Author Topic: headlight swithc & windshield wiper switch  (Read 641 times)

jk79ta

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headlight swithc & windshield wiper switch
« on: April 21, 2023, 03:29:04 PM »
Hope this is the right spot for these questions.
1) Trying to replace the headlight switch and can't get it out. Do you have to pull it into the dash and down?
2) 79 has interval wipers. Bought a used switch unit that looked like the original but when I went to replace it, the small wire harness only has one wire where the original had 3. Anybody know what the difference is?
Joe

aussieta

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Re: headlight swithc & windshield wiper switch
« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2023, 04:11:49 PM »
with the headlight switch you need to remove the knob first
pull knob out until head lights are on
reach around the back of the dash
on the headlight switch there is a little spring loaded button 1/4" diameter
push and hold this button, then pull knob all of the way out
takes a bit of trial and error
release knob
the bezel on the front of the dash is threaded, standard thread, unscrew bezel and switch will fall out behind dash
when reinstalling knob no need to push button
1978 Y84 W72 WS6
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FormTA

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Re: headlight swithc & windshield wiper switch
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2023, 05:12:39 PM »
As for the intermittent wiper switch, I am pretty sure there were a couple renditions of it. They are hard to find also. Unfortunately the thread with the pictures and descriptions of them is gone. Aus may have the info though, I thought he wrote it but not sure.
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firebirdparts

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Re: headlight swithc & windshield wiper switch
« Reply #3 on: April 23, 2023, 08:42:50 AM »
There are two versions of the intermittent wiper system electrically.  The earlier version is 78-79, which required 3 extra wires to work, and the late version is 80-81 with just one wire.

I had forgotten this, but I observed on my own web page http://www.firebirdtransamparts.com/techinfo/harness/optionwire/optionwire.htm that there was an add-on harness used for intermittent wipers in 1978 and 79, but in 1980 they eliminated that add-on harness in the overall wiring harness update.  The separate tach harness was also eliminated that year, just as an aside.  That one I remembered.
« Last Edit: April 23, 2023, 08:46:00 AM by firebirdparts »
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jk79ta

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Re: headlight swithc & windshield wiper switch
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2023, 10:45:05 AM »
Thanks guys. So it sounds like I was sold one for the 80-81. Doesn't sound like it will work with my 79, right? That would be too bad, it is a nice working unit I think.

Re: headlight swithc & windshield wiper switch
« Reply #4 on: April 23, 2023, 10:45:05 AM »

jk79ta

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Re: headlight swithc & windshield wiper switch
« Reply #5 on: April 23, 2023, 01:58:27 PM »
What a pain! Finally got the light switch in, now I can't get the plastic nut with the hole in the middle to go in straight! Have 2 of them and they both want to go in crooked! Has to be straight for the shaft to go into. Keep screwing around with it I guess. Just had to vent.

aussieta

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Re: headlight swithc & windshield wiper switch
« Reply #6 on: April 23, 2023, 05:02:03 PM »
the switch has a little key which must line up with the slot in the dash backing
1978 Y84 W72 WS6
A Camaro looks like it could kick your ass.
A Trans Am looks like it's coming over to do it

jk79ta

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Re: headlight swithc & windshield wiper switch
« Reply #7 on: April 24, 2023, 06:55:05 AM »
Got it in, seems to work good, except doesn't turn the dome light on and off! Oh well, works for the headlights and dash lights anyway. Now I just needt o deal with returning the used windshield wiper switch.

Re: headlight swithc & windshield wiper switch
« Reply #7 on: April 24, 2023, 06:55:05 AM »
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