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How to Wire a Headlight Switch

Inoperative headlights are often ticketed on sight by law enforcement agencies. Even worse, accidents can occur when headlights fail at an inopportune moment during nighttime driving. If your headlight switch feels loose or wobbly when activated, it is time to change the switch to a new unit that is dependable and unlikely to fail.

Instructions

1

Ascertain the headlight switch is broken or in poor condition by repeatedly testing its operation. With the key in the cars ignition and switched on, rapidly activate the switch. The headlights should immediately turn on with no delay or hesitation. The switch should have a solid feel to it, and you should be able to tell when the switch is on or off just by feel as the switch snaps or pops into the correct position.

2

Look for tell-tale signs that the switch is worn out; common symptoms of a worn switch include any slight hesitation before the lights turn on, less than 100 percent success control of the headlights when rapidly turning the switch on/off repeatedly, inability for you to tell if the lights should be on by simply looking at the physical position of the light switch, flickering of the headlights when the switch is move to and from any position.

3

Replace the switch if you notice symptoms of a worn or failing switch. Purchase a complete headlight switch kit that is compatible with your vehicle. Most automotive stores have compatibility charts that identify headlight switch kits that will work for your year make and model vehicle.

4

Disconnect the negative battery cable (black lead) that connects the car battery to the wiring harness. This can be accomplished by loosening the nut and bolt that holds it in place with a crescent wrench (see "Warnings").

5

Remove the knob and light switch simultaneously. There is often a release button that will allow you to do this. If you dont feel a release button (located under the dash board on the side of the switch) unscrew the bezel (round cover securing the switch to the dashboard). Do not try to force anything, just ascertain how the switch is held in place and remove it from the dashboard with the wiring in the rear of the switch still intact.

6

Open the replacement switch packaging and check to see if your new switch kit contains a bezel removal tool if you are having difficulty removing the old switch. Many aftermarket kits include this small tool with no mention made of this on the exterior of the switch packaging.

7

Remove the locking bezel, then gently pull the switch so that here is slack in the electrical wiring connected to the rear of the switch. In most vehicles, this means holding the old switch in an odd position beneath the dashboard. Note the position of the colored wires leading into the switch.

8

Remove the color coded wires from the old switch one wire at a time and insert them into the new switch. Most switch kits allow the old wires to simply plug in to the new switches. Take care to get them all color coded as they were on the old switch assembly. Gently insert the new headlight switch into its proper place within the dash console. As always, avoid performing this step with undue force. Doing so could lead to breaking the headlight switch or causing other damage to the vehicle.

9

Reconnect the battery negative terminal and tighten with a crescent wrench. Test the new switch in the same manner as you tested the old switch. You will see and feel a remarkable difference in the new switch performance. Replace any ornamental mounting trim as required.