Anybody out there replaced the headlight switch behind the dash before? I read in Mustang Monthly to repace it as preventative maintenance every 5 to 7 years. A link to an article or firsthand experience would be nice.

 

The headlight switch includes a circuit breaker within it that can fail over time. The result, when that happens,is that after 15 minutes or so, the headlights will blink on and off. Every 5 to 7 years might be overkill, but it's an easy replacement unless your hands are the size of the Incredible Hulk's mitts.
-Reach behind the dash and grasp the switch body. You'll find a detent button on the right (passenger) side of the switch.
-Hold the button down while pulling out the switch pole; it will disengage and come right out.
-Unscrew the chrome bezel (you might have to start it with a pliers) while holding the switch body behind the dash
-Once bezel is removed, the switch body will pull out from the back and you can drop it down where you can at least get a view of it.
-Pull thewire harness from the switch; it's located on the left (driver) side.
-Plug harness into replacement switch and reinstall. You might want to buy a new chrome bezel ring, too, in case you scar up the original with the pliers.
-Align the on/off switch pole and push it into the switch; it will click in and engage.
Headlight switches are available from all the suppliers; I think I paid about $35. Good luck

 

What the heck? Mustang Monthly is full of crock. Mine is 42 years old and works fine. The whole "blinking light" problem (while sometimes is the headlight switch) usually is the 3-pronged switch on the floor, slightly under the carpet, near the kick panel. Make sure the contacts are clean, and make sure it's connected well.

Excellent writeup though, Charlie1, on how to do that. Sometimes they do fail, and that's good info to have.

 

Agree with bothyou lads! You can go to chapter 15 in the factory sevice manual also for further guidance. The manual is well worth the 20-30 bucks for a CD version-get it!

 

I had to replace mine. I was getting the flickering lights after about 5 minutes of driving.