How to Remove a 99 Mustang Headlight Switch

Iskandar Blogger 3:36 AM

A failure of the headlight switch on a 1999 Ford Mustang is usually caused by excessive heat. The headlight switch has many functions besides turning on the headlights: It also activates the parking lights, side marker lights, taillights, instrument panel lights, interior lights and the trunk light (the headlight switch has a potentiometer in the front that applies variable resistance necessary to dim the dash lights). The procedure to replace the headlight switch is straightforward.

Instructions

    1

    Open the hood and disconnect the negative lead on the battery, using a wrench. Place the tilt steering wheel all the way down. Insert the small pocket screwdriver blade into the small hole at the base of the headlight switch knob. Push down and twist while pulling gently on the knob to remove the knob.

    2

    Remove the Torx-head screws in the instrument cluster, located above the speedometer and tachometer. Pull the instrument panel fascia gently until all the metal clips snap out of the retaining holes in the dash (there are metal clips on both sides of the instrument cluster).

    3

    Tilt the top of the fascia toward the steering wheel for enough clearance to allow the sides of the fascia to clear the dash. Be careful not to break the emergency flasher switch, which happens all too often. Push the flasher switch in to allow a little more room and safeguard the switch.

    4

    Remove the hex-head nut in the front of the switch, securing it to the dash by using pliers. Remove the nut on the top-right side, which holds the headlight switch support plate, using the appropriate nut driver.

    5

    Pull the switch out of the dash enough to unplug the electrical connector on the switch. Remove the switch. Push the spring-loaded button on the bottom side of the switch and pull the switch rod out of the switch.

    6

    Install the new switch by plugging in the electrical connector. Place the support bracket over the front of the switch and install the hex-head nut to hold the two pieces together. Push the switch in the dash and install the support bracket bolt in the upper right on the bracket.

    7

    Install the dash fascia by working it into the dash above the steering column. Line up the metal trim fasteners with their corresponding holes and push them in. Install the upper number 13 Torx screws. Push the light switch rod into the switch until it clicks. Push the knob on the switch rod. Connect the negative cable to the negative terminal on the battery.