Headlight Switch Assembly Swap Possibility?

[whoaru99]

Originally Posted by CRWilliams

The wiring plug is completely different, I've already looked. I know there was something about them moving the switch from the hot side of the lights to the ground side. I have a newer style switch and plug now and am going to be getting a wiring diagram in the next couple of days and see if updating is even possible. I'll let you know what I find out.

Maybe I missed it, but completely different from what?

My truck is a 1998 with 24V and the headlight switch update 819 package for 1994-1997 fit just fine.

[CRWilliams]

Originally Posted by whoaru99

Maybe I missed it, but completely different from what?

My truck is a 1998 with 24V and the headlight switch update 819 package for 1994-1997 fit just fine.

Yes, the switch changed for 1999.

[12valveterror]

alright sweet thanks for checking man

[Baja]

You can get new headlight switches from Rock Auto (.com) for about 30.00, nice quality. You will need to transfer some parts from your old one, easy to do. After doing the new switch route, I still had headlight issues. Remove the switch and look at the connection of either the red or green wire, can't remember which, but it is the BIG one on the upper left side of the switch. You can carefully cut the plastic away, exposing the crappy low surface area connection. Remove the connection and get rid of the clips. Clean everything and solder it back. Far better connection, better transfer of juice, brighter lights, less heat.

[CRWilliams]

Originally Posted by 97whitecummins

not to change the subject, but i was looking at doing somewhat the same thing, except i want to change my whole dash over to a 98-02 style. has anyone ever even attempted doing this

Ok, the answer from my friend. Yes, it is a easy swap to bolt it in, but the wiring has to be almost completely redone. Also, the V.I.N. tag is attached to the dash on 94-97 trucks, and to the cab on 98 newer trucks so consequently you'll lose you V.I.N. tag if you remove the original dash.

[97whitecummins]

alright, well thanks for looking into it for me, maybe it will be my winter project if i get some money

[BondoBuilder]

Originally Posted by CRWilliams

Ok, the answer from my friend. Yes, it is a easy swap to bolt it in, but the wiring has to be almost completely redone. Also, the V.I.N. tag is attached to the dash on 94-97 trucks, and to the cab on 98 newer trucks so consequently you'll lose you V.I.N. tag if you remove the original dash.

I have a 1998.5 24v My headlight switch is melted too. I have the dial type switch and harness out of a 1999. It has 14 wires, compared to my trucks nine. Can I splice it in and use that switch? Some of the wires are different colors; does anyone have a "dummy diagram"- I am not good at reading schematics.

Thanks in advance!

[Joe G.]

As far as the VIN goes, you can pop rivet it to the new dash. That's what the dealer did to mine when it was new because the dash had been damaged by someone who stole the radio out of in on the train before it got to California.

[robphillips00]

Before you replace it. Check the actual connections inside the plugs. I have had two that it was the crimp on the actual connectors that weren't making good contact. I had already bought the replacement switch for one before I found the problem.