Replacing the headlight switch....

[RyanOwens]

I am trying to replace my headlight switch on my 1972 bronco.

The headlights worked but the dimmer for the internal cluster lights was not working.

I removed the switch and I am having trouble finding an exact replacement.

I can fine other switched at the parts store that look exactly the same, but they are all missing the 1/2 "spacer" that is welded onto the switch that came out of my bronco.

This "spacer" seems to be what keeps the switch the proper distance from the dash when mounted.

Can I get a switch with this spacer already on it? Or do I need to remove the spacer and install it on a new switch?

If so how do I remove and reinstall it? It seems to be welded to the front of the switch.

Ryan

 

[WyleCoyote]

If you order this switch http://www.tomsbroncoparts.com/product.php?category=60&id=176 it comes with a new spacer.

 

[Justafordguy]

You can get the switch with the spacer already on it but I just drilled out the spot weld on the old one and then tacked it to the new switch.

 

[RyanOwens]

Thanks!

got it.

I got the spacer off and I will pick up a new switch later today.

 

[blubuckaroo]

JB Weld the old spacer on.

 

[Hoppy]

JB Weld the old spacer on.

gorilla glued mine
switch part number MPE HL6541SB from Napa has the spacer with it

 

[RyanOwens]

OK. I got the switch from AutoZone, it came with the spacer!

Got the switch mounted back on and the headlights still work but I am still not getting the instrument cluster lights to work.

I now know that the switch is good (I do know that the old switch was bad... spring was broken)

From what I can tell the bulbs in the instrument panel are good (I pulled a few to look)

The fuse seems to be good too, what else could I look for to get these lights in the cluster working?

My blinkers and brights lights all work in the cluster, just no the backlights.

Ryan

 

[Hoppy]

turn the knob to the right (IIRC) to make brighter
if that dose not work
there is a voltage regulator on the back of the speedo
usually other gauges do read well if its the regulator

 

[RyanOwens]

i did rotate the knob and no luck.

all the gauges read fine, just no light....

 

[Hoppy]

i did rotate the knob and no luck.

all the gauges read fine, just no light....

use a Volt meter to see if there is power going to the bulb holders

 

[DirtDonk]

x2 I've seen plenty of those bulbs that still looked good, but weren't.
Worth a check with either an ohm-meter or using a couple of test-wires to energize them.

Same thing for the fuse. Test it.

What is the overall condition of the other wires? Could it be a bad or corroded connection at the switch or somewhere else?

Paul