flash
Registered:1080004565 Posts: 873
Posted 1201958656
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#1
I realize I have been pushing this headlight switch on the dash for 35 years now, but with that said...I now have a problem. When I push it in to the half way slot the parking lights come on...no problem there. It's when I go to the full all the way on position that the headlights don't come on. Now if I keep pushing it a few more times they reluctantly come on. I just know one of these evenings while we're out they won't. Any thoughts? Is this a hard fix? Thanks.
__________________ Loren R. Knapp
In The Hot Sonoran Desert of Arizona - 73 Super Beetle "The Blues."
ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered:1190255895 Posts: 185
Posted 1201979099
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#2
It sounds like the switch contacts are wearing out due to age and usage. Try getting a cheap switch from a local auto zone or something and switching the wires to it. If that works, get a new switch and replace your old one. If it does not work, check your wires for damage or loose connections.
__________________ Ryen
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flash
Registered:1080004565 Posts: 873
Posted 1201982306
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#3
How do you get the old switch out? Will any wear be obvious? Thx
__________________ Loren R. Knapp
In The Hot Sonoran Desert of Arizona - 73 Super Beetle "The Blues."
ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered:1190255895 Posts: 185
Posted 1202004968
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#4
To remove the switch, you have to remove the dash. It is cliped into a bracket with the other two switches. Just like any other electronic, the contacst are inside and would take having to tear it appart to check. Follow your wires and check for loose or damaged spots. If that doesn't prove to do any good, try the cheap switch idea to test the switch.
__________________ Ryen
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flash
Registered:1080004565 Posts: 873
Posted 1202007556
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#5
YIPES! remove the dash....that sounds like a huge complicated task. Looks like I'd better call my VW mechanic on this one. Thanks.
__________________ Loren R. Knapp
In The Hot Sonoran Desert of Arizona - 73 Super Beetle "The Blues."
ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered:1190255895 Posts: 185
Posted 1202009749
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#6
It's really not that hard on SB dashes. It's a few phillips head screws and a gentle pull really. Be careful about wires and the steering wheel.
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Jerky_san
VW Brainiac
Registered:1168984862 Posts: 186
Posted 1202049665
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#7
You don't exactly have to remove the dash.. Least on my you dont.. You just take a pair of those pliers that have the points on them and unscrew it from the front.. The trouble is getting out on the back but it shouldn't be to hard..
ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered:1190255895 Posts: 185
Posted 1202051201
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#8
Are you talking about unscrewing the plastic plate that goes along the middle section of the dash?
__________________ Ryen
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flash
Registered:1080004565 Posts: 873
Posted 1202052404
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#9
Are we all talking about a 73 Super with the curved windsheild and special dash? I was hoping you could get at the switch easily. Like it is with that small heater control light on the dash that just pulls out to change the bulb.
__________________ Loren R. Knapp
In The Hot Sonoran Desert of Arizona - 73 Super Beetle "The Blues."
ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered:1190255895 Posts: 185
Posted 1202052596
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#10
Mine is a 74 SB. It as the curved windsheild and special dash. I am going to go take a pic and post it.
__________________ Ryen
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ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered:1190255895 Posts: 185
Posted 1202053560
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#11
Here is what my switches look like.
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flash
Registered:1080004565 Posts: 873
Posted 1202054078
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#12
Yep...same dash as mine. So the switch won't just pull out the front?
__________________ Loren R. Knapp
In The Hot Sonoran Desert of Arizona - 73 Super Beetle "The Blues."
ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered:1190255895 Posts: 185
Posted 1202067663
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#13
No. There is a clip for it in the back.
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73bee
VW Enthusiast
Registered:1187450349 Posts: 22
Posted 1202121969
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#14
on my 73 super, to either side of the switches, there's a little cover that hides 2 screws, allowing for removal of just that section with the switches...it was years before i found that out....
shawns73
VW Enthusiast
Registered:1206495144 Posts: 16
Posted 1206496175
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#15
Hi Flash, I'm new to the group, saw your post and thought that I'd chime in. I'm currently in the midst of removing the dash plate and replacing the headlight switch. I've located a good stock one and will be doing the install later this week. Do you need any more help or info? Thanks, Shawn 73 super
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