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Tips
Tips

TR2/3/3A headlight switch removal

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dbenichou289

dbenichou289

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How do you remove the headlight switch knob? I thought it was just a matter of pushing in the tab on the underside (as shown), but there is no motion to it when I press it in. Is there another trick?

Edit: Not sure why/how the picture was rotated.
 

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You are correct, push the tab in with a pointed object and pull the knob out while the tab is depressed. Unfortunately, yours looks to be quite corroded so you will probably need to apply a few doses of penetrating oil to the tab and the shaft of the switch before it pops off.
 
The plastic knob is brittle so go easy as you try to get it off. You may end up having to get a new one if there is too much rust built up inside the knob.

David
 
Thanks for both pointers. I have it soaking for now, hoping to save the knob as it matches the rest of them. The patina looks really good on the knobs, it's an aspect I am going to try to save.
 
The older switches come apart and disassemble once you get it out---- look inside for the nut. I would take a picture of the wiring on back. If you are not familiar with the switch, the switch twists to the left to turn the headlights on whereas a straight pull back just turns on the running lights.-- unhook the battery also
 
With the knob pulled out there may be enough of the switch shat exposed to allow you to grip it with a pair of needle nosed pliers. Then carefully twist the knob back and forward to loosen it.

David
 
Luckily, if it does break, the entire knob sets are reasonably priced and available...so you can start the patina all over in synchrosity!
 
If it breaks you can probable ind one on e bay with similar patina. I do understand wanting to keep the original with the car.

David
 
The reason I am taking it apart is because I have no continuity between the feed side to the parking/headlight sides when the knob is pulled for either/both. Not sure if something broke internally or other issue, but I want to inspect closer to determine issue. I do get continuity between the park/headlight post themselves when knob is pulled completely.
 
These switches are rebuildable. Once you get it apart there will be a nut at the rear that allows you to remove all the innards. With luck it will just need some contact cleaning and re-stretch the spring. If the plastic parts are cracked you will need to replace, unless you can find a doner switch.
 
A tip I learned a long time ago, from Geo I believe, to restore the white lettering on the knobs: rub a white Crayola crayon across the head of each knob, then buff off the remaining excess. Did mine 15 years ago and still looks good.

You might have a lot of fun refreshing that gauge panel, I know I did!
 
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