HELP! Disassembling the headlight switch mechanism... Too Far!!

[mot]

So, I had (and still have) a headlight problem where the highbeams won't come on.

So, I did a little search and found that I should clean the headlight switch contacts, which I did.

Upon installing it back in the truck I was hoping that it would work. Well... it kinda did: I could get the highbeams to come on when I pulled the stalk (to flash), but not when I pushed it forward (to lock in the highbeam position).

So, being a dumb-ass that I am, I thought maybe the problem was not in the "switch" but in the stalk, not at the tip where you twist to turn on/off the marker/headlights, but the other end where it's connected to the base of the stalk.

So, I undid the two little screws that was holding the end of the stalk and as I was unscrewing them I could still have the stalk lock in the highbeam position, as well as getting a positive "click" when pulling it to flash.

But when I got the screws off completely (and after cleaning the area, apparently for no reason, in retrospect) there is no click, nor would it stay in the high-beam position. It's kind of "free" in the middle. I don't know if this makes any sense.

But I do not recall any spring or locking mechanism when the screws came off.

How badly am I screwed or is it a simple fix to this?
I imagine not too many of you have done (something stupid like) this, but thought I should ask.

I'll try to take a pic with my phone and upload of the screws and the area in question to clarify in a sec.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Mot

 

[mot]

These are the two screws.

 

[mot]

And what would cause the flash position to work when I pull the stalk, but not when I push it in to lock it in the highbeam position? Even more thorough cleaning of the switch contacts???

I just picked an '87 60 up, but could not get it to pass the inspection due to the highbeam not working.

I sure hope I won't have to get another switch/stalk assys. That would suck, but would not shock me (Story of my life).

 

[t-o]

I had same problem with high beams: they will flash when pulled but not stay on when pushed. I cleaned the switch and problem solved.

US Fj60 1983 with 379000 miles

Like you, i removed steering wheel and disassembled switch. Took out 2 screws plus the vertical pivot screw to remove stalk.

 

[t-o]

Inside stalk is a spring pushing the bb on end. To reinsert the vertical pivot bolt I popped out the bb. Then I needed to poke the bb back in the end and hold it in using the silver 2screw keeper.

Edit: the bb and spring are what makes the stalk stay in position. Mot, maybe your bb/spring came out allowing the stalk to wobble.

All works fine now!

 

[t-o]

Here's one more photo showing the plunger switch under the silver 2screw keeper.

Edit: you can only see top of plunger switch in photo--looks like small gold disk about same diameter as bb. Also, the 2screw keeper thing is laying sideways above the stalk so you can see the cross section.

Thanks again to ih8mud for good tech!
Tim

 

[mot]

t-o,

That's awesome!
Thanks for the pics and the detailed explanation!

I swear I did not see the bb (I even crawled on my hands and knees looking for a something that might have popped out) and I did notice there was some sort of spring-loaded mechanism inside the stalk.

I'll try to look for the bb on the floor (again) or see if it got wedged into the stalk. Either way, I have a new (-to-me) assy coming.

Thanks again!

Mot

 

[Zack1978]

Can you buy a new headlight switch from Toyota?


Zack

 

[mot]

Can you buy a new headlight switch from Toyota?


Zack

I don't know, but I would hate to shell out $$$ for it though.

But at the same time, I thought I cleaned the switch REALLY thoroughly and still could not get it to stay on the high beams... I'll try to do the same when I get the used unit (cleaning the switch, but not removing the stalk, that is) I'm a bit concerned "What if that doesn't take care of it..."

 

[forestdan7]

You can get a brand new switch from Toyota. It's the whole set of switches and stalks on the steering column. Yes, it's expensive, but man does it look good!

I had a similar problem. Lights were stuck on high beam, with no low. I didn't mind, but I think the other drivers did.

 

[mot]

I may have to resort to getting a new set if the used set that I'm getting ends up not working.

But I guess that might be a pretty good indication of the problem not being in the switch assy.

Besides this, I have the alternator issue with my 80. I've put the rebuilt/upgraded (to 150 amp) alternator, but now will have to put new cable/fuse, etc... it's been rough for a - man like myself....

 

[uglyoinker]

You're my hero sir.

 

[mot]

Hey!

I spent a good chunk of new year's eve on my hands and knees with a magnet and a flashlight, looking for the bb with no luck!

Let me know what I owe for the "new" switch, etc... and how you want to paid.

I can't wait to finally get my rig to pass the inspection and start tackling other issues.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

 

[jerksonlerned]

Hi does anyone know where this C clip belongs? I found it in with that bolt thingemy behind where the headlight stalk strikes whilst cleaning it (I pulled it all apart to fix my high beams - which now work after a clean)
Cheers

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, Goes on your horn contact .