HappyTrails

Headlight switch was getting troublesome. Like the **** shaft pulled out, the #15 fuse blew, and the headlights would blink when hitting bumps.

So I bought a new one. Standard brand. From local premium auto parts store.

Read up in the manual on how to do this. Easy enough: Depress the shaft release button and remove shaft. Remove ferule nut. Lower switch and remove from cable connector. Reverse order to install new.

BUT, there is no room under there. I had to remove the dash bezel, lower fascia panel, a number of other items in the way. An still the cable was so short I could not pull the switch down enough to easily disconnect it. Kind of had to work blind up under the dash and use a mirror.

Now, the new switch connected up OK and all seemed to test good except for two issues.

First, new new switch had two single wire connector tabs (along with the massive multi wire connector). The old switch had one tab. Which as a ground. The new one had that, plus another one connected to a small resistor on the switch assy. Any clue what that is all about? My wiring did not have anything to connect to it.

Other issue is the dash light dimmer function does not work on the new switch. I tested this feature on the switch, and variable resistance was read across the two applicable terminals. But there seems to be no dimmer function when hooked up. At the full brightness position, there is full brightness. (Not really a problem, since that is how I have it operate anyway.)

Anyone replaced this switch and found similar issues?

firehawk618

I am thinking the 2 terminals you pointed out may be something to check out. Try putting that single wire on the other pin perhaps.

As far as removing it being a PITA, yes I agree.

I ended up just doing mine when I had the speedometer bezel out. Not too bad to remove it that way.

Firestorm500

I've not had any luck with aftermarket switches, no matter what parts store they came from.

I only use OEM stuff now from the dealership. Not just Jeep.

firehawk618

I have an aftermarket one in my rig, works and fit just fine.

I pulled several at the wrecking yard and all of them were damaged in one way or another.

ThatDude114

I've got a BWD from O'Reillys and it works great, been on there for about a year and a half.

scottmphoto

The best thing to do when replacing a bad headlight switch is to upgrade the lighting harness. That way, most of the power for the lights is going through relays instead of the inadequate wiring and switch.