How to Replace a Headlight Switch

Headlights are the eyes of an automobile on the road. Travel at night would be impossible without headlights in working condition. It is important that your head lights are functioning perfectly for your safety, as well as the safety of others driving on the road. So, there should not be any delay in repair, if you encounter any kind of head light problems. Very often, there are problems with the head light switch that lead to non-functioning of headlights.

One of the most common signs of a problem with the switch is a non-functioning headlight, despite being in perfect working condition. Another indicator is non-functioning of the low beam head light. If you encounter any of these problems, it's best to get it replaced.

What is a Head Light Switch?
Every part of the automobile has evolved over time to add more functionality and adaptability to driving conditions. Same is the case with the car headlight which can give a highly directional light output. The various head light types like driving lights, low beams, high beams, as well as parking lights are controlled by the switch, provided on the dashboard. The controls might differ in cars but mostly a car's headlight is a single switch, which is a combination of three different switches. The headlights are operated through relay mechanisms that operate through power provided by the car battery. Every type of headlight has a separate relay attached to it. Some of the most advanced car models today have headlights automatically operated by light sensors.

Replacement Procedure
First thing to do, before you go ahead with the replacement is to confirm that the headlight is actually in need of getting replaced. If you see that the headlight bulbs are in excellent condition but still not operable, then mostly there is a problem with the switch.

The next thing to do is to buy a new switch which is exactly the same as the old one, according to the car model. The procedure for replacement is quite straightforward and can be easily performed by anybody. The tools you will need are a screw driver, an Allen wrench, a simple wrench and of course a new switch. You can keep a wiring diagram in front of you, if you manage to get hold of one.

The first step after switching off the car is to locate the car battery and disconnect its negative terminal. Once you have removed it, you need to wait for about ten minutes before proceeding. The reason you need to wait is that the airbag capacitors need time to discharge.

After the stipulated time is over, it's time to detach the old switch. You will either have to remove screws attached around or remove a retaining ring in which the switch is embedded. Once you remove the attachments, slowly slide out the switch out of the dashboard while removing the wire plugs. You can prevent wire plugs from falling inside the dash, by the attachment of a spring clamp. Remember the order of wires attached to the headlight switch.

Switch on the switch and depress the case button. Then remove it out of the case. In case there are more than one buttons to release the switch from the case, you'll need to use a screwdriver. Another thing that must be done is the removal of a nut that must be taken out, to remove the bezel, which is situated at the bottom of the switch. Then the headlight can be removed.

Now you can place the new switch inside the case and attach the nut, along with the bezel back into place. Going back in exactly the reverse order, reattach wire plugs back to the switch and place it back in the dash, as it was before. Make sure that you make the correct wire connections. Put the screws or the ring back in and you are done with the job. Check whether the headlights are working now by using the switch. If they do, you have executed the procedure with precision.

Car problems like these can be easily taken care of if only you have the patience to follow simple instructions. One of the major advantage is you save a lot of money that you would have normally paid to a mechanic.