Turn Signal/Hi Beam Switch

How difficult is it to replace the Turn signal/hi Beam switch on the column after the steering wheel is removed? I need to replace the wheel in any event.
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My high beams went out completely - no flash (pull) nor highs (push) at all. Fuses are ok. PO some years ago installed H-1 units (with 100w high beam bulbs) and I think the relays are in the right light bucket. I fear, however, the column switch is shot.
Chuck

I just recently did this. The trickiest part is plugging in the connections behind the Headlight switch mounted in the dashboard. Just stick your head behind there, and you will get a feeling for it. I have limited technical skills, but I was able to do it in less than 1.5 hours.
Best of luck, and don't hesitate to post questions!

Magilla

Chuck,
I just went through this and found the bulbs themselves were at fault , but didn't look burned out at all. There are also a number of posts regarding fuses and relays in relation to this topic that have been recently posted, especially if the bulb brightness has been increased. My experience was w/ the H5 series.
Mrdi

Hope this helps,
Mrdi
cmartin
Member
Posts: 92
From: Annapolis, MD
Registered: Jan 2000
posted January 11, 2001 03:20 PM
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If I understand you correctly you are talking about the back of the headlight switch. You have to remove the knob that pulls out and then a trim ring and then the switch and a big washer come off. To get the knob off pull out the knob, turn on the headlights, and insert a small screw driver in the shaft, you will see the hole, and unscrew the knonb. For the trim ring, I think there is a special tool, but I used a set of lock ring pliers but some thing needle nose should work. Mine was pretty tight, so much so that I though I might have to buy the tool, but one last gasp broke it lose. Once you get the headlight switch lose I suggest drawing a diagram of the wire colors and locations. I spent about 10 minutes making sure I did it correctly.
Also, when you pull out the old switch and install the new one, feed the wires through the bottom of the steering column, there is just enough space to squish everything in there.

With a thin, narrow, abrasive stick, like a fingernail file, you can clean the contacts and make it work again. Check the old threads.

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'83 SC

Chuck
Let me know if you need help with this fix. I've done the turn signal replacement on two cars so far. I think I am pretty good at it. Email me
John
79 930

John - - thanks much for the offer. I just returned from Intersport - talking to Omar - I'm going to check the bulbs first then put a vom on the circuit and try to determine if it is the flasher switch. I noticed that when I pull back on the stalk, the blue hi beam light shines - Might that indicate the switch is good and my problem lies somewhere downstream?
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I need to purchase the 27mm socket in any event to swap the steering wheel. By then I hope to know where the problem is. If I get in over my head, I'll give a loud holler. Thanks again, John.
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Chuck