Replacing Headlight Switch...7 or 8 pin

Merlin3e9 · Dec 17, 2018

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to replace my headlight switch on my 87 R10 due to the dash lights being dim and flickering on & off when I adjust the knob. My question is how do I know how many pins are on the switch? When I look on Rock Auto, there are two different versions, 7 pin or 8 pin...

I know I could just pull the switch and look, but I was hoping to find out first, then place the order along with some other items I'm looking at replacing.

Thanks
Jason

bucket · Dec 17, 2018

Sounds like the contact areas are a little corroded. Rotate the knob back and forth, over and over again. That usually will take care of the flickering problem. If not, you can remove the switch and clean it.

I've had something like 50-60 GM vehicles, most with the same design headlight switch. I don't think I've ever had to replace a single one. I'm not sure I ever put one in a customer's vehicle either.

Anyway, I'd clean it rather than replace it with an overseas part.

Matt69olds · Dec 18, 2018

Head to your nearest electrical supply store (I would suggest a Radio Shack, are those stores still around?) and get a can of electrical contact cleaner. Old timers would call it TV tuner cleaner. Spray that into the reostat coil and work the dimmer several times. I bet that will fix it, cheaper and easier than replacing it.

bucket · Dec 18, 2018

NAPA sells the cans of electrical contact cleaner as well.

Merlin3e9 · Dec 18, 2018

Thanks everyone...I'll try that out this weekend.

Replacing Headlight Switch...7 or 8 pin

Merlin3e9

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bucket

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Matt69olds

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bucket

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Merlin3e9

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