Need to replace headlight switch

[Big T]

Banged the switch with my knee while hopping in and broke it off. This is in my 1999 Suburban. How do you remove and install the switch?

 

[ak diesel driver]

Pull the dash bezel then remove wires from headlight switch then remove switch. Just be careful of the plastic tabs which break really easily.

 

[Big T]

Pull the dash bezel then remove wires from headlight switch then remove switch. Just be careful of the plastic tabs which break really easily.

What's the dash bezel?

 

[NVW]

The trim piece surrounding the gauges over to the radio. It just snaps in place, the gear shift has to be in 1st and the steering wheel lowered.

 

[Big T]

How do you remove the bezel? Pry it?

 

[NVW]

I just pull it with my fingers, just take your time.

 

[ak diesel driver]

Dash bezel has some metal spring type clips comes off pretty easy. The wiring clip comes off pretty easy too the actual switch is the hardest part to get out mostly because your trying not to break the plastic tabs that hold it in.

 

[Big T]

Dash bezel has some metal spring type clips comes off pretty easy. The wiring clip comes off pretty easy too the actual switch is the hardest part to get out mostly because your trying not to break the plastic tabs that hold it in.

Are the tabs on the bezel or the switch itself?

 

[ak diesel driver]

IIRC they're on the bezel

 

[Big T]

The new switch arrived and I had it installed in less than 10 minutes. It was as posts here described. Shifter in 1st gear. Steering wheel pushed all the way down and then pry off the bezel. Clip holding switch extend from the bezel. Gently pry those up on one side, then the next. Wire harness plug has a clip tab that needs to be pushed in as you're pulling it off. Put it back together and as you're pushing the bezel back in, lead with bottom edge and gain some extra clearance for the gauge panel frame by pulling the steering column lever and pushing the column down for that extra bit of range and the bezel goes in.

Say goodbye to old switch which had the grippy material rotting off it. Thank you to Mr. Knee.

 

[FellowTraveler]

I suspect your a tall guy, in which case moving the seat rails back will help reduce or eliminate those knee impacts.

For legal reasons I will not get into 'how to do it' but I used square tube stock steel made the extenders to bolt to factory mounting holes and seat rails then sealed them in DuraBak marine deck coating before final mounting.....there are other steps this mod but you have to figure that out yourself....at your own risk.

 

[Big T]

Not overly tall. 6' in shoes. I was just clumsy while getting in. I needed to replace the switch anyway because the grippy material on the switch knob had rotted and was coming off.