flash
Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 873
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Posted 02/02/08
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#1
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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.
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Loren R. Knapp
In The Hot Sonoran Desert of Arizona - 73 Super Beetle "The Blues."
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ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered: 09/19/07
Posts: 185
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Posted 02/02/08
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#2
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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.
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Ryen
"Arizona dreamin'"
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flash
Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 873
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Posted 02/02/08
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#3
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How do you get the old switch out? Will any wear be obvious?
Thx
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Loren R. Knapp
In The Hot Sonoran Desert of Arizona - 73 Super Beetle "The Blues."
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ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered: 09/19/07
Posts: 185
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Posted 02/02/08
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#4
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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.
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Ryen
"Arizona dreamin'"
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flash
Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 873
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Posted 02/02/08
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#5
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 YIPES! remove the dash....that sounds like a huge complicated task. Looks like I'd better call my VW mechanic on this one.
Thanks.
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Loren R. Knapp
In The Hot Sonoran Desert of Arizona - 73 Super Beetle "The Blues."
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ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered: 09/19/07
Posts: 185
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Posted 02/02/08
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#6
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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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Ryen
"Arizona dreamin'"
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Jerky_san
VW Brainiac
Registered: 01/16/07
Posts: 186
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Posted 02/03/08
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#7
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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..
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ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered: 09/19/07
Posts: 185
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Posted 02/03/08
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#8
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Are you talking about unscrewing the plastic plate that goes along the middle section of the dash?
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Ryen
"Arizona dreamin'"
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flash
Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 873
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Posted 02/03/08
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#9
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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.
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Loren R. Knapp
In The Hot Sonoran Desert of Arizona - 73 Super Beetle "The Blues."
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ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered: 09/19/07
Posts: 185
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Posted 02/03/08
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#10
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Mine is a 74 SB. It as the curved windsheild and special dash. I am going to go take a pic and post it.
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Ryen
"Arizona dreamin'"
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ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered: 09/19/07
Posts: 185
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Posted 02/03/08
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#11
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Here is what my switches look like.
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Ryen
"Arizona dreamin'"
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flash
Registered: 03/22/04
Posts: 873
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Posted 02/03/08
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#12
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Yep...same dash as mine. So the switch won't just pull out the front?
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Loren R. Knapp
In The Hot Sonoran Desert of Arizona - 73 Super Beetle "The Blues."
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ryen74
VW Brainiac
Registered: 09/19/07
Posts: 185
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Posted 02/03/08
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#13
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No. There is a clip for it in the back.
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Ryen
"Arizona dreamin'"
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73bee
VW Enthusiast
Registered: 08/18/07
Posts: 22
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Posted 02/04/08
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#14
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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....
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shawns73
VW Enthusiast
Registered: 03/25/08
Posts: 16
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Posted 03/25/08
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#15
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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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