How To Repair Headlight Switch On 1988 Nissan D21 Pickup

Originally posted past Reserector Johnson:

If you have a headlight out on one side only, chances are it is only the fuse. Peradventure the seedling.

If y'all have a low beam out on 1 side, or high beam out on one side, and information technology is not the seedling, odds are the headlight switch is faulty.

These are easily replaced and cost about $55 new. However, they are repairable if you are a exercise-it-yourselfer.

The post-obit was performed on a 1986 Nissan Hardbody Pickup, but many Nissan cars and trucks have a similar headlight switch.

The first step is to remove the steering column cover to expose the switch. Mine had half-dozen screws accessable from the lesser.

Remove the two screws securing the switch, and slide the unit out.

Disconnect the electrical plug past squeezing the tab with your thumb as you pull the plug out.

[u]Notation:[/u]
In all fairness, you exercise not have to fully disassemble the entire switch merely to make clean the contacts for the headlights, only not knowing what I was doing, I took information technology all autonomously. The reward to doing that is that you get to clean the turn signal contacts too every bit lube the whole matter, which mine sorely needed.

I did not find an easy fashion to practise this next role, merely you need to remove the black end. Piece of work a pocket-sized screwdriver behind each lock tab to release it. I found that shoving a screwdriver behind one and leaving it there, helped me pop the next one loose with another screwdriver. And so and so on down the line.
Remove the black cease and lay information technology aside. There is no need to disturb the little flippy matter with the apartment springs. Best to go out that lonely.

Remove the arm assembly and lay it aside.

Pop off the thin encompass as shown here.

Piece of work the white terminate out, as y'all did the black cease. Exist patient and conscientious.

The small white piece is what slides effectually and pushes plungers that operate the headlight contacts.

Wipe the grease off of the contacts.

Clean the contacts for the turn signals. I used 600 grit sandpaper.

Clean the headlight contacts by doublling over a strip of sandpaper and sliding it betwixt the contacts.
Pushing the little plungers volition open the contacts then that yous tin get the paper in between. Applying a fleck of pressure equally you lot pull the paper out is helpfull. Use light pressure, as these contacts are hands bent.

Push the plunger to open up the contacts:

Slide the sandpaper in:

Applying light pressure:

With the contacts clean, lube them with silicone dielectric grease.

Lube both sides of the little white piece.

Lube the concern end of the arm assembly.

Insert the arm assembly into the housing and press it down into position.

Holding the arm assembly in place, install the little white thing on the other side, engaging the slot with the end of the arm.

Align the switch assembly and snap it into the housing.

Lube the detent parts of the plow signal switch.

Align the cover and snap it back in place.

Replace the contact cover. This was tricky, but I was able to get it to snap on skilful plenty. I call up the four pins were melted at the factory, so it is difficult to get the comprehend dorsum under the flattened out parts.