Headlamp Switch: Description and Operation

The headlamp switch is located on the instrument panel. The headlamp switch controls the parking lamps, the headlamps, the tail lamps, the interior lamps, and the instrument cluster and panel illumination lamps. The headlamp switch also contains a rheostat for adjusting the illumination brightness of the instrument cluster illumination lamps as well as other instrument panel illumination lamps connected to the fused panel lamps dimmer switch circuit.

When the headlamp switch knob is pushed in to a detent position closest to the instrument panel, all exterior lighting controlled by the switch is turned OFF. When the switch knob is pulled out to the first detent, the park lamps are turned ON. All exterior lighting controlled by the headlamp switch, except the headlamps, are illuminated in the park lamps ON position. When the headlamp switch is pulled out to its furthest detent, all exterior lighting controlled by the headlamp switch including the headlamps are turned ON. The headlamp switch also has an integral internal circuit breaker to protect the switch circuit for the headlamps. The output from the headlamp switch is directed to the headlamps through the headlamp beam select switch that is integral to the left multi-function switch. The headlamp beam select switch position determines whether the headlamp high beams or low beams are illuminated when the headlamps ON position is selected with the headlamp switch.

When the headlamp switch is in the park lamps ON or headlamps ON positions, the headlamp switch knob is rotated to adjust the panel lamps dimmer rheostat that controls the brightness of the instrument cluster illumination lamps. Rotate the headlamp switch knob counterclockwise for the lamps to brighten, and clockwise for them to dim. Rotating the headlamp switch knob to a detent in the full counter-clockwise position will turn ON the interior lamps, regardless of whether the exterior lamps are turned ON or OFF. The headlamp switch cannot be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.