Help replacing Headlight switch and instrument bulbs
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- Satellite Coupe (RL)
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2015 8:36 am
- My Cars: 1974 Roadrunner 400 with sunroof
Help replacing Headlight switch and instrument bulbs
A little help please! I have a 74 Roadrunner and I need help in how to replace the headlight switch and 2 of the instrument bulbs. It's a rally dash.
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- Satellite Sebring Plus (RP)
- Posts: 98
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2013 7:06 pm
- My Cars: 1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus - Rallye Red
1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring - Green - Parts Car
1971 Plymouth Satellite Sebring - Tan - Location: Rosenberg, Texas
Re: Help replacing Headlight switch and instrument bulbs
Those headlight switches are a bit tricky at first but once you figure out how to do it, it is a snap.
To get at the headlight switch you should remove the AC heater control in order to make room for your hand. Doing this MAY allow you enough room to get at those last 2 bulbs you need to replace. Be careful with that stuff and DISCONNECT THE BATTERY!!!
(From what I can remember) You'll have to reach around behind the dash cluster to get at the back of that switch with one hand... Feel around til you find the headlight switch. On the top of the switch there is a small button/tab. You push that tab in and, using your other hand on the outside of the dash, pull out on the ON/OFF headlight switch/dimmer KNOB. The knob is mounted on a long metal rod and the knob and rod will just slide right out of the dash once you do it right. Once you have the knob out of the way, its easy as pie to replace the switch itself. I used a large flat head screwdriver to unscrew it from the gauge pod assembly (while reaching behind and holding the switch firmly from the back side). Unplug the electrical connection and pull out the old switch. Slip the new switch in and reverse the procedure.
If you STILL can't get at those last 2 bulbs you can unbolt the steering column easily and make MORE room. If you STILL can't get at them.... Hell.... Pull the cluster.
Best of luck to you. Be careful. Don't forget to disconnect the battery.
To get at the headlight switch you should remove the AC heater control in order to make room for your hand. Doing this MAY allow you enough room to get at those last 2 bulbs you need to replace. Be careful with that stuff and DISCONNECT THE BATTERY!!!
(From what I can remember) You'll have to reach around behind the dash cluster to get at the back of that switch with one hand... Feel around til you find the headlight switch. On the top of the switch there is a small button/tab. You push that tab in and, using your other hand on the outside of the dash, pull out on the ON/OFF headlight switch/dimmer KNOB. The knob is mounted on a long metal rod and the knob and rod will just slide right out of the dash once you do it right. Once you have the knob out of the way, its easy as pie to replace the switch itself. I used a large flat head screwdriver to unscrew it from the gauge pod assembly (while reaching behind and holding the switch firmly from the back side). Unplug the electrical connection and pull out the old switch. Slip the new switch in and reverse the procedure.
If you STILL can't get at those last 2 bulbs you can unbolt the steering column easily and make MORE room. If you STILL can't get at them.... Hell.... Pull the cluster.
Best of luck to you. Be careful. Don't forget to disconnect the battery.
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- Satellite Coupe (RL)
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2015 8:36 am
- My Cars: 1974 Roadrunner 400 with sunroof
Re: Help replacing Headlight switch and instrument bulbs
Thanks! Great advice. One of the bulbs is the farthest to the right of that ac control unit. I'm hoping I can reach that far.Where are the bulbs situated exactly? What if I took off the faux wood gauge cover? Would that get me to the bulbs?
I have another question for you. If the power windows are malfunctioning meaning the rear windows work intermittently and the front windows a little more consistently, would it be the actual buttons that need replacing or the relays behind the buttons? Or is it all one unit?
I have another question for you. If the power windows are malfunctioning meaning the rear windows work intermittently and the front windows a little more consistently, would it be the actual buttons that need replacing or the relays behind the buttons? Or is it all one unit?
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- GTX (RS)
- Posts: 394
- Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2011 12:28 am
- My Cars: 71 roadrunner
- Location: lethbridge, ab
Re: Help replacing Headlight switch and instrument bulbs
pulling the cluster is the easiest to change the bulbs, I'd suggest you do the headlamp relay upgrade while your at it, it is very easy to do, makes your lights brighter, its easy on your bulkhead connector
400 stroked to 470ci, 3:55 Eaton true trac, slightly upgraded suspension lol
BUILD THREAD!!!! http://www.protouringmopar.com/showthread.php?796-1971-Speedipus-Rex&highlight=speedipus
BUILD THREAD!!!! http://www.protouringmopar.com/showthread.php?796-1971-Speedipus-Rex&highlight=speedipus
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- Satellite Coupe (RL)
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2015 8:36 am
- My Cars: 1974 Roadrunner 400 with sunroof
Re: Help replacing Headlight switch and instrument bulbs
Thanks! Can you help on how to pull the cluster? Is it all done from the screws in the front? Where do i start and what needs to come off before I get to the bulbs? Is it all one piece?