Headlight switch fail?
After 16 years I suppose anything can fail, but with the replacement part costing more than $150 i don't want to buy if that's not the problem. I recently replaced a bulb, and then had to pull the headlight unit again to work on the frunk release cable, then after have had several times when I turn on the lights and it takes a jiggle to get them going. If I hadn't been messing with the lights I'd think switch right away, but since I have, there's always the chance that it's just not connecting properly (though I've tried pulling and replacing it a couple of times just so see if that would clear the problem -- it didn't). Has anyone else had the switch fail? Know how to test it before I purchase a replacement?
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Pull the switch out and spray electrical contact cleaner INSIDE of it (by spraying down the gap between the shaft and body) while working the switch back and forth. Do this a few times.
If it fixes your issue, you just had carbon buildup on the switch’s internal contacts. If it doesn’t, the switch is failing mechanically and should be replaced. One test you can do is to put a volt meter on the low beam contact in the headlight connector (with headlight removed and headlight switch on) and see if you are getting power. If not, do the same test at the fuse. If still no power, it’s the switch. If you do have power at the connector, it’s the headlight (make sure it’s connector pins aren't bent). Reverse right/left for the car side of the connector: |
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When (if) you pull a headlight switch apart, you'll be surprised how small the contacts are and how little pressure is applied. I pulled mine apart and cleaned contacts with erasure and a little sand paper. I tweaked the contacts as best I could for more positive contact and reinstalled. Everything worked fine but after seeing the inside, I bought a spare just in case!
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When I pulled mine out I went to spray the shaft as pw suggested. Mine white pieces of plastic fell out like salt out of a shaker. It rattled too. My car came from Florida where I guess the heat is hard on those. I put the new one in and all my issues went away. I even have working fog lights now which I never had before
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A little more help please!
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Thanks again! |
You’ll use anything small and pokey (I use a jewelers screwdriver) and stick it right into the bottom, directly behind the bottom of the knob grip.
Give me a minute and I’ll get you a picture. ;) |
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Sorry for the wait and the blurry pics.
Here you can see the brass tab that you need to push in: http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02/11565684668.jpg http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02/21565684689.jpg |
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