The mount that holds the headlight **** in place broke so the whole thing is loose now...anyone know how to fix this?

 

which part broke exactly? The black button slide locks onto the rod (triangle shaped). That rod locks into the switch with a push button (spring loaded) pin--

the whole switch is held into place by a plastic threaded ring; switch doesnt rotate because it has notched interlocks--which might be the peices that broke, or the rod/ring have come loose, the actual threads on the switch could be broken too.

The gauge pod bezel doesnt affect the location or orientation of the switch. This switch mounts behind that, and the bezel just feeds through, I think. You'll be unplugging the lighter/fog/defrost switches... You'll need to tilt/lower the wheel and remove the bezel and check it out, if you havent already--it takes a pair of needle nose pliers or a large screwdriver to unscrew the plastic nipple that holds the switch in. I removed the tilt wheel lever just to have some room. the lower panel under the wheel will have to come out first. I've been in and out of that switch 4 times in the past month. Hopefully nothing serious broke. If you need a new switch, be sure to get a good one--ac delco or napa. I didnt have good luck with autozoneparts.

 

The whole rod moves around, it doesnt stay in place, I had to take off the **** because I couldnt push the rod in far enough to turn off the lights.

 

Nipple is lost.

Broken housing that the nipple sandwiches the switch to.

The threads to the switch busted off.

None of the above.

Either way, you'll have to dig to see what's going on.

 

Usually it's the threaded piece surrounding the triangle-shaped steel rod that breaks. When that happens, it's time for a new headlight switch.

 

I too am having a issue like this on a 1992 z28.

Do I have to remove the padded part under the steering column to get to some clips or screws holding the plastic cover to this whole thing.

I went to push the lights off and the whole unit pushed in and the lights stayed on.

 

you can take the **** off and just push the rod in so you can turn them off. On my 91, the plastic screw that holds the whole thing in place broke. you can go down to a dealership to pick up the peice for around 10$.

I can give you a detailed way to replace it, video or diagram.

 

I just replace mine on my 87 should be close to the same. There is a plastic screw piece that holds it in place. Part cost $5 part# 10003445. 1st lower steering colunm, reach up and disconnect speedometer cable. Remove instrument gauges carefully. Now you can see behind headlight switch,there is a spring button under to switch to release pull ****. Once you have the switch out check that your switch is good, replace plastic screw part. and your ready to go. Took me about 2 1/2 hrs but taking my time. good luck

 

FIXED! I had to take apart alot more than I had thought to get the switch out but it's done and everything works!

 

What is that little plastic piece called. Tried to ask for it at autoparts store. Also if I go to JY are their othier vehicles to check with same piece?

 

I just went through this problem on my 85. The black plastic piece broke and all the parts stores here said they didn't carry it. A 7/16 fine thread (20 tpi) bolt will fit the headlight switch. Drill the center of the bolt so the headlight **** shaft passes through and cut it to length. A lathe makes this really easy, but it can be done with a drill press and hacksaw.

 

So I had to replace the black nut because it broke and now my headlight switch won't lock in, like the **** physically won't lock into the assembly and I have no idea why, does anyone know a fix

 

Following up with my last comment, I've gotten it to lock in a few times, but only when I've had the bezel off, but it absolutely refuses to click in while it's on

 

There is a small button under the switch. You have to push it in while inserting the ****/rod to lock in place.