, it will eventually release. __________________ 66 GMC Suburban Custom 66 Chevy K10 Suburban

07-10-2020, 07:35 AM	#8
easyrider Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Stanley, N.C. Posts: 161	Re: Headlight Switch Help I've had the same problem every time I had to drop the dash on ALL the trucks I owned. It seems that I go into it knowing it won't come out. So, on the truck I have now, I took an old knob and removed the plastic button from the shaft and threaded the shaft rod and screwed the knob back on, so now when I need to take the dash off, I just remove the knob and leave the shaft in the light switch. With the knob off; the nut that holds the light switch to dash will come off and all the time you are working on your project, you have the lights turned off and won't have to disconnect battery. But, that was just my way of getting around dealing with the push button release.



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