How hard is it to change out a head light switch in a'89 Ford truck.?

The problem started out with not having tail lights and interior dash lights. The head lights were still working. The brake lights still work. I was told by an experienced mechanic of many years that the problem could be the head light switch. Any ideas anyone? I would appreciate them!How hard is it to change out a head light switch in a'89 Ford truck.?Those don't have the release buttons on the back of the switch. The knobs are held on by a triangular spring clip. Look around the rear of the knob and you should see a small cu-out area. Use a hooked tool to release the clip while pulling off the knob. The ALLDATA instructions for the rest of the job is below. Look real hard at the wiring connections for any signs of overheating or melted plastic. You may need to replace the connector.



Disconnect battery ground cable.

Remove knobs from headlight switch, windshield wiper switch and fog light switch (if equipped). Use a suitable hook tool to release each knob lock tab.

Remove steering column shroud, then the cluster finish panel assembly, Fig. 6.

Remove switch attaching nut, Fig. 6.

Disconnect electrical connector from switch and remove switch from vehicle.

Reverse procedure to install.How hard is it to change out a head light switch in a'89 Ford truck.?real hard take it to some person that can do itHow hard is it to change out a head light switch in a'89 Ford truck.?hey it aint bad, just watch the pull knob, it has a release on the backside and if you hose it or strip the plastic, it'll rattle and never stay on. i think you just push the wedge in and pull the knob off. when you have it off, ive always rebent the keeper so it would grip tight. its not fun with your head under the dash. if you drop the 4 bolts on the steering column, you can move it sideways. then id pull the seat, and lay on my back. this is how i got the pawl and quadrant down to 2 hrs for a 5.0.How hard is it to change out a head light switch in a'89 Ford truck.?Yes it is definatley your headlight switch. If your head light switch is mounted on your dash......no problem a quick 15-20 minute job whick I think you have. If you have your light switch on the steering column with a lever like a turn signal. Your looking at about an hours work with the correct special tools. Don't try it yourself if it is in the steering column. Good luck.How hard is it to change out a head light switch in a'89 Ford truck.?Fords are the worst piece of crap vehicles ever. I had a headlight problem on an 86 Mustang and an 89 Aerostar. Two friends of mine had a similar problem on a Thunderbird and on an Escort.



I replaced the switch on the Mustang and the wiring harness on the Aerostar. I'm not a mechanic and I don't know much about cars, but I looked over the situation and did both jobs myself. The wiring harness would have been a very expensive job had it not been for my being able to find one at a junkyard. Good luck and I'll NEVER buy another Ford.How hard is it to change out a head light switch in a'89 Ford truck.?Its Pretty easy... you need to get to where you can place your hand behind the dash where the switch is located on the switch there is a spring loaded button...



depressing it while gently pushing back and forth slighlty on the knob (sometimes rotating the knob like you're turnin op or down the lights also will disengage it try both one will work)



you pull to turn the lights on should cause this knob with the actuator rod attached to pull loose from the switch...



next at the location the rod came out of there is a collar (usually Chromed) with 3 -4 notches in it this must be rotated counter clock wise about 6 turns or so until the switch comes free from the dash..



now unplug old switch from harness and plug in the new one... Place new switch upto the hole start the collar (retainer) by rotating it clockwise this time...



be sure to align up the locator notch in dash with the locator tab on switch now tighten collar until tight....



take actuator rod and place into the hole and push straight forward till you feel it start to bottom then push just a little more ...



you should feel and hear a slight click as the retainer sets on the grooved area at the tip of the rod...



try pulling the knob out to see if lights work... Lights work!!



Congratulations you just changed your first headlight switch and saved yourself at least $12-15 to pay a mechanic...