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how to replace a headlight dimmer switch on a 1990 Laredo

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Old Oct 23, 2010 | 10:33 AM
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Year: 1990
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Default how to replace a headlight dimmer switch on a 1990 Laredo

i have a 1990 cherokee laredo and the headlight dimmer switch is bad, but i cant find how to replace it anywhere online. does anyone know how to replace it?
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Old Oct 23, 2010 | 10:36 AM
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it's under the dash on top of the steering colum you will see the ignition switch down there as well.
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Old Oct 23, 2010 | 10:39 AM
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so i take off the lower dash panel and tilt the column all the way down an i should be able to see it?
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Old Oct 23, 2010 | 12:14 PM
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headlight dimmer switch?


do you mean the hi/low beam switch, or the headlight switch with the dimmer on it?
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Old Oct 23, 2010 | 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by JeepingDan
it's under the dash on top of the steering colum you will see the ignition switch down there as well.
x2 on the steering column, on top left of column...Tj
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Old Oct 23, 2010 | 07:57 PM
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Default thanks !!!

i bought the switch at advanced auto for 22$ and i fixed it in about 30 minutes
thanks for all the help guys
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Old Oct 23, 2010 | 08:01 PM
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if your replacing the dimmer switch there is a metal "u" shaped pin that you pull out of the switch once its installed
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Old Oct 23, 2010 | 08:02 PM
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welcome.
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Old Oct 23, 2010 | 08:15 PM
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Default how to install a dimmer switch on a 1990 jeep Cherokee

im posting this because i couldn't find a tutorial online.

tools needed
-Philips screwdriver
-metric sockets and ratchet
-3/8 wrench
-5/16 socket
first remove the lower dash panel
you will see two nuts that hold the steering column, take the one to the left all the way off and take the 2 struts off the bolt, then take the nut to the right almost all the way off. then pull the steering column down this should give you just enough room to change the switch.
unplug the connector to the switch and take the 5/16 screw out then the 3/8 nut and then just put the new switch in and pull the retaining pin out of the switch and put everything back together and your all done
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Old Oct 23, 2010 | 08:19 PM
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once you do that once, you'll realize that you can do it pretty easy without pulling the knee board off or the column down.
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Old Oct 27, 2010 | 03:15 PM
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Originally Posted by joeogio
im posting this because i couldn't find a tutorial online.

tools needed
-Philips screwdriver
-metric sockets and ratchet
-3/8 wrench
-5/16 socket
first remove the lower dash panel
you will see two nuts that hold the steering column, take the one to the left all the way off and take the 2 struts off the bolt, then take the nut to the right almost all the way off. then pull the steering column down this should give you just enough room to change the switch.
unplug the connector to the switch and take the 5/16 screw out then the 3/8 nut and then just put the new switch in and pull the retaining pin out of the switch and put everything back together and your all done
Can you help me as to where the retaining pin is located on the switch? I helped a buddy of mine replace his ignition switch and now his headlight are stuck on high beam. I'm wondering if this might be the problem. Is this switch next to the ignition switch...or a part of it?

Last edited by pittman71; Oct 27, 2010 at 03:34 PM.
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Old Oct 28, 2010 | 06:52 AM
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Default reply to pittman71

the switch itself is on the left hand side and its in line with the multifunction lever that activates the windshield wipers turn signals ect...

the retaining pin is a chrome looking bar sticking out of the switch. if you haven't removed it this may very well be problem. just simply pull it out, note* you don't have to take the switch off to take the pin out.

hope this helps if you still cant tell if the pin has been removed ill post a pic on here of the pin so you know what to look for
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Old Oct 28, 2010 | 08:31 AM
  #13  
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When I did my '94 I don't recall having to pull any "retaining pin" or anything out of the switch, huh, maybe I did, lol.
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Old Oct 28, 2010 | 07:15 PM
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Default reply to pittman71

its possible that your switch didnt have one, i got my replacement switch at advanced auto.
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Old Oct 29, 2010 | 07:13 AM
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Originally Posted by joeogio
the switch itself is on the left hand side and its in line with the multifunction lever that activates the windshield wipers turn signals ect...

the retaining pin is a chrome looking bar sticking out of the switch. if you haven't removed it this may very well be problem. just simply pull it out, note* you don't have to take the switch off to take the pin out.

hope this helps if you still cant tell if the pin has been removed ill post a pic on here of the pin so you know what to look for
That would be great. Also wondering if its an actuator rod or a button of some sort(in this switch on top of the column) that changes from low to high beams???
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