Headlight Switch Bulb replacement q's

[gijoecam]

I've got a couple questions about replacing the lamp in the headlight switch. I've read-up on all the threads I could find on replacing it. So far, everyine I've seen that has done it had pulled the whole dash apart to get to the switch.

My question is, "Can you get to the switch from the fuse box opening?" Instead of tearing the dash apart, I'm wondering if you can take the three screws out of the fuse box, swing it down and out of the way, reach in and get at the headlight switch well enough to disconnect it and remove it?

I guess the other question I should ask is, "What holds the switch into the dash?" I've never had mine out, so I have no clue.

Oh, and for the record, I found out from Torrie at FastPartsNetwork that the $34 price for the bulbs is incorrect (part number F57Z-13B765-AC).... they're actually $7 each. (I just ordered two)

-Joe

 

[Phantom5.0]

In the headlight switch? Doesn't the sport use the off/pk/light dial like the rest? I don't have a bulb in mine.

 

[gijoecam]

All the second gens have a bulb in them. It's been discussed over and over again. Typically they have been burnt out for so long that most people don't realize they have one.

 

[Phantom5.0]

Are you talking about ON the switch or the 3 circles that are on the dash showing the positions of the switch?


-- 2 Ford dealers have told me there is no bulb there.

 

[Phantom5.0]

Hmm I don't know. There are many references here to that light in 95-97's. I just checked my switch- there is not going to be a light. It has white paint. I know the switch in the Super Duty's has a light in it- but mine definitely does not. I wonder if Ford changed something along the way.

 

[rgoers]

In the headlight switch? Doesn't the sport use the off/pk/light dial like the rest? I don't have a bulb in mine.

I bet you do have a (burned out) bulb in yours. I pulled my '00 sport, with the off/park/light dial, apart. There is indeed a bulb in there. Mine's blown too. I left it that way, after the dealer told me it would cost $13 plus tax for a replacement. Talk about dealer rape...

 

[gijoecam]

Are you talking about ON the switch or the 3 circles that are on the dash showing the positions of the switch?


-- 2 Ford dealers have told me there is no bulb there.

The knob is all part of the same assembly, but true, the knob itself does not light up. When it's not burnt out, it illuminates the three little indicators anytime the key is on.

Here's a thread about the 2000 model year specifically:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143556&highlight=headlight+switch+bulb

I know mine has one (or did) as I distinctly remember seeing it when the truck was new. I don't know exactly when it conked-out, but it's been that way for some time. It's really not that much of an issue, but I figured it would make a good rainy-day project.

Bulbs should be here Monday.

-Joe

 

[96limitedX]

i replaced my switch due to it not working..and the replacment i got has a wokring bulb..i was so happy..haha

but the only way to get at it is to take it all apart..its real easy tho..but you'll need this stuff off to get to it(thats the truck i took parts off of)

 

[rblais]

Just replaced the bulb in the switch. It's located in the switch, accessable with small screw driver on the back side of the switch. A 1/4 turn counterclockwise releases it from switch. You don't need to take the dash apart to change it. Remove enough screws from bezal(?) and dash cover plates to allow you to pull (without removing) the switch end of the bezal away from the dash. There will be enough room to get a small screw driver in to remove and replace bulb in switch. There's a slot on the back of the bulb for the small screw driver. You might want a flash light handy. Be careful not to crack the bezal when pulling on it.
The switch will not be accessable through the fuse box hole. Box won't pull out far enough due to short leads and other crap in the way. Tried to take mine out this weekend to find best way to power up new seat heater. No go. Had to tap the fuse from the front side and could barely get the cover back on. But it works. Bulb change should take you 10 minutes. My switch bulb stays lit at all times when engine running, lights on or off, does yours?

 

[gijoecam]

My switch bulb stays lit at all times when engine running, lights on or off, does yours?

It used to.... Like I said, I don't know how long ago it stopped, but it's worth tinkering with for $7.

I just noticed this morning that my 4wd light is out now.... grrrrrr!!!! I guess I know what's next!

-Joe

 

[budwich]

In terms of cost, I was able to replace the switch bulb with a generic "mini-bulb" from a local electronics part company for $2. Its a bit brighter since it doesn't have the colored "sleeve" on it but it works fine. Basically, the replacement involves undoing (unwrapping) the wires from the existing holder / bulb unit at the base of the holder and reversing the operation for the new bulb.

 

[rgoers]

... You don't need to take the dash apart to change it. Remove enough screws from bezal(?) and dash cover plates to allow you to pull (without removing) the switch end of the bezal away from the dash. There will be enough room to get a small screw driver in to remove and replace bulb in switch. There's a slot on the back of the bulb for the small screw driver. You might want a flash light handy. Be careful not to crack the bezal when pulling on it.

If I don't have to take the dash apart, I think I'm going to try replacing the original lamp with a green LED. It's worth a try. I'll post the results here...

 

[Lloyd10977]

The generic bulb that BUDWICH used is the type available from RADIO SHACK for about $2. It is the #7219 bulb, Radio Shack part #272-1092 and comes in a pack of 2 bulbs. 12 volts, 60mA, wire terminal base. Super simple to rewire into the holder from the switch and the burned out bulb has a rubber sleeve that can be reused ro give you back that light blue or green tint.

 

[rgoers]

Okay, I'm just getting around to posting this. The "surgery" went well, and I have a lighted switch again. If I could figure out how to post pics, I'd do it...