Headlight Switch Questions

[Jeepin' Pete]

I’ve been having an issue where my rear running lights and dash lights don’t turn on with my headlights. I’ve read that a lot of things run through the headlight switch so I’m trying to take it out to clean and test it. Can anyone tell me how to remove the switch from the dash panel?

I removed the heater duct from below this section of the dash, but there still isn’t much room to get up behind. And the two switches below just pry out from the front. But I can’t seem to get the headlight switch and also the dimmer out to clean and test.

Thanks in advance!

[Jeepin' Pete]

I haven’t worked on the Wagoneer in a while and always forget that the P.O. had a digital copy of the service manual. For anyone curious, here’s what I found:


Looks like I have to pry the upper tabs up and the lower tabs down to remove the headlight switch and the dimmer switch.


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[tgreese]

I would not be surprised if you need to pull the cluster out of the dash to reach the tabs. It's not terribly difficult on the earlier models; not sure about the later panel.

[sirrus]

It can be done without pulling the cluster on later models, I’ve done it twice but it is not worth it you need to have small hands and maneuver your way from below (where drivers portion of AC duct would be) and be able to navigate your hand there without seeing anything

Easier to get the cluster out, then pull interior light switch and then the headlight switch.

[Anvil-3]

I would not be surprised if you need to pull the cluster out of the dash to reach the tabs. It's not terribly difficult on the earlier models; not sure about the later panel.

This suddenly answers why my dash is pulled out and headlight switches are in a zip lock bag! Thanks, I’ll be subbed


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[The PIG Smith]

Sorry for bringing this post back from the grave, but while researching, I ran across this posting.
I have the very same issue.
My J20's running lights (some folks call those parking lights) and instrument cluster lights are not working.
However, I do have turn signals, brake lights and headlights.
I have checked and replace the fuses...no issues there.

My question are to the original poster, Jeepin' Pete:
1. Were you able to get the headlight switch out without removing the dash?
2. Was the headlight switch the cause of your lighting issue?
3. If not, did you discover what the issue was?

[killerinstinct]

FYI - My 86 GW had the same running light issues not working and fog lights would not work. I figured out that if I pushed the headlight switch to the left when I turn them on everything would work. Eventually I had to remove the instrument bezel and trim and remove the radio and ac/heater unit to get behind the gauge cluster remove the speedo wire and other wires to be able to remove the gauge cluster and finally remove the headlight switch without breaking anything. This fixed the issue and just reversed everything to put it back on. When removing the bezel/trim I suggest using mini pick to pry from the right to the left gently as there are 4 clips at the top and 4 on the bottom which pop out. Be Gentle and it will come off fine.