OutbackOz

I have to replace the headlight switch as its dead after 24 years I got a new switch and saw a vid on youtube looks like a fun job
I am RHD and you guys are LHD but I imagine it is the same pull the bottom of the dash off and there is a access hole to get to the switch
My question is has anyone done this ? how hard is it to get your hand up there to release the clips and unplug and replace the switch
Thanks

lawsoncl

Put in a headlight harness and never have to replace it again, and have more voltage to the headlights. You might even find the existing switch still works well enough to trigger the relays.
Example. https://www.ksuspensionfab.com/store...Harness.html#/

TheBoogieman

dave1123

Okay, here's what I know. I haven't replaced my switch yet, but have tried to pull the cluster to replace some bulbs and ran into problems doing it. Videos show you pull off the plastic trim panel around the cluster and headlight switch, pulling it over the switch ****. Well, on my 2000, the switch **** is larger than the hole in the panel so you have to pull the **** shaft out of the switch. There's a spring button on the side of the switch that you press, then pull the shaft out. Problem is, there is a knee-knocker steel panel behind the lower section of the dash so you have to reach up from underneath, blindly, and find that button with your fingers. I believe the headlight switch is the same as a GM part from long ago and has a threaded flange on the front that holds the switch in the dash and you can drop the switch out the bottom and unplug it there.

For my job, I am going to put a slot in the panel for the shaft and pull the panel off by twisting the plastic to clear the shaft. You're going to have to pull the shaft out to remove the switch anyhow.

CAUTION!! Disconnect the battery first, otherwise the headlights will be on when you pull out the shaft. Also, that video is for an early XJ and mine is not designed like that at all.

ALSO, I highly recommend installing a Putco headlight harness because it takes the load of powering the headlights off that switch by using 2 relays that take the draw directly from the battery instead of thru that switch, resulting in much brighter headlights and not burning out that switch. It uses the passenger's side headlight plug as an interface connection and is very easy to install. They say 10 minutes, but that's pushing it!

OutbackOz

"Oh The Pain . The Pain!" as Dr Smith would say ....
No Wonder I have been procrastinating for 3 months ...
So much for YouTube as usual the LHD and RHD are so Different!..................
And Brittle 24 yr old plastic don't help
Some Glue Needed
on the LHD YouTube Vid there is a access hole in the metal .. NO! on the RHD the Metal dash is the same + a few more metal brackets to make the Plastic reversed Dash Fit I could just get my thumb up there to push the pin in to release the **** and stalk! I had to pull the Whole Dash apart!
Once I got the Instrument Cluster out it was easy to change the switch! going in from the top right side
The screws are a miss mash of Philips and torque all the same size?
What Brain decided that ?
Took me about 3 hrs .. But now I have Lights!

dave1123

Well, it you deside not to go with an upgrade harness, you might want to take a Dremel cut-off wheel and make an access thru that knee-knocker for future switch changes! Who puts 18 ga wires in a circuit fused at 30 amps anyhow?

OutbackOz

Chrysler...............