Headlamp switch won't "turn".

[KerryC]

My 98 Explorer has been having electrical problems for the alst couple of years that I have lived with, but this one has to be fixed: The headlamp knob won't turn at all. I even took the knob off and tried to turn it with vicegrips. What gives?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the lighting section. It sounds like the switch is bad.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Sounds like a new switch is needed.
Not much of a PIA to change it and not much $.
Check out this thread for a how to remove the dash panel. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203189

 

[KerryC]

Instrument Cluster F***

I understand it's not possible to use the same size screws for everything, but this is ridiculous. In removing my Instrument panel to get at the headlamp switch I encountered "star" shapped screws, phillips screws, 5/16 bolts and 7mm bolts. Come on Ford - what are you trying to do to us? Thanks for the advice - this sight is great - wish I would have found it earlier.

 

[OneLever]

Haha yeah just keep the toolbox next to you. Makes for shorter trips to get the next tool. Also, stick the fastener's in some ziploc bags and tag them with a marker. Helps keep track of what goes where.

 

[Bill Kemp]

KerryC, Thanks for the feedback. Hope this helped.

 

[xekrubx]

The star shaped fittings are known as torx. Ive bought screwdriver kits for as little as $10 from cvs that included torx bits.