Headlamp Switch - Description

DESCRIPTION

LEFT-HAND DRIVE





The Left-Hand Drive (LHD) headlamp switch (1) is located on the instrument panel in a cylinder-like mounting hole molded into the headlamp switch bezel to the left of the steering column. Several different switches are used, depending upon equipment and market requirements. The standard switch features a three-position rotary knob (4) for exterior lighting control. An optional switch has a fourth position added to the rotary knob for Automatic headlamps and a momentary PUSH function added to the rotary knob for front and rear fog lamp control.

Each of these switches is constructed of molded plastic. On vehicles with optional fog lamps the rotary knob also has the International Control and Display Symbol icon for Front Fog Light and Rear Fog Light applied to it. The switch face plate is also labeled with graphics and icons to clearly identify the many functions of the rotary knob.

The switch housing is secured within the mounting hole of the instrument panel by two spring loaded, pivoting pawl-like retainers (2), one near the bottom and another near the top. These pawls can be retracted for removal of the switch from the face of the instrument panel using a specific rotary knob actuation sequence. Headlamp Switch - Removal.

The back of the switch housing has an integral connector receptacle (3) containing terminal pins that connect the switch to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness. A panel dimmer controlled Light Emitting Diode (LED) unit soldered to the circuit board within the switch provides back lighting for visibility at night, but is not serviceable.

The LHD headlamp switch cannot be repaired and, if ineffective or damaged, it must be replaced.

RIGHT-HAND DRIVE





The Right-Hand Drive (RHD) headlamp switch (1) is located on the instrument panel, in a mounting hole of the headlamp switch bezel to the left of the steering column. Two different switches are used. The standard switch features a three-position rotary knob (4) for exterior lighting control and a thumbwheel (2) for panel lamps dimming and interior lighting control. An optional switch has a momentary push button (3) added for ambient (halo) lighting control, a fourth position added to the rotary knob for Automatic headlamps and a momentary PUSH function added to the rotary knob for front and rear fog lamp control.

Each of these switches is constructed of molded plastic. The rotary knob is molded plastic and the thumbwheel is also plastic and knurled. On vehicles with optional fog lamps the rotary knob also has the International Control and Display Symbol icon for Front Fog Light and Rear Fog Light applied to it. The ambient lighting push button is plastic with a smooth finish and the International Control and Display Symbol icon for Work Light applied to it. The switch face plate is also labeled with graphics and icons to clearly identify the many functions of the rotary knob and thumbwheel.

The switch housing is secured within the mounting hole of the instrument panel base trim by three spring steel retention clips, one on the bottom and two on the top. The back of the switch housing has an integral connector receptacle containing terminal pins that connect the switch to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out and connector of the instrument panel wire harness. Two panel dimmer controlled Light Emitting Diode (LED) units soldered to the circuit board within the switch provide back lighting for visibility at night, but are not serviceable.

The RHD headlamp switch cannot be repaired and, if ineffective or damaged, it must be replaced.