Community Forums

jerry davis · 11-19-2019, 03:54 PM

I need to replace my headlight switch in my DS. I have the new switch but don’t know the best way to remove/replace the switch. I removed the instrument cluster and can get my hand to the back of the switch. However it is encased in the 3 switch cluster and I can’t pop it loose. Do I have to remove the whole side panel where the cluster is mounted to pop out the switch?

Dutch Star Don · 11-19-2019, 03:57 PM

You need to pop the cluster out and then separate the switch. They are REALLY locked in there tight.

jerry davis · 11-19-2019, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

You need to pop the cluster out and then separate the switch. They are REALLY locked in there tight.

And please tell me the secret to getting the cluster out. It just doesn’t seem to want to come out.

cti2000 · 11-19-2019, 08:36 PM

I've taken apart the dash on my 17 DS several times. You should remove the square drive screws that attach the simulated wood panel to the dash. I see two of them in your picture. Then the panel will come off the dash. Once removed you will see how the switches snap into the panel. Be careful with this panel as I think the parking brake (air line) in located in it.

Dutch Star Don · 11-19-2019, 09:41 PM

Sorry, I carefully pry a corner out and then pull hard. They are tough to remove. I was going to move my generator switch to the far left of the center cluster so it was easy to find while driving. I gave up after a short time of prying and figure I would do it another day. I have popped out the cluster you're dealing with to get to the back of the power window switch.

Stuart W · 11-20-2019, 06:39 AM

The cluster should have its own tabs just like the switches do, squeeze and push from behind, try and feel for the tabs. You also might try taking the screws out of that side panel and lift it up to peak behind.

Dutch Star Don · 11-20-2019, 10:52 AM

Jerry, this is what a switch looks like. It has two identical spring loaded arms on the top and two on the bottom. You have to squeeze those arms, toward the body of the switch to release it. As you push a switch into an opening, those arms collapse toward the switch body, then spring back and lock it in place. They actually have ribs on them to assist in squeezing. You can also use something flat, about one inch wide, to depress the two arms (top and bottom) to release the switch. I try to release one side and then the other.

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jerry davis · 11-28-2019, 03:03 PM

Finally got the three switch panel out of the dash and replaced the headlight switch. You can see the two serrated tabs on each side (and on the bottom) that need to be depressed to remove the switch panel. Wouldn’t be hard if you could get to them, that’s the hard part. What a pain for such a simple switch replacement. Made me appreciate what the techs go through every day.

jerry davis · 11-28-2019, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerry davis

Finally got the three switch panel out of the dash and replaced the headlight switch. You can see the two serrated tabs on each side (and on the bottom) that need to be depressed to remove the switch panel. Wouldn’t be hard if you could get to them, that’s the hard part. What a pain for such a simple switch replacement. Made me appreciate what the techs go through every day.

And this little $9 kit is a really big help for removing the switch panel.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1